I would like to request under the Freedom of Information Act, route data for the Central Line of London Underground, specifically route gradients and route speed limits. This is for a university research project into the effect on traction energy consumption of the gradients on the line.

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TfL Ref: FOI-2771-1819

Thank you for your email received by Transport for London (TfL) on 18 January 2019, asking for information about the Central Line.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.

I can confirm that we do hold the information you require, however we consider that the disclosure of specific information relating to a London Underground line would be exempt under Section 24(1) - National Security. In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of this information could adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.

Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than your own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. Our responses to all FOI requests are now published on our website and therefore readily accessible to all. The information you have requested could potentially be utilised by individuals who wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to the London Underground network. The London Underground system is an attractive terrorist target for several reasons including, its importance to London and the knock on effect to the nation’s economy if it is disrupted, the publicity gained from attacking an iconic transport system and the attractiveness of the system for a mass casualty attack due to its open, mass transport nature. It is also part of the nation’s critical infrastructure by virtue of its central importance to the functioning of London and its economy.

The Information Commissioner has considered a similar request previously – the decision notice can be viewed here:

http://informationrights.decisions.tribunals.gov.uk/DBFiles/Decision/i968/2013_02_28;%20Decision;%20EA.2012.0127.pdf

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

  

I would like to request under the Freedom of Information Act, route data for the Central Line of London Underground, specifically route gradients and route speed limits.

This is for a university research project into the effect on traction energy consumption of the gradients on the line.

  

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