Request ID: FOI-1439-2122 Date published: 29 October 2021
You asked
Hi @tfl- me again @AngelaRayner
says it shouldn’t be up to your bus drivers to police the police and I agree - would you mind telling me what guidance you have given them
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1439-2122 Thank you for your request of 2nd October 2021 asking about guidance given to bus drivers which we have interpreted to mean in potential safeguarding situations. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. Specifically you asked: “@AngelaRaynersays it shouldn’t be up to your bus drivers to police the police and I agree - would you mind telling me what guidance you have given them?” The operating model in the capital is for buses to be operated by private companies and to provide route services under TfL contracts. We have not issued any new, specific guidance to drivers in response to recent comments from the Metropolitan Police. However, we have always regarded our public transport network as a space where members of the public can readily seek assistance from staff in relation to urgent and non-urgent events. We knowthat many people already do this, with staff regularly assisting and supporting customers and members of the public. TfL has established systems and processes in place for transport staff to request advice and/or police assistance through its 24/7 control centres. If a bus driver witnesses or is made aware of a serious incident they would use their on-bus radio to seek advice and support from the control centre. This is the same for other front-line transport staff working across the TfL network – staff would use their normal reporting procedures for requesting police assistance. All bus drivers are required to carry out their role in accordance with the guidance and instructions contained in the Big Red Book. I attach the relevant extract from the latest edition which shows the guidance given to bus drivers who find themselves or anyone else threatened or in danger. 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, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
