Request ID: FOI-2398-2324 Date published: 27 October 2023
You asked
Good morning,
I'd like to make a freedom of information request on the information held by TFL on the failure of the Thames Barrier.
I'm extremely concerned that the combination of an ageing asset along with increased sea levels and extreme levels of rainfall poses a significant risk to the transport network of London.
I'd like to request all information you have that relates to:
• TFL's assessments on the likelihood of the Thames Barrier failing both now and into the future
• TFL's assessments on the predicted impacts to TFL infrastructure of the Thames Barrier failing
• TFL's current actions on mitigating impacts of the Thames Barrier failing
• TFL's action plan and/or incident response plan for if the Thames Barrier fails including predicted costs
For clarity, the 'Thames Barrier failing' could mean anything from the barrier failing to raise at all due to mechanical failure, or simply the level of floodwater being higher than the barrier even when raised. I am expecting the above documents to cover the full range of potential failure modes.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2398-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2 October 2023 asking for information about the Thames Barrier.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked for: all information you have that relates to:
TFL's assessments on the likelihood of the Thames Barrier failing both now and into the future
TFL's assessments on the predicted impacts to TFL infrastructure of the Thames Barrier failing
TFL's current actions on mitigating impacts of the Thames Barrier failing
TFL's action plan and/or incident response plan for if the Thames Barrier fails including predicted costs
For clarity, the 'Thames Barrier failing' could mean anything from the barrier failing to raise at all due to mechanical failure, or simply the level of floodwater being higher than the barrier even when raised. I am expecting the above documents to cover the full range of potential
We would like to advise that the Environment Agency manages the Thames Barrier, as well as London’s other flood defences. They can be contacted directly via: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency An overview of the Thames Barrier is provided here: The Thames Barrier - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) In reference to the information you are seeking, the following links may also be of interest: Managing future flood risk and Thames Barrier: Thames Estuary 2100 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) in addition to the Strategic Flood Response Framework document at: LFB Letter (london.gov.uk) The Mayor of London’s Office has also published ‘The Regional Flood Risk Appraisal (RFRA)’ giving an overview of all sources of flooding in London and addresses its probability and consequence. The report also provides detail on tidal flood risk, and includes a revised set of monitoring recommendations that will be used to ensure regular checks on broad mitigation measures at: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/regional_flood_risk_appraisal_sept_2018.pdf Additionally, the following webpage explains how the Environment Agency and its partners will maintain and upgrade flood defences in the Thames Estuary to adapt to rising sea level at:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-future-flood-risk-and-thames-barrier-thames-estuary-2100 If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. 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 Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London