TfL Ref: FOI-2745-2425

Thank you for your request received by us on 26 December 2024, asking for information about advertising on the London Underground. 

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. 

We have not ‘banned’ any advertisements – all advertising copy is reviewed on a case-by-case basis against TfL’s Advertising Policy: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-advertising-policy-250219.pdf and must also meet the Advertising Standards Authority’s Advertising Codes. Our policy has been updated over time to include clauses focusing on unhealthy or unrealistic body shapes and body confidence as well as food and non-alcoholic drink products that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).

Our Advertising Annual Report (https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-advertising-annual-report-2024.pdf) shows adverts we have declined, and under what clause of the TfL Advertising Policy. We work with brands to help them alter their advertisement copy to ensure it complies with our policy. In many cases, mainly when it comes to creatives for HFSS products, clients who cannot confirm the compliance of a product, will choose to run a different creative.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright.

Yours sincerely 

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London