My written Questions to the Mayor and his answers (up dated 30/9/2015)

September 22, 2015 AndrewDismore

September 2015 MQT Answers

Policing in Camden
Question No: 2015/2798
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of the comments of Chief Superintendent Tucker of Camden Police at their Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting on May 21st , that ‘a significant proportion of police officer time is now spent on social need vacated by other public services’ ; and if so what are you going to do about it?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS is in continuous discussion with public bodies about the appropriate partnership arrangements. I was not aware of any specific remarks.

Housing outside London
Question No: 2015/2801
Andrew Dismore
How many families have been housed outside London by London local authorities in the last 3 years?
Written response from the Mayor
The GLA does not collect this data.

District heating schemes 1
Question No: 2015/2802
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware that the current methodology for charging business rates on district heating schemes seriously threatens the continued growth of district heating schemes in London; and what can you do about it?
Written response from the Mayor
I am aware of the burden placed on district heating schemes as a result of the current cost of business rates. This burden has increased over recent years as a result of land and construction values (upon which business rates for district heating infrastructure are calculated) increasing faster than the value of heat. The Association for Decentralised Energy, the industry body with whom GLA officers work on district heating matters, has put to HM Treasury proposals to correct the distortive effect of this burden and I will be monitoring progress on the issue.

District heating schemes 2
Question No: 2015/2803
Andrew Dismore
Can you take any action to ensure that district heating schemes are not subject to business rates?
Written response from the Mayor
GLA officers have received a report from the industry body The Association for Decentralised Energy on the progress the Association is making in discussions with Government, at least to reduce the burden of business rates but preferably, on the basis of the environmental benefits that district heating provides, to obtain exemption from them. I am monitoring progress on the matter and will consider taking action independently from the current industry initiative if appropriate.

Kensington Olympia
Question No: 2015/2804
Andrew Dismore
Will you open Kensington Olympia station on the circle / district line to avoid the chaos resulting from no TFL underground station at London’s premier exhibition centre?
Written response from the Mayor
The decision to run the District line service to Kensington (Olympia) at weekends has allowed London Underground to provide much needed additional capacity on the rest of the line during the week. This has been particularly important on the very busy Wimbledon branch. As such, there are no plans to reinstate a weekday District line service to Olympia.

Passengers going to or from Olympia when the Tube is not running have a number of good alternatives available. The station is served by frequent London Overground services, which are now operated by 5-car trains, bringing a 25 per cent increase in capacity. TfL’s London Overground services are supplemented by Southern services on the West London line, providing a total of ten trains per hour to and from Olympia, with easy connections to the Tube network at West Brompton and Shepherds Bush. There are also frequent local bus services available. In addition, on the days when there are large events at the Exhibition Centre, TfL operates a dedicated shuttle bus to and from Earl’s Court for those passengers who still choose to go via that route.

The limited Tube service to Kensington (Olympia) is made clear on the Tube map, on car-line diagrams on trains themselves, through on-train announcements and on TfL’s online Journey Planner. The Olympia Exhibition Centre also has travel options displayed on its website.

Falloden Way (1)
Question No: 2015/2805
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of the recent serious accidents on Falloden Way? Also, 50% of Brookland School’s catchment is within 200 yards of Midholm. The children have to cross the A1 for school, library, playgrounds and tennis courts. The traffic island concept does not work as traffic does not slow down. Car drivers use the hatched divider to overtake buses at bus stops and hit ‘hidden’ pedestrians. Will you consider a zebra or pelican crossing at Midholm; install better warning signs of pedestrians for drivers; and review the traffic light sequencing?
Written response from the Mayor
There was a tragic collision near the junction with Brookland Rise in July when a vehicle lost control and struck a lamp column. My thoughts are with those affected by this incredibly sad event.

We are also aware of another serious incident in which a pedestrian was recently struck by a vehicle whilst crossing a short distance to the east of the Brookland Rise Junction, resulting in serious injuries. My best wishes go to the gentleman for a speedy recovery. TfL are working directly with the police to understand the circumstances of this collision.

I appreciate that incidents such as these generate concerns about safety, especially when the catchment of the local school means that parents and children have to cross a busy road such as the A1. TfL has recently reviewed the existing collision history here and in September 2014 undertook an assessment of pedestrian crossing activity. This work indicates that a case for a new signalled crossing facility, in addition to existing provision , is not strong, but TfL are continuing to work closely with the school to fully understand and address local concerns.

Step free tube access Mill Hill East
Question No: 2015/2806
Andrew Dismore
further to Question No: 2015/2255
‘As you claim to have brought forward by two years your target to make half of stations step-free by 2018, will you reconsider funding for step free access for Mill Hill East so as to include it in this target date if not earlier?’
your answer being
‘I am delighted that more of London’s Tube and rail network will be step-free sooner. The step-free access scheme at Mill Hill East is dependent on there being a sufficient financial contribution from a local developer. Discussions are ongoing between the London Borough of Barnet and the developer.’
What progress has been made with the developer, and what is the time scale for the provision of this step free access?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware that discussions are ongoing between the London Borough of Barnet and the developer. As stated previously any step-free scheme, as well as timescales, are dependent on a sufficient contribution from a local development, and this has yet to be finalised.

TfL continues to encourage the London Borough of Barnet, as well as other boroughs, to use contributions from local developments to improve accessibility via TfL’s Step-Free Access Partnership Fund.

Night tube (1)
Question No: 2015/2807
Andrew Dismore
What mitigation measures are you putting in place to reduce noise on the Northern Line after the all night tube comes into effect?
Written response from the Mayor
Prior to the introduction of the Night Tube, LU has undertaken a series of track renewal and rail grinding works on the Northern line to ensure that the tracks are in optimum condition. Where concerns have been raised engineers have investigated and undertaken improvements.

Once the Night Tube is operational London Underground will continue to work with residents to investigate and address any issues regarding noise, should they arise. Residents and customers will continue to benefit from LU’s ongoing upgrade programmes and maintenance works to improve track condition.

Night tube (2)
Question No: 2015/2808
Andrew Dismore
What steps did you take to consult with residents (not councillors or council officers) living next to the railway tracks about the introduction of the all night tube?
Written response from the Mayor
I know you met TfL officers at Colindale last month to discuss residents’ concerns about noise. London Underground is sensitive to the issues and understands residents’ concerns. As discussed at the meeting, LU has always considered the needs of residents in the planning and implementation of the Night Tube; this has been a key aspect of meetings with elected representatives and passenger groups, as well as individual residents.

In the run up to the launch of Night Tube and once it is operational LU will continue to work with residents to investigate and address any issues regarding noise, should they arise.

Tube noise
Question No: 2015/2809
Andrew Dismore
Residents who live on Priory Road near to West Hampstead station have been complaining for over a year to TfL about the noise caused by loose tracks but they have had no response from TfL. will you investigate and deal with their complaint?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has received and responded to residents’ concerns.

During the August bank holiday LU’s engineers replaced a short section of rail together with new vibration dampening pads and fixings in the platform area.

Identification of the fault was initially unclear and Network Rail tracks were believed to be the cause, however once further checks were undertaken TfL prioritised the remedial work.

I understand that the work has been successful in reducing the noise heard by residents.

Cycle superhighway 11
Question No: 2015/2810
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect to consult the public about Cycle superhighway 11, along Finchley Rd?
Written response from the Mayor
Cycle Superhighway 11 (CS11) is planned to run from Brent Cross to the West End, via Finchley Road and Regents Park and includes proposals to remove the existing gyratory at Swiss Cottage. Subject to discussions with the relevant boroughs and stakeholders, TfL expects to begin a public consultation on CS11 later this year.

West Hampstead tube station
Question No: 2015/2811
Andrew Dismore
The lack of step free access at West Hampstead tube station is a matter of great discontent locally, causing inconvenience and danger to passengers with restricted mobility and those in wheelchairs; parents with small children using prams and pushchairs; and those with luggage. This severely restricts the potential of West Hampstead as an interchange hub in an area of intensification in the London Plan, as the most heavily used station is the least accessible. The nearest accessible tube station is Kilburn has no direct bus link and is more than a kilometre’s walk from West Hampstead tube. Will you meet with residents at West Hampstead tube station, so they can show you their ideas for lift access?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of my drive to make more than half of all TfL stations step-free by 2018, I have asked TfL to prioritise stations which, if made step-free, could unlock the greatest number of journeys on our network or introduce a step-free access route where none currently exists.

West Hampstead is already served by the step-free Thameslink station, linking customers to London Underground stations with step-free access and interchange such as St Pancras, Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and London Bridge. Additionally, customers can also access the Jubilee line step-free from nearby Kilburn London Underground station. Once the West Hampstead Overground redevelopment is complete, it will provide an additional option for step-free travel from the West Hampstead area.

In October 2014, I announced the creation of a £76m Step Free Access Partnership fund (based on match funding) in order to introduce step-free access to even more London Underground stations. Should potential sources of third party funding come forward, we would be happy to review the situation at West Hampstead.

HS2 (1)
Question No: 2015/2812
Andrew Dismore
What steps are you taking to ensure that the consequences of HS2 deliver additional affordable housing for the Euston area in line with the aspirations of the Euston Area Plan?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

HS2 (2)
Question No: 2015/2813
Andrew Dismore
What have you done to ensure plans are in place for development of the existing side of Euston station as part of HS2 where the traditional lines terminate?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

HS2 (6)
Question No: 2015/2817
Andrew Dismore
What assessment have you made of the increase in lorry movements as a consequence of HS2 construction in a) Euston and b) Hampstead and Kilburn?
Written response from the Mayor
HS2 has undertaken a number of assessments utilising TfL strategic highway models to test the impacts of HS2 construction on London’s road network. TfL has been working with HS2 on these assessments and has been pressing HS2 to undertake more detailed modelling to better understand the impacts at key junctions. In addition, TfL has been pressing HS2 to consider the cumulative impacts of construction at numerous worksites across London which will impact on London’s strategic road network (TLRN).

Amongst the measures that TfL has proposed is that HS2 adopt stricter standards for construction vehicles including embedding the Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety (CLOCS) and the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) to ensure that the highest quality logistics operation is used to minimise vehicle emissions and improve safety for all road users. Adopting CLOCS and FORS is widely recognised by the UK construction industry and has yielded significant benefits to local communities affected by construction as well as wider benefits to London. In addition, TfL has been working with HS2 to utilise more sustainable modes across London and in particular the use of rail for the transport of construction spoil and materials.

HS2 (7)
Question No: 2015/2818
Andrew Dismore
How do TfL believe the increase in lorry movements from HS2 in a) Euston and b) Hampstead and Kilburn should be managed?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has been pressing HS2 to commit to reducing the number of HGV movements by using rail or water as an alternative. While further assessment is required, TfL is concerned that the impacts from HS2 lorry movements will lead to significant congestion at a number of locations on London’s road network.

Both the GLA and TfL have petitioned the HS2 Hybrid Bill and AP2 to ensure that changes are made to reduce the construction impacts of HS2. HS2 can do more by transporting more spoil and construction materials by rail or river/canal as adopted by not only Crossrail, but also proposed by the Northern Line Extension and Thames Tideway Tunnel projects.

HS2 (8)
Question No: 2015/2819
Andrew Dismore
what assessment have you made of the possibility of removing spoil from HS2 construction by rail or by river/canal as Crossrail are doing, as an alternative to lorries?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has been pressing HS2 to commit to reducing the number of HGV movements by using rail or water as an alternative. Both the GLA and TfL have included the need for HS2 to commit to transporting more spoil and construction materials by rail or river/canal in its HS2 petitions. This construction approach has been successfully adopted by not only Crossrail, but is also proposed by the Northern Line Extension and Thames Tideway Tunnel projects.

I will continue to press HS2 to adopt a more sustainable policy on the transport of construction spoil and materials.

HS2 (9)
Question No: 2015/2820
Andrew Dismore
will you undertake early monitoring of air quality in the Euston area, to enable the impact of HS2 traffic to be monitored against accurate baseline data?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.
HS2 (10)
Question No: 2015/2821
Andrew Dismore
what would be the net enforcement costs of extending the ULEZ to the area around Euston, that is going to be affected by HS2 traffic, if approved?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

HS2 (12)
Question No: 2015/2823
Andrew Dismore
further to Question No: 2015/2258, HS2 (3)
Given the expected huge increase in HGV and other traffic movements as a consequence of HS2, including over 1300 HGV movements per day and a long term permanent traffic increase of 40% in the area, will you extend the planned ULEZ to the Euston HS2 safeguarded area; and if not why not?
your answer 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 2258 / 2015.

The construction of HS2 will lead to a significant number of construction vehicle movements over a number of years, particularly around Euston.

TfL has been pressing HS2 to adopt the practices successfully used by Crossrail to minimise disruption. This includes using more sustainable modes, such as rail or water, to transport construction materials and spoil from construction worksites.

Setting stricter standards for construction vehicles is also something that TfL is keen to see HS2 adopt. This includes embedding the Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety scheme and the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme to ensure that the highest standard of safety for all road users is met and to minimise vehicle emissions. TfL will continue to work with local authorities to agree a consistent approach across London with regard to construction vehicles.

TfL is working with boroughs to look at the feasibility of expanding the ULEZ as well as tightening the standards for the London-wide Low Emission Zone soon after 2020. An update on this work will be provided to London Councils later this year. In the meantime, I will continue to press the UK Government to specify ULEZ compliance (i.e. Euro VI) for any HS2 construction contract to minimise impact on air quality, regardless of whether the vehicles enter the zone.
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283046#sthash.W9tAXyVa.dpuf

Albany Street former police station and HS2 (1)
Question No: 2015/2824
Andrew Dismore
in relation to the now closed to the public Albany St police station, what does the Met/ MOPAC need the building for; how many officers and staff work there; and how many worked there 4 years ago; and when will you release the building to Camden Council as a site for replacement housing for HS2 demolitions?
Written response from the Mayor
The MOPAC facilities at Albany Street support key operational functions for the Metropolitan Police Service and cannot be released at this time.

MOPAC are aware of LB Camden’s priorities and have previously worked with the Council releasing a former site owned by MOPAC in Drummond Crescent in relation to HS2 to support the relocation of a school.

Where properties are surplus to operational needs MOPAC will continue to work across the London boroughs to release land and buildings for housing, affordable housing and free schools across London. Recent sales of police buildings have led to the creation of 12,000 new jobs, 4,000 new residential units and 9 new schools.

Albany Street former police station and HS2 (2)
Question No: 2015/2825
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/2265
Will you facilitate the transfer of the lease on Albany Street to Camden Council to enable them to build affordable housing on the site, so as to help replace housing lost as a result of HS2? If not why not?
your Written answer 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 2265 / 2015.

The MPS and Camden Council have been in active discussion about a number of sites which are impacted by the plans for HS2. Albany Street currently houses important MPS activities but discussions are continuing.
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283053#sthash.B8yUGRf2.dpuf

Anti-semitic hate crimes in London
Question No: 2015/2826
Andrew Dismore
As the number of anti-semitic hate crimes in London has more than doubled in the space of a year, with Metropolitan Police figures showing a total of 459 anti-semitic crimes in the past financial year – up 137 per cent from 193 the year before, what are you doing to combat this serious problem?
Written response from the Mayor
Like other forms of hate crime, anti-semitic hate crime is under reported, which is why I have continued to provide funding to the Community Security Trust to ensure its vital work in monitoring hate crime against the Jewish community, which provides valuable intelligence to the police, continues.

Such information enables the MPS and others to more effectively target their resources. The MPS response is a combination of targeted borough reassurance plans, and the deployment of additional central resources when and where needed and to ensure that at times when the community is particularly vulnerable/visible additional support is provided. In line with my Hate Crime Reduction Strategy, every borough will also have at least one MPS Hate Crime Liaison Officer who will conduct outreach work, identify hot spot areas for targeted activity, and also identify local support services.

I and my Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime continue to meet with members of the Jewish community and other faith leaders to provide reassurance and to consider how we might all work together to address this issue.

Radicalisation in universities
Question No: 2015/2827
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware that Westminster University topped the league table of extreme or intolerant lectures hosting radical speakers on 25 occasions between 2012 and 2014, followed by Queen Mary University of London, which hosted 24, Kingston University held 20 and cancelled two others, while King’s College London hosted 20 and cancelled one; are you concerned about the extent of such events which can lead to radicalisation of students and also victimisation of Jewish students; and what will you do about it?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

Out of Court disposals (1)
Question No: 2015/2828
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/2266
‘Please list the number of out of court disposals handed out in Barnet in 2014, broken down by disposal type’.
Your answer 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 2266 / 2015.
Please list the number of out of court disposals handed out in Barnet in 2014, broken down by disposal types
Written answer from the Mayor
Please see the table below:
Disposal Type 2013
Barnet 2014
Barnet
Caution-Adult 715 729
Conditional Caution 20 35
Youth Caution 59 65
Youth Conditional Caution 17 34
Drug Warning 123 389
Fixed Penalty Notice 300 321
TIC 558 100
DDM – Formal Warnings 265 n/a
Community Resolution with Restorative Justice 0 67
Community Resolution 12 214
Restorative Justice 0 21
Total 2069 1975
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283054#sthash.r14aF8dp.dpuf

Out of Court disposals (2)
Question No: 2015/2829
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/2267
‘Please list the number of out of court disposals handed out in Camden in 2014, broken down by disposal type’.
Your answer being
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2267 / 2015.

Please see table below.
Please be aware that during 2013, Drug warnings replaced DDM – Formal warnings
2013 2014
Disposal Type Camden Camden
Caution-Adult 846 760
Conditional Caution 10 21
Youth Caution 67 87
Youth Conditional Caution 5 19
Drug Warning 321 1017
Fixed Penalty Notice 353 228
TIC 550 90
DDM – Formal Warnings 733 n/a
Community Resolution with Restorative Justice 1 0
Community Resolution 43 100
Restorative Justice 0 0
Total 2929 2322
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283696?findQuestionsByQuestionSequenceId=MQ 2267 / 2015#sthash.hFdcI4aU.dpuf

Abstractions from Barnet (1)
Question No: 2015/2830
Andrew Dismore
How many Officer Shifts were abstracted from Barnet in the last 3 months?
Written response from the Mayor
Between 10 June 2015 and 10 September 2015, Barnet supplied 810 constable shifts to central Public Order operations (aid duties). During the same time period 25 inspector and 116 sergeant shifts were supplied on central Public Order operations.

Abstractions from Camden (1)
Question No: 2015/2831
Andrew Dismore
How many Officer Shifts were abstracted from Camden in the last 3 months?
Written response from the Mayor
Between 10th June 2015 and 10th September 2015, Camden supplied 1054 constable shifts on central Public Order operations (aid). During the same time period 57 inspector and 182 sergeant shifts were supplied on central Public Order operations.

Abstractions from Barnet (2)
Question No: 2015/2832
Andrew Dismore
For the last 3 months, on how many occasions and for how many officer shifts did Barnet benefit from inward aid from other boroughs?
Written response from the Mayor
Between 10th June 2015 and 10th September 2015 Barnet did not receive any central Public Order operations aid from other boroughs. The MPS are unable to quantify any officers provided for crime operations as this information is not held centrally.

Abstractions from Barnet (3)
Question No: 2015/2833
Andrew Dismore
What is the number of shifts in the current year that officers from Barnet are scheduled to be abstracted?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are not scheduled to be abstracted throughout the year. Officers are drawn for central Public Order operations (aid) from across the various Commands within the MPS as required to meet operational need.

The process does take account of local pressures and priorities and will seek to balance the requirements equitably across the MPS over the year.

Abstractions from Camden (2)
Question No: 2015/2834
Andrew Dismore
For the last 3 months, on how many occasions and for how many officer shifts did Camden benefit from inward aid from other boroughs?
Written response from the Mayor
Between 10th June 2015 and 10th September 2015 Camden did not receive any central Public Order operations aid from other boroughs. The MPS are unable to quantify any officers provided for crime operations as this information is not held centrally.

Abstractions from Camden (3)
Question No: 2015/2835
Andrew Dismore
What is the number of shifts in the current year that officers from Camden are scheduled to be abstracted?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are not scheduled to be abstracted throughout the year. Officers are drawn for central Public Order operations aid from across the various Commands within the MPS as required to meet operational need.

The process does take account of local pressures and priorities and will seek to balance the requirements equitably across the MPS over the year.

Police Advertising Campaign
Question No: 2015/2836
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/1576
‘How much was spent on the resent advertising campaign just before the General Election, including; posters in phone boxes about police performance in each borough?’
Your answer 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 1576 / 2015.
The amount spent on the spring 2015 campaign was £366, 328.

The spring confidence advertising campaign ran across the 14 lowest confidence boroughs. Increased confidence leads to more engagement with police, and encourages people to report crime, share information and to generally help the police do their job and provide a better service to meet their needs.

– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283703?findQuestionsByQuestionSequenceId=MQ 1576 / 2015#sthash.QoYb26mM.dpuf

Dangerous Dogs
Question No: 2015/2837
Andrew Dismore
How much has the Met spent on kennelling dangerous dogs pending disposal of cases involving them in the last 12 months?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS total spend for kenneling in 2014-2015 was £1,592,496.

Systems are not designed to be able to break down this cost per dog.

I and S calls, Barnet
Question No: 2015/2838
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/1579
‘What percentage of 1) I and ii) S calls in Barnet were not answered within the target time in each of the last 3 months?’
Your answer being
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.’
Will you now give a substantive answer, to include those three months and the three months since the question was asked, i.e. for the last 6 months?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 1579 / 2015.

Please see the tables below:
I Graded Calls Achieved
Feb 15 Mar 15 Apr 15
85.22% 85.60% 86.86%

S Graded Calls Achieved
Feb 15 Mar 15 Apr 15
89.11% 87.26% 90.11%
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283705?findQuestionsByQuestionSequenceId=MQ 1579 / 2015#sthash.qcrZYpDQ.dpuf

I and S calls, Camden
Question No: 2015/2839
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/1580
‘What percentage of 1) I and ii) S calls in Camden were not answered within the target time in each of the last 3 months?’
Your answer being
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.’
Will you now give a substantive answer, to include those three months and the three months since the question was asked, i.e. for the last 6 months?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 1580 / 2015.

Please see the tables below

I Graded Calls Achieved
Feb 15 Mar 15 Apr 15
93.18% 92.30% 91.34%

S Graded Calls Achieved
Feb 15 Mar 15 Apr 15
91.37% 92.18% 89.16%
– See more at: http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_283706?findQuestionsByQuestionSequenceId=MQ 1580 / 2015#sthash.mVA0KCa4.dpuf

Policing Football Matches
Question No: 2015/2840
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/2271
‘Further to Question No 2015/1568
Do you agree that the full cost of policing football matches should be fully recovered from the football clubs involved?’
Your answer and that of the MPS Commissioner being:
‘MOPAC recovers the full cost of providing policing services to football matches for policing provided on land owned, leased or controlled by the relevant club. Under present law, MOPAC is not able to recover costs for any additional policing outside this ‘footprint’. My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has made representations to Government about this’.
What representations did the Deputy Mayor make to Government, when, and what was the Government’s response?’
your answer being
‘The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime raised the issue of recovering the full costs involved in policing football with the Home Secretary some time ago. This is now being followed up at an official level’
How do you square this answer, with the deputy Mayor’s response to the Police and Crime Committee oral session on this issue , when he said he hadn’t? And what is being done to follow this up?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

Cost of policing West Ham at the Olympic Stadium
Question No: 2015/2841
Andrew Dismore
Is it correct, that West Ham will not be making a contribution towards the cost of policing their games at the Olympic Stadium, as press reports suggest: and if not how much i it expected that they will pay?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

Water cannon
Question No: 2015/2842
Andrew Dismore
As the Home Secretary has now refused you permission to use them in London, what do you now intend to do with them?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

Shomrin
Question No: 2015/2843
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the Commissioner of Police’s reported comments at the Chief Rabbi’s conference, that Shomrin’s volunteers and vehicles look to much like police officers and cars; if so, what action do you propose to take; and if not will you disassociate yourself from the Commissioner’s views?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a repsonse which will be sent shortly.

Coroners
Question No: 2015/2844
Andrew Dismore
In view of your wish to have control over the courts service in London, does this include the coroners service, and if so do you agree that the cultural expectations of the Jewish and Moslem communities in London should be catered for by the coroners service, in particular by an ‘out of hours’ service to cope with deaths outside usual working hours to allow early burial , and the acceptance of scans (paid for by bereaved families) rather than invasive post mortems?
Written response from the Mayor
I believe it is vitaI we ensure that public services accommodate the diversity of faiths and in particular that Muslim and Jewish Londoners are able to bury their dead as soon as possible after death, in accordance with the tenets of their religions.

I have been made aware of certain instances where communities have faced difficulty in achieving a religious burial due to the lack of availability of coroner services, particularly at weekends. I have raised this matter with the Secretary of State for Justice and my office is working on his on these issues.

Railings on island in Euston Rd
Question No: 2015/2845
Andrew Dismore
As part of their London-wide policy Transport for London have removed railings on the island in the middle of Euston Rd at the junction with Judd St and Midland Rd. This has a detrimental impact upon blind and partially sighted people as the railings act as a vital guide for blind and partially sighted people to follow as they seek to cross one lane of traffic then the other. Without the railings people will simply walk straight across if they can’t see how the crossing works and therefore face the situation of walking into moving traffic. Will you reverse this change, especially as the crossing is close to the head office of RNIB?
Written response from the Mayor
The removal of unnecessary and redundant street furniture aligns with my Better Streets initiative. When considering the removal of pedestrian guard railing the objective must always be to remove it without negative impact on pedestrian safety.

The guidance criteria used in assessing the removal of guard rail, issued in 2012, is based on analysis of around 150 junctions and 200 staggered crossings in central London. It notes that in delineating between footway and carriageway the kerb edge can perform the same function as guard rail. The nationally recognised means of assisting blind or partially sighted people in locating crossing places is by the use of tactile paving, and not guard rail.

Guard rail can provide a false sense of security to pedestrians in situations where the barrier itself would not in reality provide protection from a moving vehicle. In some busy areas the reduction in space combined with the barrier has also been seen to force pedestrians into the carriageway on the ‘wrong’ side of the railing – particularly in central reservations.

All guard rail removal locations undergo a thorough design and review process, part of which includes a Road Safety Audit. This process ensures a balanced assessment of all guard rail removal locations which takes into account the requirements for all user groups and Stakeholders. Furthermore, whenever guard rail is removed, the site is monitored for any change in casualty statistics. If the RNIB has specific concerns over this site, then of course TfL would be happy to consider them and they have, on occasions, made exceptions to the standard practice based on the specific needs of the local population. I will ask TfL officers to contact the RNIB in this regard.

Mill Hill Golf Club
Question No: 2015/2846
Andrew Dismore
Mill Hill Golf Club’s club house is on one side of the A1 and the course is on the other. TFL have now issued a notice, that golf buggies should no longer be allowed through the subway at Courtland, even though they have operated without accident in this manner for more than 15 years and there is no other obvious way nearby to cross the 6 lanes of traffic. Will you rescind this ruling and if not, why not?
Written response from the Mayor
I have asked Dana Skelley at TfL to meet with you on this issue.

Cobden Junction
Question No: 2015/2847
Andrew Dismore
Cobden Junction is the name given to the junction just in front of Mornington Crescent Tube station. In 2013 LB Camden was awarded funding by the GLA under the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund for a major scheme to increase the usable pedestrian space and simplify the roads at this busy junction. Camden’s designers came forward with a much-improved revised design that exploited a recently-devised signalling scheme (‘Hold the Left Turn’) to ensure that cyclists were entirely protected from interactions with left-turning vehicles (as outlined in the new London Cycling Design Standards, Section 5.4.5). The full design for Cobden Junction was duly modelled by TfL’s network assurance section and was deemed to produce acceptable traffic flows. However at a late stage TfL’s traffic signal engineering section vetoed the design and reverted to the original pre-consultation design with only very minimal changes and implementation work went ahead. The construction is very close to completion and the risk of serious injuries or fatalities to cyclists is substantial. Will you now explain why the scheme was vetoed and take remedial action to make the junction safe for cyclists?
Written response from the Mayor
The improvement scheme at Cobden junction is nearing completion and will deliver significant benefits to vulnerable road users and urban realm, leading to the much needed regeneration of Camden High Street and the associated benefits for jobs and future inward investment.

Suggested additional improvements to the cycle provision were put forward by campaigners but after careful consideration by both TfL and the London Borough of Camden these have proved to be unviable. The final design that is now being implemented has passed through a rigorous independent road safety audit process and will be closely monitored by TfL and LB Camden post-completion to identify if any remedial action is required.

Bus Stop, Flower Lane
Question No: 2015/2848
Andrew Dismore
Would the Mayor consider ”aesthetics’ as a reasonable reason for not replacing a bus shelter on Flowers Lane, leaving local bus users without any shelter from the elements or inclement weather?
Written response from the Mayor
The bus stop was moved to its current location in front of the church in October 2012 to enable developer construction work to take place. At the time it was expected that the stop would be returned to its old site when the building works were completed. Due to the siting of a service entrance to the new development this is now not possible and the bus stop will stay where it is. Subject to the usual surveys and consultations, TfL will install a new shelter. This should be in place by the end of October.

West Hampstead Underground Step Free access
Question No: 2015/2849
Andrew Dismore
What is the estimated cost of installing step free access at West Hampstead tube station?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has examined the possibility of providing step-free access at West Hampstead station in the past and has found the project to be extremely complex. The layout of the ticket hall, and wider station, presents significant constraints, not least the limitations imposed by an island platform surrounded by a very busy operational railway that must be maintained in service. To install a lift, either the existing station would have to be comprehensively remodelled (and closed for the duration) and/or a temporary (possibly permanent) second station entrance constructed elsewhere.

TfL does not have a viable feasibility design for step-free access at West Hampstead, but any solution is likely to be expensive, with costs probably well in excess of £10m. TfL’s Step Free Access Partnership Fund is based on match funding, so should potential sources for third-party funding come forward TfL would be happy to review the situation at West Hampstead.

Question No. 432

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority – Meeting: 1 October 2015

Question by Andrew Dismore AM (Labour Group) to the Commissioner of LFB (Ron Dobson)

Impact on emergency service attendance times of expected works around Euston

What assessment have you made of the impact on emergency service attendance times of the expected works around Euston as a result of HS2 which will result in road closures, reduction in width of major roads like Hampstead Road, and increased traffic?

The Brigade has already communicated its broad expectations of the development to HS2’s Head of Transport Management and the Construction Logistics Director to ensure future impact on operational response is mitigated across the entire project. The learning and expertise gained from our partnership working on similar projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, London 2012 and Crossrail will be invaluable when further, more detailed plans regarding local works are presented to the Brigade. When this happens we will be able to work in conjunction with local managers to minimise any effect on attendance times.

HS2 (1)
Question No: 2015/2812
Andrew Dismore
What steps are you taking to ensure that the consequences of HS2 deliver additional affordable housing for the Euston area in line with the aspirations of the Euston Area Plan?
Written response from the Mayor
As over station development comes forward in the HS2 scheme it will be required to meet the policies set out in the Euston Area Plan.

HS2 (2)
Question No: 2015/2813
Andrew Dismore
What have you done to ensure plans are in place for development of the existing side of Euston station as part of HS2 where the traditional lines terminate?
Written response from the Mayor
The Euston Area Plan which I have adopted with Camden promotes the comprehensive redevelopment of Euston Station to the highest architectural quality.

HS2 (3)
Question No: 2015/2814
Andrew Dismore
What have you done to assist in the creation of temporary green space to replace that lost during the construction phase of HS2?
How will you ensure that developments in the Euston area relating to HS2 ensure like for like replacement of open space?
Written response from the Mayor
The Euston Area Plan, which I prepared jointly with Camden states that open space lost as a consequence of the HS2 project should be re-provided as part of redevelopment in and around Euston Station and that replacement must be at least the equivalent amount of space as that lost and of higher quality where possible.

The plan also states that during construction support will be given to the positive use of any vacant spaces for appropriate active temporary use such as food growing/ allotments, play space and temporary open space.

HS2 (4)
Question No: 2015/2815
Andrew Dismore
What steps are you taking to make the case to HS2 Ltd of the combined effects on habitability of noise, air pollution, increased traffic, and detrimental environmental health factors resulting from HS2 construction?
Written response from the Mayor
I am working with TfL and Camden Council to ensure that during the build out of the station appropriate mitigation is in place during construction and and I will be making the case for strict measures to the HS2 Select Committee, for example a Code of Construction Practice that meets or exceeds policies used by Crossrail and planned for Thames Tideway Tunnel projects.

HS2 (5)
Question No: 2015/2816
Andrew Dismore
What mitigation measures have you raised with HS2 to address the combined effects on the people of Camden who live in the Euston area of noise, air pollution, increased traffic, and other detrimental environmental health factors resulting from the construction of HS2?
Written response from the Mayor
I am concerned that the construction of HS2 will lead to a number of detrimental impacts to the people living and working in the vicinity of Euston. TfL has been pressing HS2 to significantly reduce these impacts and to commit to these measures as part of the Hybrid Bill.

By meeting or exceeding the practices used by Crossrail and proposed by the Northern Line Extension and Thames Tideway Tunnel projects, HS2 can deal more effectively with the combined effects of construction. I will continue to press the sponsor of HS2, the DfT, for the railway to be a model for future projects.

HS2 (9)
Question No: 2015/2820
Andrew Dismore
will you undertake early monitoring of air quality in the Euston area, to enable the impact of HS2 traffic to be monitored against accurate baseline data?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has been pressing HS2 to commit to a number of measures which will support a more robust HS2 construction through changes to the Code of Construction Practice. One of these measures would be to undertake early monitoring for air quality and traffic volumes in and around HS2 construction worksites, particularly at high risk worksites. These measures have been successfully adopted by Crossrail and also proposed by the Northern Line Extension.

I will continue to press for higher standards to be adopted by HS2.

HS2 (10)
Question No: 2015/2821
Andrew Dismore
what would be the net enforcement costs of extending the ULEZ to the area around Euston, that is going to be affected by HS2 traffic, if approved?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL are working with boroughs to look at the feasibility of expanding the ULEZ and/or tightening the standards for the London-wide Low Emission Zone beyond 2020. An update on this work will be provided to London Councils later this year. Until the assessment is completed, it is not clear what the likely additional costs of extending ULEZ to the area around Euston might be.

TfL is separately pressing HS2 to adopt stricter construction standards as used by Crossrail and proposed by the Northern Line Extension and Thames Tideway Tunnel projects. If these were to be adopted by HS2, then all construction vehicles and the plant and machinery used would meet ULEZ standards.

HS2 (11)
Question No: 2015/2822
Andrew Dismore
Please provide an update on progress to securing an ultra low emissions zone in the Euston area for the duration of the HS2 works?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL are working with boroughs to look at the feasibility of expanding the ULEZ and/or tightening the standards for the London-wide Low Emission Zone beyond 2020. An update on this work will be provided to London Councils later this year.

I welcome that in its latest proposals, HS2 has recommended the adoption of Euro VI vehicles to be used at all HS2 construction worksites.

Radicalisation in universities
Question No: 2015/2827
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware that Westminster University topped the league table of extreme or intolerant lectures hosting radical speakers on 25 occasions between 2012 and 2014, followed by Queen Mary University of London, which hosted 24, Kingston University held 20 and cancelled two others, while King’s College London hosted 20 and cancelled one; are you concerned about the extent of such events which can lead to radicalisation of students and also victimisation of Jewish students; and what will you do about it?
Written response from the Mayor
We are concerned about people being radicalised, we all need to work tirelessly to confront this threat. MOPAC is totally committed to reducing victimisation across all communities, including the Jewish community.

We acknowledge that Universities have a difficult task in protecting people’s right to free speech, advancing knowledge, and in providing an arena where extreme views can be intellectually challenged. However, there is also a risk that some people may use higher education institutions as a platform for drawing people into terrorism. Consequently, the presence of speakers is monitored by the Security Services who support others so that better informed decisions can be made about who is invited and who is not invited to speak. Universities must take seriously their responsibility to exclude those promoting extremist views that support terrorism I am reassured by the work of the Police, Prevent Co-ordinators and other agencies that Universities get a great deal of assistance in handling this difficult area.

We do not believe any government agency monitors such numerical data as you state in your question.

We are aware that the Metropolitan Police works closely with Universities to assist them in tackling radicalism and in reducing victimisation.

Policing Football Matches
Question No: 2015/2840
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2015/2271
‘Further to Question No 2015/1568
Do you agree that the full cost of policing football matches should be fully recovered from the football clubs involved?’
Your answer and that of the MPS Commissioner being:
‘MOPAC recovers the full cost of providing policing services to football matches for policing provided on land owned, leased or controlled by the relevant club. Under present law, MOPAC is not able to recover costs for any additional policing outside this ‘footprint’. My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has made representations to Government about this’.
What representations did the Deputy Mayor make to Government, when, and what was the Government’s response?’
your answer being
‘The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime raised the issue of recovering the full costs involved in policing football with the Home Secretary some time ago. This is now being followed up at an official level’
How do you square this answer, with the deputy Mayor’s response to the Police and Crime Committee oral session on this issue , when he said he hadn’t? And what is being done to follow this up?
Written response from the Mayor
The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime raised this issue with the Home Secretary some time ago. When answering questions asked by the PCC he was referring to his latest meetings with her.

The issue is discussed with the Home Office from time to time and will no doubt be raised again as budget discussions continue.

New police dispersal order powers
Question No: 2015/2799
Andrew Dismore
Will the Metropolitan Police use new dispersal order powers at events such as bonfire night and the switching on of Christmas lights?
Written response from the Mayor
Whilst, the police have a number of tools at their disposal to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, including powers of dispersal, which they will deploy in response to relevant intelligence and using their professional judgement, as and when necessary; they will not seek to disrupt community events unless there is an overriding public safety need.

The Home Office guidance relating to these tools, which clearly explains where each can be used, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/352562/ASB_Guidance_v8_July2014_final__2_.pdf