Request ID: FOI-2922-2324 Date published: 15 December 2023
You asked
Follow-up to TfL Ref: 1711-2324. Dear TfL,
Further to my previous request, please provide the following:
Any correspondence between yourselves, MTR and Network Rail relating to the repair or replacement of the existing DMI's
Assessments of the condition of the existing DMI's carried out by contractors (in the last 3 years)
Any reports outlining the cost of replacement VS the cost of repair
A list of remedial works undertaken (within the last 3 years) to try to fix the existing DMI's
An estimated return to service date for these DMI's
I look forward to your reply.
Many thanks,
We answered
TfL Ref: 2922-2324
Thank you for your emails received by us on 10 November 2023 and after clarification, 17 November 2023, asking for information about the Dot Matrix Indicators (DMI's) at Langley Station, following your previous request for information, TfL reference: 1711-2324.
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 some of the information you require. You asked for:
Any correspondence between yourselves, MTR and Network Rail relating to the repair or replacement of the existing DMI's - I would like copies of any correspondence on this matter from the last 5 years. If it is not possible to do this within the cost limit, please provide correspondence on this matter from the last year. Please see the attached documents, which identify the Dot Matrix Indicators/Customer Information Screens at Langley Station as not working. No correspondence is held - these were discussed by the project engineering team contractors and recorded in the Defect and Snag lists attached.
Please also note that in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, some of the content in the attached documentation has been withheld as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information undersections 24 (National Security) and 38 (Health and Safety) of the Freedom of Information Act. These documents include details of the inner workings of the Customer Information System infrastructure, which would be of use to any persons wishing to disrupt London’s transport infrastructure by placing into the public domain information that 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 interest, disclosure of information under FOI has to be regarded as a disclosure to the public at large. As you will no doubt be aware, the transport system in London has been the target of attacks in the past. The information requested contains detailed technical and operational information about the Elizabeth line workings which could be of use for anyone seeking to research or plan for such an attack or to actively cause disruption to the network. There is also no meaningful way in which the material can be redacted, as it would still allow somebody to build up a detailed picture of operational processes and programming.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has previously issued a Decision Notice regarding the application of sections 24 and 38 to withhold information in relation to security at transport hubs. Whilst the information requested in this case is different to the information you have requested, we believe the same arguments can be applied:
The use of the section 24 and 38 exemptions are 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 and acknowledge that there may be some interest in the information in question - as evidenced by the fact that you have requested it. However, as we believe this information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use it to cause disruption or harm to London’s transport infrastructure, in this instance we believe that minimising the risk to that infrastructure and protecting the safety and welfare of members of the general public and our staff outweighs the limited public interest in disclosure.
Personal information has also been withheld under Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act. The exemption has been applied as disclosure of this personal information you have requested could be a breach of the GDPR legislation, specifically the first principle of the legislation which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individual has no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’.
This exemption to the right of access to information is an absolute exemption and not subject to an assessment of whether the public interest favours use of the exemption.
Assessments of the condition of the existing DMI's carried out by contractors (in the last 3 years)
As shown in the attached photographs, the screens in question are not working due to water ingress, hence we do not hold this information. Any reports outlining the cost of replacement VS the cost of repair There are none available.
Whilst we have a quote for replacement, rather than a quote for repair, it is important to note that if damage had been caused by for example, standing water for a long period of time, this would have caused irreparable damage to the internal components, thereby making a cost for repair inapplicable.
However, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act we are not obliged to provide the quote for replacement as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) commercial interests.
In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests, as well as the contractor’s, by hindering their ability to operate competitively in the market place for future contracts of this nature. Provision of this information would allow rival bidders and potential clients to have an insight on their pricing structure and manipulate this to hinder the ability of our contractors to conduct their business as competitively as possible.
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 we feel that the balance of public interest lies in favour of withholding the information to ensure the best value for the public purse.
A list of remedial works undertaken (within the last 3 years) to try to fix the existing DMI's
Transport for London does not hold this information. These assets are Network Rail’s and have never been formally handed over to MTR/TfL.
If you would like to contact Network Rail directly, please refer to the following link to their website via: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/transparency-and-ethics/freedom-of-information-foi/ An estimated return to service date for these DMI's As mentioned previously, the screens are Network Rail assets, and they are responsible for their repair and replacement. The screens have not been working due to water ingress. In the meantime, TfL are looking to replace the screen on Platform 4 during early 2024, as this is used by customers waiting for services to London. The order has been placed for the new screen. 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
