Request ID: FOI-3710-2324 Date published: 15 February 2024
You asked
This request relates to injuries at ticket barriers on the TfL network.
1. In the last year (January 1 2023 - December 31 2023) please state how many formal reports TfL received of injuries at a ticket barrier on the TfL network (Underground, Overground and Elizabeth line).
2. NOTE: This question relates to when the compensation was paid rather than when the incident took place or when the claim for compensation was lodged.
1. In the last year (January 1 2023 - December 31 2023) please state how many claims you paid to passengers who had made a claim for compensation after suffering a injury when injured at a ticket barrier on the TfL network (Underground, Overground and Elizabeth line).
2. Also state what the total in compensation paid out was and the three largest amounts of compensation paid.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3710-2324
Thank you for your request received on 19 January 2024 asking for information about injuries sustained because of the ticket barriers. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. The safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority and our rail network is recognised as one of the safest metros around the world. However, we are never complacent, and continuously strive to reduce injuries. We continually monitor the effectiveness of our measures and campaigns in reducing accidents and adjust our approach accordingly. We offer comprehensive help and support to people involved in, or affected by, a life-changing incident on the TfL network via The Sarah Hope Line: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/incident-support-service. You asked: 1. In the last year (January 1 2023 - December 31 2023) please state how many formal reports TfL received of injuries at a ticket barrier on the TfL network (Underground, Overground and Elizabeth line). On the London Underground there has been one report to our claims handlers of an injury caused whilst using the ticket barrier (allegation that the gates closed when they should not have). Arriva Rail London has recorded 13 incidents reported where a passenger was trapped/struck by a gateline (i.e. contact with the barrier) on the London Overground, and three incidents where a passenger slipped/tripped/fell at a gateline. On the Elizabeth line, there were 31 reports of injuries incurred involving ticket barriers. Please note that these were all recorded as minor injuries. 2. NOTE: This question relates to when the compensation was paid rather than when the incident took place or when the claim for compensation was lodged. a. In the last year (January 1 2023 - December 31 2023) please state how many claims you paid to passengers who had made a claim for compensation after suffering a injury when injured at a ticket barrier on the TfL network (Underground, Overground and Elizabeth line). b. Also state what the total in compensation paid out was and the three largest amounts of compensation paid. Please note that in accordance with TfL’s obligations under Data Protection legislation, information on the incident on the London Underground has been withheld as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act as personal data of these persons could be identified. Disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the DPA, specifically the first principle of principle of Article 5 of the UK General Data Protection Regulation which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have 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.
Arriva Rail London has paid no compensation payments in respect of any claims for injuries caused by a ticket barrier on London Overground. Similarly, MTR-Elizabeth has paid no compensation payments in respect of any claims for injuries caused by a ticket barrier on the Elizabeth line. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
