TfL Ref: FOI-0361-1718

Thank you for your email received by us on 18 May 2017 asking for information about the cost summary of TfL’s projects.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.

Unfortunately, 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 a request 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. This is calculated at £25 per hour for every hour spent on the activities described.

We have estimated that it would cost over the appropriate limit to provide a response to your current request as it is so broad, and covers a period of almost ten years. At present there are numerous improvements and projects across many parts of TfL. For example we are continuing to introduce new lines on the Night Tube, we are introducing new buses across our network that will reduce emissions, and we are also introducing more countdown signs at pedestrian crossings. In addition to these types of projects we are also carrying out major work as part of the introduction of more Cycle Superhighways across London and we have just recently redeveloped Elephant & Castle . There are also internal projects going on within TfL such as the restructuring of departments, which in themselves are major projects.

To help bring the cost of responding to your request within the £450 limit, you may wish to consider narrowing its scope so that we can more easily locate, retrieve and extract the information you are seeking.  For example, you might want to limit your request by asking about projects for a certain area such as London Underground extensions or Surface Transport Cycling projects. You may wish to look at our website to get an idea of all of the projects we are currently involved in:

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future?intcmp=2688

If you want to refine your request or make a Freedom of Information Act request in future, please bear in mind that the Freedom of Information Act allows you to request recorded information held by us. You should identify the information that you want as clearly and concisely as you can, specifying the types of document that you are looking for. You might also consider limiting your request to a particular period of time, geographical area or specific departments of the organisation.

Although your request can take the form of a question, rather than a request for specific documents, we do not have to answer your question if it would require the creation of new information or the provision of a judgement, explanation, advice or opinion that was not already recorded at the time of your request.

Please note that we will not be taking further action until we receive your revised request.

In the meantime, if you have any queries or would like to discuss your request, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Paulina Tuffour
FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London