Request ID: FOI-1196-2223 Date published: 17 August 2022
You asked
May i have a copy of TRU139 please.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1196-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 August 2022, asking for Ticketing and Revenue Update (TRU) 139.
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.
Please find the requested TRU attached.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply some of the information in the TRU as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 31(1) (a) –Law Enforcement.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of this information would or would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime. Some information contained within the TRU pertains to fraud and cash handling matters. Disclosure of this information would hinder station staffs ability to carry out their duties in a safe and secure manner.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, any disclosures made under the provisions of the FOI Act are deemed to be a ‘disclosure to the world at large’ and the release of this information raises serious safety and security issues. Details of card skimming information and explanation of our revenue and cash handling procedures leave us exposed to malicious and criminal activities such as fraud and theft. The information we redacted could be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to commit such criminal acts which would reduce the amount of revenue generated by TfL to reinvest in the transport system.
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 feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure that fraud, theft or any other criminal activity is prevented wherever possible to protect public funds.
Additionally, in accordance with TfL’s obligations under Data Protection legislation all personal data has been removed, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the legislation, specifically the first principle which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’.
This exemption to the right of access to information is an absolute exemption and not subject to an assessment of whether the public interest favours use of the exemption.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to 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
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
