TfL Plenary Questions – October 2013
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Northern Line
Question No: 67 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When was the last time you travelled on the Northern Line?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
I get around London by bike, by foot, by bus, sometimes by boat and I’m a regular user of the Tube.
TfL is making tremendous progress with the Northern line upgrade, thanks in great part to the lessons learned on the Jubilee line upgrade, and are on target for full delivery by December 2014 when Londoners will have a faster, more frequent and reliable service.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
High Tube fares
Question No: 68 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When will you do something about the high tube fares?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Northern line split
Question No: 70 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Are you still intending to split the Northern Line between the two branches at Camden Town? If so, when?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL has stated that its current plans are to partially separate the Northern line in the early 2020s. This would allow it to run more trains: 28-32 trains an hour on all branches, compared with 20 an hour today on the central area branches, and 24 after the current upgrade.
Partial separation would mean that all trains from Morden run via Bank, and all trains starting at Kennington (or Battersea) run via Charing Cross. The High Barnet and Edgware branches would each continue to be served by both Bank and Charing Cross trains.
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Northern line split
Question No: 70 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Are you still intending to split the Northern Line between the two branches at Camden Town? If so, when?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL has stated that its current plans are to partially separate the Northern line in the early 2020s. This would allow it to run more trains: 28-32 trains an hour on all branches, compared with 20 an hour today on the central area branches, and 24 after the current upgrade.
Partial separation would mean that all trains from Morden run via Bank, and all trains starting at Kennington (or Battersea) run via Charing Cross. The High Barnet and Edgware branches would each continue to be served by both Bank and Charing Cross trains.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Holborn Tube station upgrade
Question No: 71 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When will you take action to upgrade Holborn Tube station to deal with the chronic overcrowding on the station?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL has identified Holborn as one of the highest priority stations for works to increase capacity and relieve congestion. Design work will be progressed further next year with the aim of starting work on site in 2018; this will be dependent on public consultation and obtaining the necessary consents
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Mill Hill East’s infrequent services
Question No: 72 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing about Mill Hill East’s infrequent services especially in light of the new development at the old Barracks site, as MHE will not cope with one train every 15 minutes?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
During the peak, there is a Northern line train every 12 minutes in each direction on the Mill Hill East branch.
This is currently the highest frequency service possible on this section of the line due to the single track layout (only one train can enter, allow passengers to alight and board, and exit at a time).
An assessment of the potential transport impacts of the new development at the Old Barracks site has been done, and found the current service would be sufficient to meet the demand.
Currently during the peak approximately 100 people board each train at Mill Hill East. The impact assessment from the new development shows that an estimated additional 56 would board each train.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Mill Hill East’s lack of disabled access
Question No: 73 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing about Mill Hill East’s lack of disabled access?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL is exploring whether nearby developments, such as at the Old Barracks site, would provide an opportunity to fund step-free access, and is in active dialogue with the London Borough of Barnet.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Ticket office closures
Question No: 74 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of what I perceive to be the hostility of Londoners to your plans to close ticket offices on the tube?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
I am aware that Londoners want and deserve the best possible service from their Tube; they want staff readily available to help them; and they want to be able to buy a ticket quickly and easily. That is what we aim to give them, alongside many other improvements to customer service.
At this point TfL is continuing to develop its plans but what is certain is that there is no prospect of any proposals being put forward which would adversely affect the safety of customers or the ease with which they can get help or information. They will be underpinned by the clear and unequivocal commitment that all stations will be staffed, so that all customers can get help and assistance quickly and easily.
TfL will of course be discussing any proposals with Assembly Members and other stakeholders across London.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Great Northern route
Question No: 75 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing about the frequency of trains for weekend users on the Great Northern route?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
In its response to the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) consultation on the new Thameslink/Southern/Great Northern franchise, to start in September 2014, TfL proposed that off-peak and weekend frequencies should be increased to four trains per hour between Moorgate and both Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North. I am delighted that the DfT has included this requirement in the recently announced specification for this franchise. The increase will be implemented from May 2018 when works on the Thameslink Programme are complete.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
First Capital Connect
Question No: 76 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When will you do something about what I believe to be the woeful First Capital Connect service, with its dirty trains, short formations and lack of a decent rush hour service from Mill Hill and Hendon?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
In its response to the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) consultation on the new Thameslink/Southern/Great Northern franchise, to start in September 2014, TfL proposed that the new operator should be financially incentivised to improve passenger satisfaction – which would encourage it to keep its trains clean and presentable. I am delighted that the DfT has included this requirement in the recently announced specification for this franchise. As part of the Thameslink Programme brand new rolling stock will be introduced on this route from 2016, with all trains being at least eight cars in length.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Stamford Hill to Golders Green bus service
Question No: 77 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What has happened to your promise about a bus route from Stamford Hill to Golders Green?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
This is under consideration between TfL and the relevant boroughs.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Finchley Memorial Hospital
Question No: 78 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing about a bus service for Finchley Memorial Hospital?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
I am happy to reassure you that this is under active discussion between Barnet Council and TfL, looking at a range of options.
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
232 bus service
Question No: 79 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
The 232 bus service is virtually unknown as a route by East Finchleyans, and should be better signposted for the links with the 263. Will you do so?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
The following map http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/gt-n-leisure-pk-a4.pdf is on the TfL website and at bus shelters in the vicinity of where routes 232 and 263 intersect.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Kings Cross development
Question No: 80 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What is being done now about increasing capacity to cope with Kings Cross development, including the 390 and 10 bus routes and the need for a reopened tube station at York Rd?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Extensive work was undertaken by TfL, Islington, Camden and the developer as part of the planning process to understand the transport effects of the proposed development. Relevant service changes were identified, including bus frequency increases, route extensions into the site and diversions of routes, and Section 106 funding was secured to part-fund these. Payments will be triggered once occupation of specific amounts of the development occurs. Any service changes will be consulted on in the usual way.
In relation to York Road, there are currently no plans to re-open York Road station, which was closed in 1932 due to very low passenger numbers.
A pre-feasibility study in 2005 concluded that while there were potential benefits to re-opening York Road station, these were not sufficient to justify the very substantial costs involved. Creating an additional stop would also extend journey times for existing users of the Piccadilly line, which needs to be taken into account.
The area is already well served by buses and by the much improved King’s Cross St. Pancras Tube station, which now offers step-free access to all six Tube lines that serve it.
Of course, this will be kept under review over the long term.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Excess Waiting Times
Question No: 81 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Bus reliability and overall service data is now available route by route but this has not translated into very much effort to improve services. When will there be a concerted effort to apply downward pressure on “Excess Waiting Time (EWT)” and will you bring transparency to how EWT targets are set by TfL?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Excess Wait Time is currently less than half the level recorded in 2000/01. A great deal of effort goes into maintaining this achievement.
Information on Quality Service Indicators, how the data is collected and how minimum standards are set is available on the TfL website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/businessandpartners/buses/boroughreports/
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Bus engine maintenance
Question No: 82 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Are bus engines being maintained as efficiently and frequently under your watch as they were under Ken Livingstone, to help reduce pollution?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Finchley Central into Central London bus route
Question No: 83 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Will you provide another bus route from Finchley Central into Central London as we only have the 82 Bus?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL have no plans at present to do this, as the service provided is adequate for the demand.
Bus route 82 provides 10 buses per hour in the AM peak from Finchley Central into Central London. There are various interchange opportunities along the route, including with the Northern Line and a number of other bus routes, providing a multitude of options for travel into Central London.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Careless bus driving
Question No: 84 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
I have recently been contacted by a resident who suffers from arthritis. They are concerned about careless bus driving, including inappropriate use of brakes. What measures do TfL take to ensure bus drivers drive with sufficient attention to the needs of vulnerable passengers?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
London’s 24,000 bus drivers receive extensive training above and beyond that normally given to bus drivers throughout the UK, in the form of a bespoke BTEC vocational award. This includes customer service and disability awareness training.
TfL publish the Big Red Book, a handbook issued to bus drivers which gives clear guidance on the level of service expected from them. It contains a comprehensive section on how to meet the needs of disabled customers including: guidance on pulling in close to the kerb at bus stops where possible, kneeling the bus to assist passengers who need help boarding and allowing older and disabled passengers time to hold on or get to a seat before driving off. In addition it includes guidance on how to offer assistance to anyone who might need additional information or support in using the bus. TfL will continue to review and update the Big Red Book.
TfL has also produced a new suite of training materials with a DVD at its core, produced in collaboration with Transport for All and Age UK London. The film highlights case studies from real transport users, including older people. The interactive training session is being rolled out to every London bus driver, due for completion at the end of 2014. TfL would be happy to meet with you regarding this constituent’s case.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Waste ground
Question No: 85 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
There is a small patch of land adjacent to the North Circular on Long Lane, on the East Finchley side, and opposite The Mead. It is in a terrible state and attracts antisocial behaviour by being unkempt, yet easily accessible. When will you sort this out?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Our understanding is that the land you are referring to is owned by LB Brent, and enquiries about it should be directed to them.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Pavement – A406 Trott Road and East Finchley High Road
Question No: 86 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
The state of the pavement on the A406 for the stretch between Trott Road and East Finchley High Road is completely unacceptable. It is overgrown with ivy and has not been cleared of the litter that it regularly thrown there for some time. It is attracting rats. What are you doing about it?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
The ivy in planters on this section of the A406 has been present for many years. Since it provides little environmental benefit and with its vigorous growth can trap litter, TfL plans to remove it to help improve the look of the area. This will be done by the end of October.
Litter picking is carried out by the London Borough of Barnet as part of their duties under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA). TfL support the borough by providing traffic management as part of their regular maintenance activities which would otherwise constitute a significant cost to the borough. Barnet Council last carried out litter picking on 30 July and their next visit is programmed for 22 October. TfL will continue to work with Barnet Council to ensure they utilise their closures to fulfil their EPA duties.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Audible signals at road crossings
Question No: 87 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing to provide audible signals at road crossings to assist visually impaired people, which signals are common in continental Europe?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
In the “Your Accessible Transport Network” document published December 2012, we committed to:
“……….Alongside this, by spring 2016, we will upgrade the remaining 276 (or six per cent of) signalised pedestrian crossings in London to include rotating cones and/
or audible signals and tactile paving.”
As of September 2013 out of a total of 6242 sites, 6031 have these facilities. This has been achieved, where possible, by combining the works with other planned works. A programme of works to upgrade the remaining 211 will be completed by spring 2016.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
LIP funding
Question No: 88 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
What will the consequences be of your cut to the boroughs’ LIP funding?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
I have not made any decisions on the December 2013 TfL business plan.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Traffic modelling
Question No: 89 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Why do TfL take so long to conduct traffic modelling? For example, it takes twelve months to get traffic signal changes approved, which makes change very slow to happen.
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Traffic modelling is part of a process that includes planning, consultation and stakeholder engagement. The modelling itself does not take the full time.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Swiss Cottage
Question No: 90 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Swiss Cottage gyratory is one of the worst junctions in London in terms of public realm. How long must we wait for an acceptable solution to be proposed?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Improvements for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users at Swiss Cottage gyratory are currently being considered by TfL as part of Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 11. I have committed to making substantial improvements to the gyratory in our Cycling Vision, and these will also include improvements for pedestrians and to the public realm.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Euston Rd
Question No: 91 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Euston Road is a barrier to communities, a pollution hotspot, and is very difficult for pedestrians to cross, as flagged up in the Roads Taskforce work. How do TfL intend to deal with this issue?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL is currently planning a series of schemes to improve Euston Road. These include the Euston Circus Better Junctions scheme now under construction, followed by plans to improve the conditions for cyclists and pedestrians at key crossing points along the road. We are also looking at further options around King’s Cross and a feasibility study for a future vision for Euston Road due early next year will shape future investment plans to address the issues in the Roads Task Force.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Kings Cross gyratory
Question No: 92 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Why has progress again stalled and slow for changes to the Kings Cross gyratory, where Deep Lee was killed and more cyclists are at risk of death or injury until you do something?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Progress has not stalled; this work is under way with Camden.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Roadworks
Question No: 93 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When will you bear down on the number and duration of roadworks?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
I have. TfL have introduced a number of initiatives in relation to roadworks over the last four years, including the London Permit Scheme, the Mayor’s Code of Conduct for Roadworks and the TfL Lane Rental Scheme.
As a result of these initiatives, the numbers of works on the TLRN has fallen year on year, reducing by 31% between 2009-10 and 2012-13. In addition, through good planning, collaborative working and early engagement with works promoters, TfL has saved over 5,500 days of disruption from roadworks on the TLRN in the last two years.
The levels of recorded serious and severe disruption from planned roadworks on the TLRN has also fallen year on year.
I am delighted with the success of the lane rental scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, which has seen serious and severe disruption from roadworks in the lane rental areas cut by more than a third compared to the same period the previous year. We launched the TfL Lane Rental Scheme (TLRS) in June 2012 which covers over 200 miles (57%) of the TfL road network. The interim report, published in June 2013, showed a reduction of 37% in level of serious and severe disruption in the TLRS locations. In these locations, journey times also improved by 3.2% in the AM peak and 2.6% in the PM peak
The net proceeds for the Lane Rental scheme, less operating costs, are £259,000. These funds are ring fenced for measures towards mitigating the effects of roadworks on the traffic network. This includes exploring the use of rapid cure concrete, ‘core and vac’ technology and the use of larger road plating.
There is a clear economic gain for local businesses and the city from cutting this disruption, and I continue to champion the roll out of the TLRS to London’s borough roads.
* Rosalind Hibbins [hibbinsretired@hotmail.com]
Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Kentish Town High Rd closure
Question No: 94 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Kentish Town High Road was recently closed for several weeks, meaning buses were extensively re-routed. This was grossly mishandled by TfL. Why?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
The works mentioned were undertaken by London Borough of Camden and were to carry out essential carriageway strengthening and resurfacing along a stretch of Kentish Town Road between Leighton Road and Royal College Street. The works were undertaken in phases during the summer holiday time period when flows are lowest. There was extensive liaising with stakeholders, including London Buses, who implemented a ‘bus only diversion’ for the duration of the works. During the works the London Streets Traffic Control Centre did not record any serious congestion at this location and no complaints were received by TfL.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Pollution
Question No: 95 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
About 75% of the TfL roads in Barnet are so polluted they are illegal under EU law. What are you doing about it?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Road markings on the A1 slip road off the A41
Question No: 96 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
The road markings on the A1 slip road off the A41 used to include four arrows which have been reduced to three. This is dangerous as it is now very difficult to cross this road even at the Traffic lights. There are 2000 school kids who attend Brookland Rise Infant and Junior and Christ College -all on the North side of the A1. There have been accidents with cars exiting Eastholm and Westholm (both cul de sacs) on to the A1. When will you put things back to how they were?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
The current layout on the A1 slip road off the A41 contains three arrows which is in accordance with national guidance on road markings.
Whilst TfL can vary the number and position of markings, they generally seek to apply standard road marking layouts which are well known and understood by users. TfL is not aware that the current marking arrangement is causing any safety issues, but a road safety auditor will visit the site in the coming weeks and assess whether there would be benefit in modifying the spacing of current markings and providing an additional arrow.
Mayor’s Vision for Cycling
Question No: 97 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
While there is a lot of money (or at least a lot promised) through the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling, Camden don’t have enough officers to progress quickly to make improvements. Whilst TfL have given temporary money to assist with hiring people, would it not be better if boroughs had capacity and experts in post on permanent contract funded by TfL?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
TfL is discussing possible solutions with London Councils and individual boroughs including Camden.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Stirling Corner
Question No: 98 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
When was the last time TfL officers cycled round Stirling Corner?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Whether it is in an official or personal capacity, TfL staff cycle in all parts of London. No formal record is maintained of these trips.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
TfL refunds
Question No: 99 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of http://www.claimmyrefund.co.uk/Home/About, and if so why has TfL not adopted this technology to ensure everyone gets the refunds to which they are entitled?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
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Boris Johnson (Chair, TfL) and Sir Peter Hendy (Commissioner, TfL)
Cable Car contract
Question No: 100 / 2013
Andrew Dismore
Following revelations that the Thames Cable Car contract resulted in TfL agreeing to abide by the United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Policy, which would include a ban on trade with Israel, will you review all contracts that the GLA and TfL are engaged in to ensure that the GLA is in full compliance with the Race Relations Act, Equality Act, and EU Trading agreements?
Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly
