Dear Mr Różański

TfL Ref: FOI-0540-2223

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 6
June 2022, asking for Victoria Line audio announcements.

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

However, in accordance with the FOI Act, TfL is not obliged to supply the
audio files 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 the company used to provide the recordings. The
recordings in question were provided to London Underground 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London Underground or the license to use the recordings being withdrawn,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 other London
Underground 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.

However, we are able to release a transcript of the recordings if this is
something you would be interested in.

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

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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