Request ID: FOI-0427-2324 Date published: 01 June 2023
You asked
Hello,
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 I would like to request the following information:
- Electronic copies of the relevant training material used for dispatchers on the London Underground
I understand that some content in such material may be exempt under the FoI provisions Section 38(1)(a) and (b) and Section 24(1). If so I would appreciate if a redacted copy could be supplied rather than complete refusal.
Yours faithfully,
K Kordestani
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0427-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12 May 2023 asking for London Underground dispatcher guidelines.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of this information could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to the London Underground network. The London Underground system is an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including, its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.
The use of this exemption is 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, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, and promoting the safe operation of the London Underground network and the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
