FOI request detail

GIS data for the routes and depths of existing/ abandoned underground lines, Docklands Light Railway and extents of stations with operation times.

Request ID: FOI-1051-2122
Date published: 01 September 2021

You asked

I would like to request GIS data under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. We would like to request GIS datasets showing the locations of Underground/DLR routes both operational and non-operational and the areas of stations. In addition with attributes, if possible, describing depth, line, operational status and times of operation.

We answered

TfL Ref: 1051-2122

Thank you for your request received by us on 13 August 2021 asking for Geographic Information System (GIS) data covering the routes and depths of existing and no longer in use London Underground lines and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:

GIS data for the routes and depths of existing/ abandoned underground lines, Docklands Light Railway and extents of stations with operation times.

I would like to request GIS data under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. We would like to request GIS datasets showing the locations of Underground/DLR routes both operational and non-operational and the areas of stations. In addition with attributes, if possible, describing depth, line, operational status and times of operation.

However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38 (1) (b) and Section 24 of the Act.

In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to adversely affect the safety and security of Transport for London (TfL) employees and members of the general public as well as national security.

Disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this detailed level technical information to cause disruption or harm to London Underground and DLR services.

Such disclosure could compromise security and safety preparedness on the London Underground and DLR networks, placing members of the public and TfL staff at risk by highlighting areas on these networks which could be susceptible to being targeted, whether they be operational or disused in the case of some Tube stations. It is our concern that the release of details about the operating environment in particular, could be combined with other information already in the public domain to help plan an attack.

Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, the London Underground and DLR systems are an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted. In addition to the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system such as the Tube, as well as the DLR’s direct access to the capital’s financial hubs and the attractiveness of these systems for a mass casualty attack due to their open, mass transport nature.

The use of these exemptions 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 the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground and DLR networks, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

In applying this exemption we have taken into account the tribunal decision referred to in the following link:

http://informationrights.decisions.tribunals.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i968/2013_02_28;%20Decision;%20EA.2012.0127.pdf

However, we do publish a geographically accurate representation of London Underground and rail lines via the following link to our website:
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/london-rail-and-tube-services-map.pdf

A guide to London Underground’s disused stations can also be found via the following sections of our website:

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/culture-and-heritage/londons-transport-a-history/london-underground/disused-underground-stations

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/disused-underground-stations.pdf

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.

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



Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
 
 

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