Request ID: FOI-1214-2324 Date published: 04 August 2023
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I'm writing to ask for information in accordance with section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act of 2000.
Can you kindly send audio files of all prerecorded announcements played as of the date of this request on Victoria line trains? This includes any prerecorded announcements that are not typically utilised but can be used when necessary such as in an emergency or in cases involving engineering work.
Kind regards
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1214-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on15 July 2023 asking for access to the Victoria Line announcements.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI)and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. However, we are not obliged to supply the Victoria line audio files as the information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) of the FOI Act.
In this instance this section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL and/or the company used to provide the recordings. The recordings in question were provided to London Underground under a signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure and distribution.
These contracts specify that the recordings are solely to be used for the purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn. TfL wishes to protect its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of present and future business activities for both parties.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency within public authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport announcements. However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground announcements.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
