TfL's policy and/or procedure covering the use of the Connect digital radio
Request ID: FOI-1079-2122 Date published: 20 September 2021
You asked
I request a copy of TfL's policy and/or procedure covering the use of the Connect digital radio network. I would like to receive this in a format accessible to a screenreader (e.g. not a scanned PDF).
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1079-2122
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 23 August 2021, asking for a copy of TfL's policy and/or procedure covering the use of the Connect digital radio network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. We do hold the information you require.
The information you have requested is mainly covered in the Rule Book. This is a controlled document that is for the use of TfL staff only. In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply it as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act.
The exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information contained in the Rule Book could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted, as it could assist individuals to locate/access various equipment (comms/safety/power) on trains.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, 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 operational information about how the network would operate during disruption to cause interference to the workings of the critical rail network infrastructure. The London Underground system is 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, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.
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 the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
