Request ID: FOI-1524-2122 Date published: 27 October 2021
You asked
18 October 2021
Dear Freedom of Information Request Team, Transport For London
Information regarding Facemasks and Covid 19
Please might I request for a copy of the recent relevant baseline scientific / general information available that is currently being used by Transport for London to support the current policy of the enforcement of the wearing of facemasks on both the London Underground Network, all lines included, and the London surface transport network, including London Buses, London Overground, and London River Services despite the national policy on the wearing of facemasks being made not a mandatory requirement since July 2021.
I do understand as to the need of the wearing of a facemask as Covid 19 is still very much present in our society, however in a democracy such as the United Kingdom's it is important that individuals are given the information as to how decisions by both non elected regional and national government departments are made and also the subsequent decisions that relate to both the design and implementation of policies, thanks
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1524-2122
Thank you for your request received on 18 October 2021 asking for information about the use of face coverings on our network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require.
The information and scientific evidence considered by TfL in taking this decision to continue the use of face coverings on our network has been published as part of a previous FOI request on this topic on our website:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me.
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