Request ID: FOI-2167-2223 Date published: 20 December 2022
You asked
Over the years I have noticed that TfL has released several special versions of the Tube Map. Can you please release the pdf files for the following versions:
1. The Olympic Legends Map.
2. The Shakespeare Map.
3. The 100 Years of Music Map.
4. The Black History Month Map.
5. London Underground Film Map
6. 2022 Christmas Lights Map
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2167-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28th November 2022 asking for special release Tube maps. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked for copies of:
1. The Olympic Legends Map. 2. The Shakespeare Map. 3. The 100 Years of Music Map. 4. The Black History Month Map. 5. London Underground Film Map 6. 2022 Christmas Lights Map
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
The 100 Years of Music Map can already been found online here:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with copies of these maps as they are already accessible to you elsewhere.
In regard to the other maps, I am afraid that these are exempt from disclosure under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information, on the basis that to release these items would prejudice TfL’s commercial interests. These works are not currently in the public domain by other means. Some are available for sale in the TfL Museum Shop and others are subject to shared copyright restrictions, meaning that TfL cannot unilaterally decide to publish them (note that release of information under FOI is deemed to be release to the world at large rather than to the individual applicant). Release of these maps would hence damage TfL’s revenue streams via the shop and bring us into dispute with the shared copyright owners, both to the detriment of our commercial interests.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest test, to determine if the greater public interest lies in the exemption applying and the information being withheld, or if the greater public interest lies in the information being released. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, and the fact that you have requested the information is an argument in favour of release. However, in this instance we feel that balance lies in favour of withholding the information you have requested to protect the commercial interests of TfL and by extension the public (TfL being largely funded by the public in the form of fares and grants).
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
