Request ID: FOI-0756-2324 Date published: 04 July 2023
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I would like to request the transport safety videos that were shown in the safety and citizenship presentations in primary schools between 2005 and 2015, one of which videos can be described as containing a schoolgirl falling through the middle of a tube train, and another of which containing a double-decker bus colliding with a schoolchild.
I understand that the videos were commissioned by TfL, and hence Section 43 of the FOIA is relevant. However, you can only refuse to send individual videos that were used in that time period under Section 43(2) if the respective video is not used commercially by TfL to this day. I feel it's unlikely that all of the videos used in that time period are used to this day, hence I am making this request.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0756-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 June 2023 asking for information about Old TFL Primary School Safety Videos.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy. You asked: I would like to request the transport safety videos that were shown in the safety and citizenship presentations in primary schools between 2005 and 2015, one of which videos can be described as containing a schoolgirl falling through the middle of a tube train, and another of which containing a double-decker bus colliding with a schoolchild.
I understand that the videos were commissioned by TfL, and hence Section 43 of the FOIA is relevant. However, you can only refuse to send individual videos that were used in that time period under Section 43(2) if the respective video is not used commercially by TfL to this day. I feel it's unlikely that all of the videos used in that time period are used to this day, hence I am making this request.
I can confirm we do hold the information you requested. However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to provide the safety videos requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2).
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the safety videos would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests. The videos you refer to are still in regular use.The videos were commissioned by TfL to imply the scenarios you have referred to, specifically to be shown as part of a carefully curated session delivered by a trained and experienced School Liaison Officer who will deliver the session using suitable context and explanation. The sessions are intended to furnish the participants with a wider understanding of their personal safety and responsibilities when using our network. Disclosure would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests as we have invested money and resources into producing these videos and releasing them into the public domain to be used by any interested parties will remove our ability to monetise the product, which could be used to reinvest into the network. The release of the videos without the accompanying session could also lead to misunderstandings and cause reputational damage to TfL thereby affecting its commercial position.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the videos concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, particularly where the use of public assets are concerned, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that TfL is able to obtain the best value from assets, outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of TfL’s processes.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
