Andrew Dismore

This is an update on my previous questions in September

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

Reply

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.