Request ID: FOI-1400-2324 Date published: 07 August 2023
You asked
I would like to request the release of the following information regarding lost property.
It is estimated that TFL make around 2million a year from auctioning off/ selling lost property items.
I would like to know what TFL spend this extra income on?
Why is more not being done to return lost items?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1400-2324 Thank you for your request received on 1 August 2023 asking for information about the lost property that is found on our network. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Items which remain unclaimed after three months from the date of loss becomes the property of TfL. We remove and securely destroy any personal data. Then, we donate the property to charity or recycle, dispose of or sell it. Most unclaimed items are donated to charity. Those which still have resale value are sold at public auction. All revenue contributes directly towards the cost of providing a lost property service.
Information on how to locate any lost items is available on our website:
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London [email protected]
