TfL Ref: FOI-1416-2324
Thank you for your request received by us on 23 August 2023, asking for information about asbestos.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked: Archer Academy ( located along the Northern line between East Finchley station and Central Finchley station)St Mary Magdalena Academy ( located close to Vitoria Line between Highbury and Islington station and Caledonian & Barnsbury station) on the London Overground
- Could you please advise whether or not asbestos surveys have been conducted on these section of tracks. if yes, could you please provide a copy and report of any asbestos removal (if applicable). If not, could you please advise if members of the public could request an asbestos survey to be conducted for specific locations ( example tracks close to schools)
I can confirm that asbestos surveys have been undertaken on the Northern line between East Finchley and Finchley Central and the summary sheets detailing known asbestos are attached for your perusal.
With regard to the track section between Highbury and Islington and Caledonian Road and Barnsbury, which is on the London Overground line, we do not hold any asbestos information as the track is owned and managed by Network Rail. You’ll need to contact them for this information.
- Could you please advise whether or not tracks have been replaced on these specific section since 2001 and detail the exact location
- Could you please advise if ballasts have been fully replaced on these specific sections since 2001 and provide details
In terms of track renewal for the Northern line, please see the below list of locations of ballasted track renewals (BTRs) for the period in question. Note a ballasted track renewal involves the full replacement of track, sleepers and ballast.
- Finchley Central Platform 3 = BTR in Oct 2013.
- Finchley Central 147m to East Finchley 1875m SB = BTR in May 2016.
- Finchley Central 1931m to East Finchley 2200m SB = BTR in May 2016.
- East Finchley 105m to Finchley Central 414m NB = BTR in April 2014.
- East Finchley 1053m to Finchley Central 1463m = BTR in April 2014.
There have been other more isolated (and less intrusive) maintenance activities during this time but it would take an excessive amount of staff time and resources to produce this. Given the extent of the information captured by this part of your request, we are applying Regulation 12(4)(b) as we believe that it’s ‘manifestly unreasonable’.
The use of this exception is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to consider whether the public interest in applying the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosure. We recognise that the release of information would promote accountability and transparency in public services and also help address any concerns you may have. However, the time it would take to provide the information you have requested would divert a disproportionate amount of our resources from its core functions and on balance we consider that the public interest currently favours the use of the exception.
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
