Our ref: FOI-0782-1718/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29 June 2017 asking for information about countdown indicators.

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.

There are a number of reasons why some locations have Countdown signs temporarily removed, put into storage and re-installed once works are complete. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Replacement of old shelters with new, improved shelters. Countdown signs are reused following the modernisation.

2. Replacement of some static advertising sites with digital advertising panels. These works also require Countdown units to be removed and reinstalled afterwards.

3. Relocation of existing shelters to allow for footway/carriageway improvements.

The removal of the Countdown sign is often the first stage to any shelter works. After the work is carried out, reinstallation is the final stage to works. This is due to the requirement to disconnect and reconnect mains power supplies throughout any works. Without power at locations where works are taking place, live information cannot be provided.

We have frequent progress meetings with our contractors to ensure the period of time a shelter is without Countdown is kept to a minimum and we closely track progress with all outstanding sites.

We do not consult on shelter upgrades although if there is a resite or a new shelter we do send a notification letter to affected frontagers.  This is purely for information purposes as we are legally allowed to site shelters on the public highway, usually after a site meeting with the relevant highway authority and sometimes the police from a safety aspect.

A list of all our shelters currently without Countdown can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/live-bus-arrivals#on-this-page-3

At the time of your request, there were seven stops in Brent where the Countdown sign has been temporarily removed because of shelter works. These are Wakeman Road (SMS code 50465), Chapter Road (74398), Arkelvin Academy / Park Lane (1483), Humber Road (50016), Willesden Lane (52902), Collindale Avenue (53694) and Neville Close (58574).

There are also four Countdown signs in Brent that have been permanently removed and relocated to another stop:

Park Parade (SMS 49154) bus stop was withdrawn in 2013 due to redevelopment in the area and the Countdown sign was reallocated to Kingsbury Station (72740);

Harlesden Jubilee Clock (52674) sign was removed in 2013 because a new shelter was installed there that was not Countdown compatible (mains powered). The sign was fitted at Neasden Shopping Centre / Birse Crescent (56483) instead;

Waverley Avenue (73101) sign was removed because the shelter was scheduled for permanent removal. Sign was fitted to Kingsbury Station (77966);

Rugby Avenue (75618) sign was removed because the shelter was scheduled for permanent removal. Sign was fitted to Sudbury & Harrow Road Station (53426).

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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