Request ID: FOI-0423-2324 Date published: 01 June 2023
You asked
Follow-up to TfL Ref: 3536-2223. Thank you for your response to my FOI request (TfL Ref: 3536-2223) and the updated drawings you enclosed.
I understand that it can take time to update the drawings, as you mention for Liverpool Street and Moorgate. As well as these, I was expecting there to be updated drawings for Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Barbican, Canary Wharf (Elizabeth Line station), and Woolwich (Elizabeth Line station). Are these still in the process of update (or production in the case of the last two)? If so, will you be updating your response to this request when they are ready or will I need to make new requests at regular intervals until they are all available?
We answered
TfL Ref: 0423-2324
Thank you for your further request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 5 May 2023 asking for information about the updated axonometric drawings of various stations, following your previous request for information, TfL reference: 3536-2223
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 some of the information you require. Following the provision of the axonometric diagrams for Bank/Monument, Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms and Whitechapel stations in response to your previous request, your current request asks for the following:
I understand that it can take time to update the drawings, as you mention for Liverpool Street and Moorgate. As well as these, I was expecting there to be updated drawings for Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Barbican, Canary Wharf (Elizabeth Line station), and Woolwich (Elizabeth Line station). Are these still in the process of update (or production in the case of the last two)? If so, will you be updating your response to this request when they are ready or will I need to make new requests at regular intervals until they are all available?
Please see the attached axonometric diagrams for Bond Street, Paddington and Tottenham Court Road stations. We can advise that the diagrams for Farringdon and Barbican are currently in the process of being produced. We do not have a specific date as to when they will be complete due to updates being a lengthy and time consuming process.
In reference to the Elizabeth line stations of interest, we can confirm that this part of your request is exempt from disclosure under sections 24 (National Security) and 38 (Health and Safety) of the Freedom of Information Act. The exemptions apply because the requested material would be of use to any persons wishing to disrupt London’s transport infrastructure by placing into the public domain information which would otherwise not be available via other means.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own interest, disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large. As you will no doubt be aware, the transport system in London has been the target of attacks in the past. The information requested contains sensitive information which could be of use for anyone seeking to research or plan for such an attack or to actively cause disruption to the network.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has previously issued a Decision Notice regarding the application of sections 24 and 38 to withhold information in relation to the security of public transport. Whilst the information requested in this case is different to the information you have requested, we believe the same arguments can be applied:
The use of the section 24 and 38 exemptions are subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, and acknowledge that there may be some interest in the information in question - as evidenced by the fact that you have requested it. However, as we believe this information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use it to cause disruption or harm to London’s transport infrastructure, in this instance we believe that minimising the risk to that infrastructure and protecting the safety and welfare of members of the general public and our staff outweighs the limited public interest in disclosure
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
