I'm writing a novel where the main character is a night cleaner who clears the tunnels each night. I had a couple of questions that I wondered if I could ask you for research purposes - I would appreciate any info you can give me, and I've tried to be careful with the questions but I understand that you may not want to share too much info about some of this. So, the questions: What times do shifts for night cleaners on the Tube start and finish? I'm guessing you only have a few hours each night - but what happens now with the night tube? I'm aware the power would get shut off to ensure safety on the rails. Any detail you could possibly provide about how this happens would be appreciated. How many tunnels would a night cleaner typically clean each night? Where is their equipment kept? At each station? How do things like the small dirt - hair, dust etc - get cleared away? Are there machines? Tube Dysons?

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TfL Ref: FOI-0806-1819

Thank you for your email received by us on 15 June 2018 asking for information about cleaners working in London Underground.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy. You asked:

What times do shifts for night cleaners on the Tube start and finish? I'm guessing you only have a few hours each night - but what happens now with the night tube?

I'm aware the power would get shut off to ensure safety on the rails. Any detail you could possibly provide about how this happens would be appreciated.

How many tunnels would a night cleaner typically clean each night? Where is their equipment kept? At each station?

How do things like the small dirt - hair, dust etc - get cleared away? Are there machines? Tube Dysons?

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply any information relating to cleaners’ shifts, power mechanisms and machinery as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 38(1)(a) – Health and Safety.

In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested could compromise the safety and security of our cleaning staff as well as the public. A disclosure under FOI is considered to be a disclosure ‘to the world at large’. If details of a technical nature regarding power controls and machinery, or staff shifts were to be released, individuals with malicious intent may use the information to knowingly cause unlawful damage or disruption to the network, endangering the safety of staff and public using our tube network.

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 we feel that ensuring the protection of staff and the public at large puts the balance in favour of withholding the information.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you cannot 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,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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