Request ID: FOI-0341-2324 Date published: 30 May 2023
You asked
F/O from 0101-2324
I would like to refine my request as follows.
(1) I would like to limit my request to just the signs found near exits. The file you linked https://content.tfl.gov.uk/overground-signs-standard.pdf, in Section 3.1, shows the type of sign for which I would like to request information. In that document, in Section 3.1, the left part of the sign reads "High Street, Shopping Centre". Similarly, in my original request, I quoted a sign reading "Exit 1, High Street (south side), Leman Street, Conference forum". Such signs are found in the immediate vicinity of an exit (approaching the exit, when walking from the tube platform towards street level). Typically, the sign is at the bottom of a staircase, which leads to street level. My request is limited to such signs, in the immediate vicinity of an exit; in other words, for a station that has (e.g.) three separate exists, only three pieces of information are required.
(2) I would like to limit my request regarding the way in which the information is delivered. The information can be delivered in the simplest way for you. The information could be delivered as text, as an image file (in any format), as part of an architectural drawing, or even a photograph (if you hold such photographs). Any of those formats, as long as the label / string on the relevant sign is clearly legible.
(3) I would like to limit my request to the following stations:
- Bank and Monument (likely around 17 exits, i.e., only the text of the corresponding 17 signs is required)
- Leicester Square (likely 5 exits, i.e., only the text of the corresponding 5 signs is required)
- Green Park (likely 4 exits, ...)
- Bond Street (likely 6 exits, ...)
- Piccadilly Circus (likely 5 exits, ...)
- Hyde Park Corner (likely 6 exits)
- Knightsbridge (likely 5 exits)
If this request still exceeds the maximum set, please disregard the stations towards the end of the list. Even just the signs for Bank and Monument would be helpful.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0341-2324
Thank you for your refined request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 May 2023 asking for information about station exit signage.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:
(1) I would like to limit my request to just the signs found near exits. The file you linked https://content.tfl.gov.uk/overground-signs-standard.pdf, in Section 3.1, shows the type of sign for which I would like to request information. In that document, in Section 3.1, the left part of the sign reads "High Street, Shopping Centre". Similarly, in my original request, I quoted a sign reading "Exit 1, High Street (south side), Leman Street, Conference forum". Such signs are found in the immediate vicinity of an exit (approaching the exit, when walking from the tube platform towards street level). Typically, the sign is at the bottom of a staircase, which leads to street level. My request is limited to such signs, in the immediate vicinity of an exit; in other words, for a station that has (e.g.) three separate exists, only three pieces of information are required.
(2) I would like to limit my request regarding the way in which the information is delivered. The information can be delivered in the simplest way for you. The information could be delivered as text, as an image file (in any format), as part of an architectural drawing, or even a photograph (if you hold such photographs). Any of those formats, as long as the label / string on the relevant sign is clearly legible.
(3) I would like to limit my request to the following stations: - Bank and Monument (likely around 17 exits, i.e., only the text of the corresponding 17 signs is required) - Leicester Square (likely 5 exits, i.e., only the text of the corresponding 5 signs is required) - Green Park (likely 4 exits, ...) - Bond Street (likely 6 exits, ...) - Piccadilly Circus (likely 5 exits, ...) - Hyde Park Corner (likely 6 exits) - Knightsbridge (likely 5 exits)
If this request still exceeds the maximum set, please disregard the stations towards the end of the list. Even just the signs for Bank and Monument would be helpful.
I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. However, to provide the information you have requested would exceed the ‘appropriate limit’ of £450 set by the Freedom of Information (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004.
Under section 12 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to comply with requests if we estimate that the cost of determining whether we hold the information, locating and retrieving it and extracting it from other information would exceed the appropriate limit. In this instance, we have estimated that it would significantly exceed the cost limit to collate electronic copies of all the exit signs used in each of the Tube stations you have listed in your new request. This is because we do not keep a central register of the signs used in each Tube station - signage files and schemes for stations are split across multiple different storage media - some is in printed form and some as digital files - in various formats and in various locations. Also to be noted, as stations are upgraded or extended or are undergoing improvement or upgrade works, directions signage would change depending on requirements and we would have to check all current signs in each station and compile this information.
Please note that we advised previously that that even to try and identify and extract signage for a single station would exceed 18 hours which, at £25 per hour (the rate stipulated by the Regulations), exceeds the ‘appropriate limit’. However, we have noted in your new request that you have said that even if we were to provide just the exit signage for Bank / Monument station that would be helpful, therefore please find attached copies of all the existing exit signs at Bank/Monument station which we have provided to you as a goodwill gesture.
The attachment shows existing signs that are around the Central line bullring area. Please note the current layouts at the station have vinyl overlays on them due to long term station works so they don’t quite match but it’s all we are able to provide at this time.
Please also see the additional Bank/Monument sign schemes from different areas of the station including the new ticket hall which we have also collated for you.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
