Could I please have the audio files to the Central Line announcements?
Request ID: FOI-2271-2122 Date published: 07 January 2022
You asked
Hello,
I would like to gain access to the Central Line announcements for a project of mine. I have searched online but have not found the base announcements yet, if you could supply me the audio files, that would be great.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2271-2122
Thank you for your request received by us on 6 January 2022 asking for information about our Central Line tube announcements. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the audio files for London Underground’s Central Line announcements as the information is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). In this instance section 43(2) has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of TfL and/or Global Services Ltd. The recordings in question were provided to London Underground from Global Services Ltd under a signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure and distribution. The contract specifies that the recordings are solely to be used for the purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn, which would impose additional, unnecessary, costs. TfL wishes to protect its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of present and future business activities for both parties. We are therefore unable to consider releasing copies of the announcements under any circumstances. The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency within public authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport announcements in light of the recent disclosure of iBus announcements. However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground announcements.
We are able to provide you with a link to the announcements for the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Northern Line tube announcements which we are permitted to disclose under our contract with the supplier. Please let me know if you would like access to those and we can process that request. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
