Request ID: FOI-0449-2324 Date published: 13 June 2023
You asked
Dear TfL FOI,
I believe there is a second, perhaps older, format of fire action notice. It is used in staff booths on platforms at various stations and features a blue circle at the top with 'fire action' in bold to the right.
A visitor example from Waterloo is shown here: http://webdefence.global.blackspider.com/urlwrap/?q=AXicY2BmUGFmYAgUZWQoyqk0NMjSKy4q08tNzMxJzs8rKcrP0UvOz2UwNnH3ScwrKDc0szAzMmFwy_d0KEnL0UvPL9MrzWbIKCkpKLbS18_MTS8tAqnXT9QvzvbyLM93YmBg0NJhYAAAxeAdfQ&Z.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0449-2324
Thank you for your request received by us on 16 May 2023 asking for information about a fire action notice displayed on the Tube network.
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 for a copy of:
a second, perhaps older, format of fire action notice. It is used in staff booths on platforms at various stations and features a blue circle at the top with 'fire action' in bold to the right.
We can advise that this fire action notice, which is solely for staff use, 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. For example, these notices are unique to each location and feature information about staff assembly points, which have in the past been used by terrorists who have targeted these specific locations.
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
