Request ID: FOI-2793-2223 Date published: 09 February 2023
You asked
To transport for London,
is there a train driver manual or booklet which I can have a look at, because I am interested in how the drivers drive manually, read signals etc.
Yours faithfully
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2793-2223/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 29 January 2023 asking for a train driver manual.
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.
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not able to supply the information you have requested as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. 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. Disclosure of this information could compromise security and safety preparedness on London Underground’s network that would place members of the public and TfL staff at risk. Training manuals are internal documents designed to be used by operational staff in the running of the London Underground. These detail various rules, instructions, protocols and procedures which LU operational staff are governed by. This material would be of use to any persons wishing to disrupt London’s transport infrastructure by placing into the public domain information which would otherwise not be available via other means. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this information to cause disruption or harm to the London Underground network.
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
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
