Our Ref: FOI-0979-1718
Thank you for your request received on 24 July 2017 asking for information about TPH’s complaints procedure.
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:
“I am requesting recorded information on the procedure followed by TfL (T&PH) managers and executives when dealing with complaints made against individual London taxi drivers. Please note I am not asking for information held in drivers' case files.
The procedure I am referring to is the complaints procedure that may include an oral hearing and may lead to TfL making a decision to either suspend or revoke a driver's licence on the ground that he is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.”
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to provide the information requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31(a), (b), and (g) which exempt from disclosure information which would, or would be likely to prejudice the apprehension or prosecution of offenders or the exercise of functions for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law. In this instance the exemption has been applied as the document requested details the investigatory and enforcement action we take as the result of a complaint being made.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. While we recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, in this instance we feel that the greater public interest lies in favour of withholding this information in the interests of public safety, and to ensure that we can effectively investigate and take appropriate action in response to passenger complaints.
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
Gemma Jacob
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
[email protected]
