Request ID: FOI-0568-2122 Date published: 16 July 2021
You asked
Could you please tell me how much Hikvision equipment was purchased by TfL in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 to date? This includes the type of equipment, the date and expenditure.
Furthermore, in response to FOI-0030-2122/GH could you please tell he how many of the15,576 CCTV cameras in London Underground train stations are Hikvision one?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0568-2122 Thank you for your request received on 21 June 2021 asking for information about Hikvision equipment. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked: Could you please tell me how much Hikvision equipment was purchased by TfL in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 to date? This includes the type of equipment, the date and expenditure. Please see the table below for the expenditure on Hikvision equipment purchased by TfL in the requested time period:
Amount
2018
£36,679.02
2019
£9,297.00
2020
£6,186.93
2021
£165.36
In accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply information on the type of equipment purchased as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information under section 24 (national security) and section 31(1)(a) (prevention and detection of crime). Information pertaining to this equipment could be compromised by individuals wishing to exploit security vulnerabilities to harm our network. The London transport system is a critical piece of national infrastructure and as such we employ rigorous safeguards to protect it from security attack. Like other organisations we are subject to regular attempted cyber security attacks. We consider that releasing the requested information would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent and detect future attacks and undermine our ability to safeguard TfL’ s security systems. In addition to concerns about the security of the London transport network, we consider that releasing information about the cameras and hardware would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent and detect future attacks and undermine our ability to safeguard the London transport network. A disclosure under the Freedom of Information act is a disclosure ‘to the world at large’ and whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, in this instance the exemption has been applied as information regarding manufacture types and models, could be used by people wishing to commit a security attack. The use of these 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, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our information systems and in protecting the security of the London transport network, which would be undermined by the disclosure of the requested information. Furthermore, in response to FOI-0030-2122/GH could you please tell he how many of the15,576 CCTV cameras in London Underground train stations are Hikvision one? We can confirm that there are no Hikvision cameras installed on London Underground stations. If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
