Freedom of Information request - Copies of the DLR Standard Operating Procedures
Request ID: FOI-1751-2324 Date published: 15 September 2023
You asked
Dear Docklands Light Railway Limited,
Previously released documents under FOI make reference to DLR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Please provide copies of all such procedures, if possible. Many thanks!
We answered
TfL Ref: 1751-2324
Thank you for your further email received by Transport for London (TfL) on 1 September 2023 asking for information about Standard Operating Procedures for the Docklands Light Railway network.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. You asked about the following:
Previously released documents under FOI make reference to DLR Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Please provide copies of all such procedures, if possible. Many thanks!
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to release the information you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act.
The exemption has been applied to information where disclosure could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.
The SOPs provide sensitive information such as where the blind spots may be in the CCTV coverage inside carriages, detailed information on the door operating mechanisms, and the locations of internal control switches and other equipment which can disable a train. They also provide details on what action staff should take in response to possible incidents.
Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this detailed operational information to cause interference to the workings of the critical rail network infrastructure.
Public transport is an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including, its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.
Disclosure of information could compromise security and safety preparedness on TfL’s network and would place members of the public and our staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted.
The use of this exemption is 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, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of TfL’s transport network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Whilst we are unable to provide you with the requested documents, if you do have specific concerns or questions, we may be able to answer these if you could advise us specifically what information you require.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
