Dear TFL, I am currently searching for the track gradients and station layout of the following stations: Heathrow T5 Heathrow T4 Heathrow T1,2,3 Hatton Cross Hounslow West I specifically need lengths of the platforms and lengths of pillars and stairs etc, I'm not sure if such a thing exists but I would be grateful if you could supply me with something along the lines of this. I'm using this for a project simulating the London Underground. Thanks.

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TfL Ref: 1204-1718

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 21 August 2017 asking for information about London Underground track gradients and station layout of Heathrow T5, Heathrow T4, Heathrow T1,2,3, Hatton Cross and Hounslow West.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and our information access policy.  I can confirm we do hold some of the information you require.

The Axonometric drawings of all our Underground stations (and all other sub surface stations) has previously been released and are available on the What Do They Know website using the following link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/maps_of_public_corridors_on_larg#incoming-674923.

Please note we don’t have any drawings of Terminal 5 as that station is owned by BAA.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the track gradient and other detailed technical information you have requested in order to simulate our environment 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 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 the London Underground network.

Disclosure of information could compromise security and safety preparedness on London Underground’s network and would place members of the public and TfL staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted. It is our concern that the release of details about the operating environment 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 and the use you outlined in your request, 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 important to the functioning of London and its economy.

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 network, 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

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

Sara Thomas

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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