Andrew Dismore

Question No: 2014/2910

Andrew Dismore

further to Question 2014/2005

Will you consider providing step-free access at Mill Hill East, given the growing population in light of your designation of the area as one for housing intensification? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2005 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2911

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2006

A constituent has complained to me asking if is it appropriate, when customers give their email addresses to TfL in order to receive information about services and timetables during strike periods, that TfL uses these emails to circulate not just details of how the strike will affect services, but also propaganda about the current dispute, only stating TfL’s arguments as to why they are right and the union is wrong? Is this not a misuse of the email data of people who have not signed up for propaganda but only timetable information? Who vets these emails before they are sent? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2006 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2912

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2007

A constituent has suggested to me that if a new station at Brent Cross is built, then the existing Hendon Thameslink Rail station would then be too near, meaning it would be rational to move it about 1000m north and at the same time provide a passenger interchange with the Northern Line at a new station between Hendon Central and Colindale on the Northern Line (just outside the tunnel). This new combined station, he says, would help alleviate the up-coming huge transport deficit at Grahame Park and ease congestion on both the rail and underground.  Will you look at this suggestion? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2007 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2913

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2010

Do you agree that if the proposed HS2 route into Euston goes ahead, then construction contractors should transport the waste via the canal out to, for example Alperton or Greenford, where it could be easily loaded on to lorries from specially constructed narrow boats using the Western Avenue, and then on to the M4, rather than have excessive numbers of lorries clogging up central London, thus avoid the enormous damage, disruption and pollution to the streets and environment of Camden and beyond; and if so, what will you do about it?  Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2010 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2914

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2011

Further to your answer to plenary Question 96 / 2013:

“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?” Your written response being, “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.” What was the outcome of this audit? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2011 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2915

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2022

In January the alarm for the building was accidently triggered. This resulted in 48 hours of hell for neighbours of the police station, as no one at the Met could find the keys or alarm code. Can you confirm that once the alarm siren was deactivated it was actually switched back on? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2022/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/2916

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2023

The squatters who have moved in have occupied buildings in Camden before, and they believe that they will be able to remain on the site for up to one year. For these squatters to gain access to the site they must have found a way in without force. What checks were made to ensure that the building was fully secure?  Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2023/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/2917

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2024

How has Hampstead Police Station been secured since its closure? Your written response being,

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to 2024/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/2918

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2025

How many other closed police stations have been ‘secured’ in the same way as Hampstead Police Station? Your written response being,  Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2025 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2919

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2026

How much have you spent to date on security at Hampstead Police Station?

your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply.

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2026 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2920

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2027

How much are you spending on security at Hampstead Police Station per month? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply.

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2027 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2921

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2028

What security arrangements at Hampstead Police Station are you getting for the money you are spending on security? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply.

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2028 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2922

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2029

What is the security company involved at Hampstead Police Station? What is the expected cost and timetable for removing the squatters from Hampstead Police Station? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply.

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2029 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2923

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2030

Will you recoup the cost of removing the squatters from Hampstead Police Station from the security company that has clearly failed in its job? Your written response being,

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply.

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2030 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2924

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2031

In light of the occupation of Hampstead Police Station by squatters, will you a) halt the sale of the site until the squatters are gone, and b) reopen the police station? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2031 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2925

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Burglary (total) Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2926

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Criminal Damage Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2927

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Domestic Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough. MOPAC does not set any specific targets on Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence has historically been significantly under reported.

MOPAC is keen to see increased reporting across all forms of Violence against Women and Girls. Please be aware that increased reporting of domestic offences may reflect increased confidence, rather than an increase in incidents

Question No: 2014/2928

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Robbery Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2929

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft from MV Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2930

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft/Taking Of MV Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Theft of MV Offences is of concern and the MPS are working with manufacturers to resolve specific concerns that have recently arisen.

Question No: 2014/2931

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Violence With Injury Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet Borough.

Across London, including Barnet, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Violence with Injury includes domestic violence and some of the increase may be due to increased reporting, rather than an increase in incidents.

Question No: 2014/2932

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Burglary (total) Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2933

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Criminal Damage Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2934

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Domestic Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough. MOPAC does not set any specific targets on Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence has historically been significantly under reported.

MOPAC is keen to see increased reporting across all forms of Violence against Women and Girls. Please be aware that increased reporting of domestic offences may reflect increased confidence, rather than an increase in incidents.

Question No: 2014/2935

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Robbery Offences were there in Camden in that year and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2936

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft From MV Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2937

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft/Taking Of MV Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Theft of MV Offences is of concern and the MPS are working with manufacturers to resolve specific security concerns that have recently arisen.

Question No: 2014/2938

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Violence With Injury Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden Borough.

Across London, including Camden, the MPS are making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20% by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and Borough Commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Violence with injury includes domestic violence and some of the increase may be due to increased reporting, rather than an increase in incidents.

Question No: 2014/2939

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st  May 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Camden; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 31st  May 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the tables below.

It should be noted that while the new Local Policing Model has put in place improved neighbourhood policing structures, it does not afford a direct comparison in terms of overall numbers with previous structures at borough or ward level and as can be seen from the latest figures such comparisons would be very misleading.  Moreover, borough policing is supported by a range of other specialists resources provided by the MPS overall, which are not captured in the below figures.

Pre Local Policing Model

My Police and Crime Plan (PCP) outlined that total borough officer numbers in Camden would increase from 749 in 2011 to 751 in 2015.

Since the publication of the PCP the Met have set out plans to further centralise some services in order to improve efficiency. In accordance with this further centralisation Camden will have 52 posts that will be designated to Custody, Intelligence, and the new Proceeds of Crime Services. Although this means that the establishment that will be under direct control of the Borough Commander will be 699, it is important to note that the 52 centralised posts will continue to provide borough services.

These changes will not affect the published Safer Neighbourhoods numbers. Camden will see a rise from 52 in 2011 to 157 in 2015, an increase of 105.

Post Local Policing Model

At present there are no confirmed target strengths for 2015 in the detail requested

Question No: 2014/2940

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st  May 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Camden’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 31st  May 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

Under the Local Policing Model, Camden will have 157 police officers and 36 PCSOs in Safer Neighbourhood teams.

Question No: 2014/2941

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st  May 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Barnet; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 31st  May 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the tables below.

It should be noted that while the new Local Policing Model has put in place improved neighbourhood policing structures, it does not afford a direct comparison in terms of overall numbers with previous structures at Borough or Ward level and  as can be seen from the latest figures such comparisons would be very misleading.  Moreover, Borough policing is supported by a range of other specialists resources provided by the MPS overall, which are not captured in the below figures.

Pre LPM implementation

My Police and Crime Plan (PCP) outlined that that total borough officer numbers in Barnet would increase from 523 in 2011 to 564 in 2015.

Since the publication of the PCP the Met have set out plans to further centralise some services in order to improve efficiency. In accordance with this further centralisation Barnet will have 35 posts that will be designated to Custody, Intelligence, and the new Proceeds of Crime Services. Although this means that the establishment that will be under direct control of the Borough Commander will be 529, it is important to note that the 35 centralised posts will continue to provide borough services.

These changes will not affect the published Safer Neighbourhoods numbers. Camden will see a rise from 60 in 2011 to 135 in 2015, an increase of 75.

Post LPM implementation

At present there are no confirmed target strengths for 2015 in the detail requested.

Question No: 2014/2942

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st  May 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Barnet’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 31st  May2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

Under the Local Policing Model, Barnet will have 135 police officers and 42 PCSOs in Safer Neighbourhood teams.

Whilst Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) are currently above their target strength this is because probationers (officers in their first 2 years of service) are typically assigned to SNTs and the MPS is in the midst of a large recruitment drive . As these officers develop and complete their probation some of them will be redeployed and this will generate the necessary movement for the Borough to reach its target strength.

Question No: 2014/2943

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanctioned Detection rate achieved by Barnet borough police for each calendar   month in 2014 (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find the Sanctioned Detection Rates in the Borough of Barnet in the table below.

The sanction detection rate in all of London is too low. We intend to make better use of technology and forensics and engage more effectively with victims and witnesses to make improvements.

Question No: 2014/2944

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanctioned Detection rate achieved by Camden borough police for each calendar   month in 2014 (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find the Sanctioned Detection Rates in the Borough of Camden in the table below.

The sanction detection rate in all of London is too low. We intend to make better use of technology and forensics and engage more effectively with victims and witnesses to make improvements.

Question No: 2014/2945

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a table or graph ranking each of the boroughs’ performance in Sanctioned Detection rates for each of the last three months performance (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned) in order of performance.

Written response from the Mayor

The sanction detection rate in all of London is too low. We intend to make better use of technology and forensics and engage more effectively with victims and witnesses to make improvements.

The charts below depict all MPS borough sanction detection rates for all notifiable crime during the last three months. Each chart represents an individual month during this period.

Question No: 2014/2946

Andrew Dismore

What was the actual monthly performance (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned) of Barnet borough in responding to emergency I and S calls for each of the last three months?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find this detailed below. The MPS’s I call target is 90% within 15 minutes and the MPS’s S call target is 90% in 60 minutes.

In Barnet, in June 2014, the average response time to an I call was 9.31 minutes and the average response time to an S call was 38mins.

Question No: 2014/2947

Andrew Dismore

What was the actual monthly performance (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned) of Camden borough in responding to emergency I and S calls for each of the last three months?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find this detailed below. The MPS’s I call target is 90% within 15 minutes and the MPS’s S call target is 90% in 60 minutes.

In Camden, in June 2014, the average response time to an I call was 8.15 minutes and the average response time to an S call was 38mins.

Question No: 2014/2948

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a table or graph ranking each of the boroughs’ performance in responding to emergency I and S calls for each of the last three months’ performance (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned) in order of performance.

Written response from the Mayor

Attached in Appendix 2948 is the performance table for the last three months in rank order for all boroughs within the MPS. The MPS average, across all boroughs, for the year to date (i.e. April, May and June 2014) is as follows:

– I calls is 93.1%

– S calls is 90.4%

Question No: 2014/2949

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2056

For each month this calendar year in Barnet, what was the longest wait for a response to an S call and longest wait for a response to an I call? Your  written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2056 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2950

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2057

For each month this calendar year in Camden, what was the longest wait for a response to an S call and longest wait for a response to an I call? Your written response   being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2057 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2951

Andrew Dismore

On average how many people per week have used each  of the Barnet contact points over the last 3 months?

Written response from the Mayor

Following significant consultation in every London borough, 115 contact points have been rolled out as part of the Estate Strategy 2013-16. In recognition that we need to review and learn from new initiatives, contact point performance across London is currently being reviewed.  The report evaluating their effectiveness and the MOPAC response is expected later this year.

Within Barnet and in addition to the 24/7 front counter at Colindale Police Station and the standard front counter at Barnet Police Station there are four contact points.

The average number of visitors per week is as follows:-

Golders Green              12

East Finchley               fewer than 1

Cat Hill                                    fewer than 1

Brunswick                    fewer than 1

Public satisfaction with the ease of contact with the police is at an all-time high at 94%.

Question No: 2014/2952

Andrew Dismore

On average how many people per week have used each  of the Camden contact points over the last 3 months?

Written response from the Mayor

Following significant consultation in every London borough, 115 contact points have been rolled out as part of the Estate Strategy 2013-16. In recognition that we need to review and learn from new initiatives, contact point performance across London is currently being reviewed.  The report evaluating their effectiveness and the MOPAC response is expected later this year.

Within Camden and in addition to the 24/7 front counter at Kentish Town and the Front Counter at Holborn there are six contact points

In the last 3 months up to the end of June 2014 the average number of visitors per week at the contact points is as follows:

Highgate                                              fewer than 1

Swiss Cottage                                      fewer than 1

West End Lane                                     fewer than 1

Greenland Road                                   fewer than 1

West Hampstead Police Station           12

Hampstead Old Town Hall                   1 (The Town Hall contact point has only been open two months).

Public satisfaction with the ease of contact with the police is at an all-time high at 94%.

Question No: 2014/2953

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2065

The signage by road and at Colindale tube station for the RAF museum is poor. With 400,000 visitors a year, will you improve signage to help people find it; and in particular to ensure that visitors use Colindale and not Hendon tube station for the museum? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2065 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2961

Andrew Dismore

Do you regret making your comments re the Mount Pleasant planning application on the Nick Ferrari radio show?

Written response from the Mayor

No.  All the relevant planning issues will be considered at a forthcoming Representation Hearing including those from the communities, local authorities and other interests. Until such time my decision remains to be determined.

Question No: 2014/2962

Andrew Dismore

Constituents in West Finchley have complained that tube drivers are regularly sounding their whistles at the Lovers Walk Bridge, mainly in response to being signalled at by passers-by on the bridge. This means that in the summer months residents living near the bridge have tube whistles being sounded every few minutes and is interrupting their quality of life. Will you agree for a sign to be placed on this part of the track reminding drivers that the whistle is only to be sounded when works are going on?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL has clear guidelines to determine when whistles should be used, namely for safety reasons only.  Although train operators are already regularly reminded of these guidelines, I have asked TfL to issue a further reminder.

Question No: 2014/2963

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2471 “On Aerodrome Road Colindale, there are bus stops for the eastbound carriageway in the middle of the road’s length, but none in the middle opposite the central area of Beaufort Park on the westbound carriageway.  People have far too far to walk when travelling westbound, between stops. Why? And will you now provide stops for westbound travellers?” Your response being, “TfL is aware that there is an unusually long gap between westbound stops on Aerodrome Road. TfL has identified locations for an additional stop but when these have been put forward in the past, the Met Police has raised security concerns due to the proximity to their training centre. TfL will pursue the matter again with the local authority and the police to establish a mutually agreeable solution that best suits customer needs” As the Peel Centre usage has significantly reduced, and as many of the buildings have now been demolished, what objections can the police still have to additional bus stops?

Written response from the Mayor

Barnet Council (the Highway Authority) is arranging a meeting involving the police and TfL to discuss whether a stop can be put in.

Question No: 2014/2964

Andrew Dismore

Golders Green police station has  been sold to Derbyhaven Services Ltd., & Ellora Enterprises Ltd., & Adria Services Ltd. For “residential/community use”. What residential and what community uses are envisaged as a consequence of the sale?

Written response from the Mayor

As the site is no longer owned by MOPAC,  MOPAC has no control over the future use of the site.  It is understood that the owners currently propose a scheme of some 20 residential units, together with a synagogue, but this as with any such scheme will be subject to the planning requirements of the local authority.

Question No: 2014/2965

Andrew Dismore

Will you join me in congratulating Barnet resident and  Middlesex University student James-Andrew Davis  who has become the first ever Britain to win the recent  European Fencing Championship 2014 title in Strasbourg, France and in  doing so defeated the 2013 European Champion and four times World Champion, Peter Joppich (GER) in the semi-finals.  In the finals he defeated last year’s silver medallist and the 2012 European Champion, Russian fencer Alexey Cheremisinov to take the gold medal and become the new European Champion 2014.

Written response from the Mayor

Absolutely. I congratulate Andrew wholeheartedly and him every success in the future.

Question No: 2014/2966

Andrew Dismore

Will you take action to deal with the growing problem of potholes at five ways corner?

Written response from the Mayor

A site inspection carried out by TfL on 15 July did not identify any potholes at Fiveways Corner. Carriageway patching work has been carried out within the last year and TfL considers the area to be in a reasonable condition. No major surfacing work is currently anticipated until 2016/17. TfL will contact your office to seek further details of the issues of concern to you.

Question No: 2014/2969

Andrew Dismore

Will you examine adding a lift to ensure step free access at both Kentish Town and Kentish Town West stations, as residents with access issues in Kentish Town currently have no access to Overground, Underground or rail services at either station?

Written response from the Mayor

I regret that there are currently no plans to introduce step-free access at Kentish Town London Underground station or Kentish Town West London Overground station.

As funding is limited, TfL has prioritised work to introduce step-free access on the Tube at busy interchange stations which will unlock the greatest benefit for the greatest number of passengers.

Funding for London Overground stations is provided through the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme and allocated to stations based on passenger numbers, the needs of the local area and proximity to facilities such as hospitals or schools for children with disabilities.

Nearby London Overground stations at Gospel Oak and Camden Road do already provide a step-free option for residents in the area.

TfL is also planning to redevelop Camden Town station, which would include making the station step-free.

Question No: 2014/2970

Andrew Dismore

Will you consider increasing the frequency of the 29 bus route which is often extremely overcrowded particularly during peak hours, with residents unable to get on a number of buses along the Camden Road area?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL has recently reviewed this. While demand is high, they consider that the very high frequency of buses along Camden Road is currently adequate with 27 buses per hour in the peak hours through routes 29 and 253.  TfL will continue to monitor this.

Question No: 2014/2971

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/1984

In light of Transport for London’s refusal to provide a bus service to Finchley Memorial Hospital – primarily on financial grounds – will you now consider supporting the much cheaper proposals from Barnet Community Transport to provide a minibus service to the hospital? Your written response being, Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1984 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2972

Andrew Dismore

further to Question 2014/1996

I am sure you are aware of the plans for major changes at the RNOH Stanmore, which include a substantial housing development on the site. What assessment have you made of the impact of the plans on the strategic roads, in particular Canon’s Corner, also bearing in mind the London Academy expansion plan? Your written response being, considered the application at Stage II on 10 April 2013. In that report TfL notes that in relation to highway capacity, that following Stage one and at TfL’s request, further assessment has been undertaken regarding possible improvements to the Brockley Hill/Wood Lane junction in order to mitigate traffic arising from the development. Harrow Council has accepted the provision of a signalised junction as effective mitigation and the section 106 agreement will secure this through a section 278 agreement (Highways Act). As these works will also encompass new/improved crossings between the site and the bus stops on Brockley Hill, TfL welcomed the separate condition added which secures the delivery of such facilities prior to the commencement of the Central Development Zone (CDZ). In addition to this, a contribution of £20,000 has been secured towards upgrading the two bus stops on Brockley Hill, which TfL welcomes. As agreed with Harrow, TfL expects to be involved in all of the above section 278 discussions, given its responsibility for maintaining traffic signals and a reliable bus network. As the question concerned Canon’s Corner; will you please answer in relation to Canon’s Corner?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL considered the strategic transport implications, which were set out in my last answer. I would point out that neither Cannon’s Corner nor its constituent roads are part of the Transport for London Road Network. The local impacts were considered by Harrow Council, it specifically considered the impact on Cannon’s Corner, following an objection from Barnet Council. The Council’s Planning Committee report notes that “Given the dilution of development traffic flows, the predicted low percentage impact on Canons Corner is considered negligible and hence does not warrant mitigation measures”.

Question No: 2014/2973

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/1999.

Further to Question 2014/1459.

Further to your answer to Question 2014/1015, further to your answer to Question 2014/0258 and further to your answer to Question 4161/2012: “I cycle the whole of London. When I next do Stirling Corner I will give you a report”; And your answers to questions 261/2013, 522/2013, 1041/2013, 1464/2013 and Question 2039/2013 and Question 2497 / 2013  referring back to your non-answers to my invitation to you to attempt to go round Stirling Corner on your bike, and your repeated answer “I have nothing to add to MQ 4161/2012″, and your answer to Question 3083/2013, “I cycle the whole of London and when I next pass through Stirling Corner I will be sure to give you a report”; and your answer to Question 2013/3698: “Since my last response to you on this matter “I cycle the whole of London and when I next pass through Stirling Corner I will be sure to give you a report”, I have not cycled through Stirling Corner. However, when I next pass through Stirling Corner, I will be sure to give you a report.” And further to Question 2013/5236: “Have you ever cycled round Stirling Corner? Have you cycled round Stirling Corner since you promised to do so; if not why not; and if not when do you expect to cycle round Stirling Corner? Or is it that you have no intention of doing so in the foreseeable future and just want to pretend you are a keen cyclist with cyclists’ concerns at heart and have no intention of honouring your commitment to do so, so that your original answer can be seen as nothing more than a fobbing off exercise? Or are you frightened of doing so, as it is too dangerous? Why do you have nothing to add? Aren’t you embarrassed by your non responses when reminded of your promise? And to Question 2013/4184 “I have nothing further to add to my previous answers to this question. It costs around £70 to respond to each Mayor’s Question and this question has now been asked 10 times.” “Why have you nothing to add? Are you not ashamed of your continual failure to honour this commitment? Why are you trying to avoid legitimate scrutiny of your work by suggesting that questions such as this that you find difficult and embarrassing should not be repeatedly asked until you provide a proper reply?” Your answer being: “This is the 11th time you have asked this question. I have not cycled through Stirling Corner. However, when I next cycle through Stirling Corner, I will be sure to give you a report.” Did you pass by Sterling Corner on your recent visit to Hendon?  Have you cycled round the roundabout yet? If not, why not?” Your written response being: “This is the 12th time you have asked this question. Please see my response to MQ5236/2013″. “Isn’t it about time you honoured your commitment to ride round the junction on your bike, assuming you have yet to do so, so you don’t have to keep answering this question which reveals your failure to honour your pledge? Your answer being: Your question could have simply read “Have you cycled around Stirling Corner?” and my response to that question is “Please see my response to MQ 4161/2012″. Have you ridden round String corner yet on your bike; if not why not; and is your answer above an indication of the embarrassment you feel about being reminded about yet another broken pledge? “Your response being: “Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.” Have you still not cycled round Stirling Corner, and if not, why not? Your response being: My response to MQ 2014/1459 was “I have not broken any pledge on this issue.” Do you ever intend to cycle round Stirling Corner and if so when?

Written response from the Mayor                                                         

Please see my response to MQ 4161 /2012.

Question No: 2014/2974

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/2000

What progress is being made in your plans for this junction; what discussions have you or your officers had with Barnet Council; and when will a public consultation be held? Your response being, TfL has instigated a design to improve capacity and resilience at Mill Hill Circus.  A design that increases the internal capacity by a combination of reducing the size of the central island and increasing the space available for traffic on the north eastern quadrant of the roundabout has been developed. Initial contact has been made with LB Barnet and TfL are awaiting a response in order to ascertain the level of support for the Borough to make improvements at this location. If a viable proposal for a scheme is identified, public consultation will be progressed. Has LB Barnet responded yet? What progress is being made?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL is awaiting a response from LB Barnet regarding the availability of some land to enable a proposal for a new road layout to progress.