Request ID: FOI-1497-2425 Date published: 01 October 2024
You asked
Hello,
in request FOI-0368-1516 you released some axonometric maps for tube stations. Some such maps have now naturally become out of date due to upgrades, opening of the Elizabeth Line, and some were incorrect (for example, the map for Charing Cross doesn't include any bakerloo line track).
Could you please:
a- share an up to date and complete map for Charing Cross, Embankment and Tottenham Court Road
b- provide an update on the comment made in 2018 as part of FOI-1561-1819 where you stated you were close to releasing redacted station maps to the public
Additionally, in FOI-0694-2425 you claimed an s14 exception in the context of releasing an up to date set of station maps. If the plan mentioned in "FOI-1561-1819" has been scrapped, would you be able to reconsider the s14 in consideration of the significant interest the public has expressed when the previous set of maps was released?
Thanks!
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1497-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 7th August 2024 asking for station diagrams. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“in request FOI-0368-1516 you released some axonometric maps for tube stations. Some such maps have now naturally become out of date due to upgrades, opening of the Elizabeth Line, and some were incorrect (for example, the map for Charing Cross doesn't include any bakerloo line track).
Could you please:
a- share an up to date and complete map for Charing Cross, Embankment and Tottenham Court Road b- provide an update on the comment made in 2018 as part of FOI-1561-1819 where you stated you were close to releasing redacted station maps to the public
Additionally, in FOI-0694-2425 you claimed an s14 exception in the context of releasing an up to date set of station maps. If the plan mentioned in "FOI-1561-1819" has been scrapped, would you be able to reconsider the s14 in consideration of the significant interest the public has expressed when the previous set of maps was released?
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
In regard to the maps for Charing Cross, Embankment and Tottenham Court Road, please find attached the most recent versions we hold. Note that a small number of areas have been removed form the diagrams under sections 24 (prejudice to National Security) and 38 (prejudice to Health and Safety) of the Freedom of Information Act. These exemptions apply to non-public areas which are not in every day use.
The exemptions apply because the requested material would be of use to any persons wishing to disrupt London’s transport infrastructure by placing into the public domain information which would otherwise not be available via other means. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own interest, disclosure of information under FOI is regarded as a disclosure to the public at large. As you will no doubt be aware, the transport system in London has been the target of attacks in the past. The information requested could be of use for anyone seeking to research or plan for such an attack or to actively cause disruption to the network.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has previously issued a Decision Notice regarding the application of sections 24 and 38 to withhold information in relation to the security of public transport. Whilst the information requested in this case is different to the information you have requested, we believe the same arguments can be applied:
The use of the section 24 and 38 exemptions are 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, and acknowledge that there may be some interest in the information in question - as evidenced by the fact that you have requested it. However, as we believe this information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use it to cause disruption or harm to London’s transport infrastructure, in this instance we believe that minimising the risk to that infrastructure and protecting the safety and welfare of members of the general public and our staff outweighs the limited public interest in disclosure.
In regard to the comment made in FOI request FOI-1561-1819, I am afraid given the passage of time it is unclear where the suggestion that we would be proactively releasing redacted versions of maps came from. However, I also note that the request was specifically about the Docklands Light Railway rather than the London Underground.
In regard to any request for all maps, the section 14 exemption cited in case reference FOI-0694-2425 will continue to apply, for the reasons previously cited in that response. However, we will consider requests for individual maps on an ad hoc basis and in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.
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
