Tunnels Control & Management System

TfL is seeking to replace and improve the Tunnels Control and Management System ("TCMS"), to take advantage of advancements in technology. The TCMS is classed as a 'mission critical' system under the Security of Networks & Information Systems (NIS) Regulations and is essential for TfL to maintain required safety levels within the tunnels and road network including managing events or incidents that occur. Without the TCMS the tunnels would have to close. The TCMS will be critical for the detection and management of incidents including fire safety by controlling ventilation in the tunnels to manage fire smoke and facilitating self-evacuation of incident in tunnel bores. Additionally, the TCMS will assist TfL in facilitating incident responders, such as the emergency services, in performing their duties and functions.

In order for TfL to meet its Highway Authority duties and legal obligations it needs a new and updated TCMS system. Specifically, the below features are required to enable TfL to perform its operating duties as the Highway Authority and Traffic Authority in respect of road user safety (main risks being fire and toxic spillages) and network performance.

• The new system will ensure safety and mitigates disruption in road tunnels.
• It must be capable of incident management, highlighting incidents, alarms and notifications to operator attention providing for automatic and manual incident management and User activity logging for an audit trail.
• It will enable effective communications with the attending emergency services and other incident responders, which will enable TfL to play an effective role in mitigating safety and network disruption risks - it also communicates internally, allowing operators to better collaborate on traffic network management and improve traffic management performance.
• It will collect safety information from London's Tunnels, including Fire Systems, CCTV, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and other safety control systems.
• It will be responsible for various activities which are Network Information Systems (NIS) reportable.

Additionally, the new TCMS system will enable the tunnel operator to assess when the tunnel systems are degraded to the point where pre-determined Minimum Operating Requirements (MOR) for a tunnel have been breached and the tunnel must be closed. It will control the fixed traffic management systems which will be used to safely close a tunnel in an emergency and for maintenance

The TCMS is vital to enable TfL to perform its authority duties and obligations, particularly regarding the safety and operability of the 13 existing road tunnels on the Transport for London Road Network.

The TCMS will monitor and control tunnel safety systems in the tunnels and the associated London Traffic Control Systems (LTRACS) on approximately 90km of approach roads.