Our ref: FOI-0956-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 23 June 2024 asking for information about fare evasion at Northwick Park.

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 some of the information you require. You asked:

1. Number of fare evasion incidents recorded at Northwick Park on June 20th, 2024
2. Number of fare evasion incidents recorded at Northwick Park between Jan 1st 2024 and 31st May 2024 (Daily breakdown if possible)

This information is not held. Data for all fare evasion at a station level is not available.

1. Number of times TfL's fare enforcement team carried out checks at Northwick Park station between Jan 1st 2024 and 31st May 2024

Unfortunately, the information is exempt from disclosure under section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, which can apply where release of information would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime, or to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This is because the release of this type of information - or similar information in relation to other areas - would allow individuals to build a working knowledge of locations where enforcement activity is less likely to be implemented and may therefore encourage people to ignore restrictions at those locations. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own interest, the disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the ‘public interest test’ to determine whether the greater public interest rests in the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or in releasing it in any event. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities and the fact that you have requested the information is in itself an argument for release. However, in this instance we feel that balance of public interest lies in favour of withholding the information. Specifically, we are refusing your request under section 31(1)(b), which relates to information whose disclosure would be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, and section 31(1)(g), which relates to information whose disclosure would be likely to prejudice the exercise by any public authority of its functions or any of the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law. It would be strongly against the public interest to release any information that would undermine this. We consider that the release of this information would be likely to increase further the confidence of anyone inclined to contravene these restrictions, even if that confidence is ultimately misguided or irrational, which would have a detrimental effect on station management on the TfL network. 

1. Are there any performance related metrics related to reduction for fare evasion for TfL's board members? If so, what are they?

We penalise and prosecute thousands of fare evaders every year, and we push for the toughest penalties for anyone caught fare evading on our services. Fare evasion takes away vital revenue for us to reinvest in our transport network to keep London moving. We have a multi-pronged strategy in place to reduce the risk of fare evasion and have set a target to bring the level of fare evasion below 1.5%. Fare evasion is a criminal offence that could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. 

1. What are the TfL's staff policy and procedures for TfL staff when they witness an individual committing fare evasion?

TfL staff have access to systems to report incidents of fare evasion which informs of our operational response. However, to provide you with specific policies and procedures is exempt in accordance with section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, which can apply where release of information would be likely to prejudice the prevention of crime, or to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, please refer to our reasoning as outlined above in response to question 3.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Tahsin Prima

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London