Request ID: FOI-1665-2223 Date published: 08 November 2022
You asked
I have heard very many times the recorded announcement for ‘seeing something suspicious’ and the number to dial.
Can you tell me:
1. How many times a month the recorded announcement is made on London Transport facilities?
2. If that information isn’t held centrally, are there guidelines for how many times an hour the message should be played at London Transport facilities?
3. How many calls has the 61016 number received since it started?
4. How many calls have led to police action?
5. When did the campaign begin?
6. Are there any plans to change the messaging?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1665-2223
Thank you for your request received on 12 October 2022 asking for information about the announcements regarding seeing something suspicious and the 61016 number to report incidents.
Your request has been processed in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
1. How many times a month the recorded announcement is made on London Transport facilities? 2. If that information isn’t held centrally, are there guidelines for how many times an hour the message should be played at London Transport facilities?
The frequency of these announcements fits within the required compliance parameters. In accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply the requested information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 38(1)(a) and (b). In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information you have requested would be likely to endanger the physical health and safety of an individual or individuals.
The current threat level in the UK is substantial and the TfL network remains a potential terrorist target for several reasons including, its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted and the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system. While we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own personal interest, disclosures made under the FOI Act are deemed to be a ‘disclosure to the world at large’. It is in this context that we have to consider the wider implications that disclosure of this information could have on the network. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or to our customers, staff and network.
The public interest in protecting individuals and infrastructure is very high and our utmost priority. Whilst we recognise that for some passengers, the announcements may be inconvenient and contentious, they serve an important security purpose to support the continued safety of the travelling public. We therefore consider that the public interest is overwhelmingly in favour of ensuring the safety and security of our staff and passengers which supports the application of the exemption.
3. How many calls has the 61016 number received since it started? 4. How many calls have led to police action?
We do not hold this information. The 61016 number is managed by the British Transport Police, please contact them directly for this information:
The campaign began in November 2016, however it was not used on London Underground until October 2017.
6. Are there any plans to change the messaging?
We do not hold this information. This is a Department for Transport campaign so it would be their decision to change the messaging. They can be contacted via their website if you require further information on this:
