Our Ref:         FOI-2232-2021

Thank you for your request received on 3 February 2021 asking for information about the number of sexual assaults that took place in taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs).

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.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information, under Section 22 of the Act.

In this instance the exemption has been applied as the information you have requested is intended for future publication. We anticipate the 2019 data will be published on our website later this spring, unfortunately there has been some delay due to the pandemic. The 2020 data will be published in the winter as scheduled.

This exemption is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to assess whether the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. In this instance, it is considered that the public interest favours the publication of this information, in context and according to the pre-determined schedule, rather than in response to your request, to ensure the information is provided accurately and in an accessible manner.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

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

[email protected]