London Underground announcements

[Name Removed] made this Freedom of Information request to Transport for London This request has been closed to new correspondence. Contact us if you think it should be reopened.

The request was refused by Transport for London.

Dear Transport for London,
If at all possible, could I please obtain a CD, containing all London Underground train announcements, possibly including the ones on the platform (such as ‘Jubilee Line, the train now approaching is to Stratford. Please stand back from the platform edge doors) This is only for personal use.

Yours faithfully,

Harry M

FOI, Transport for London

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Mander

 

Our Ref:          FOI-4436-1718

 

Thank you for your e-mail received on 7 February 2018 asking for a copy of
the London Underground announcements.

 

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of
the Freedom of Information Act and TfL’s information access policy. I can
confirm we do hold the information you require.

 

In accordance with the FOI Act, TfL is not obliged to supply the audio
files for London Underground’s Tube announcements as the information is
subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information
under section 43(2).

 

In this instance section 43(2) has been applied as disclosure of the
information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial
interests of TfL and/or Global Services Ltd. The recordings in question
were provided to London Underground from Global Services Ltd under a
signed contract which contained explicit conditions concerning disclosure
and distribution.

 

The contract specifies that the recordings are solely to be used for the
purpose for which they were created and for broadcast on the London
Underground network only. If TfL were to disclose these recordings in
response to an FOI request, it would constitute an actionable breach of
contract and would be likely to result in a valid legal claim against
London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn,
which would impose additional, unnecessary, costs. TfL wishes to protect
its commercial interests and ability to participate in future commercial
activity. The disclosure of this information would be to the detriment of
present and future business activities for both parties.

 

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public
interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL
recognises the need for openness and transparency within public
authorities and the degree of public interest concerning London transport
announcements in light of the recent disclosure of iBus announcements.
However, in this instance this is outweighed by the damage that would be
done to TfL’s ability to use these recordings and any future contractual
negotiations that may take place regarding the London Underground
announcements.

 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to
appeal.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Gemma Jacob

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

 

[1][TfL request email]

 

 

 

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