Dismore raises impact of HS2 on Fire Brigade attendance times

Press release: immediate 2/10/15

Andrew Dismore, London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden and member of LFEPA, the Fire Authority for London, questioned London’s Fire Commissioner about the impact of HS2 on the ability of the Fire Brigade to respond to emergency calls in Camden at the Fire Authority meeting yesterday (1/10/15).

Having previously raised the issue by written question (answer below) Mr Dismore asked  the Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson:

‘The 10 years or more of HS2 construction work will  inevitably impact on the ability of fire engines form Euston, Kentish Town and West Hampstead to attend emergency calls; and for fire engines from stations south of Euston Road to attend calls north of the road. Remember the big fire not so long ago  at Camden Lock which required  pumps form further afield?

‘HS2 will bring road closures, road narrowing (for example at the important north/ south main artery  Hampstead Road), and increased congestion.

‘As we start to develop the next fire plan for London, the’ LSP 6’ scheme, which will be in force during the construction phase of HS2, will you ensure that the plan reflects the impact on the ability of the Brigade to attend promptly emergency calls in Camden and the ability of Camden fire stations to attend calls elsewhere?’

Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson replied  that he would do so.

After the meeting, Mr Dismore added:

‘Ron Dobson’s reply was very welcome, but we will need to keep a close eye on this, especially after the closure of Camden’s Belsize and Clerkenwell Fire

Stations as a consequence of the current LSP5 fire plan and the impact on emergency attendance in the area.

‘The Fire Authority has not petitioned against the HS2 Bill  as yet, relying on  informal  discussions with HS2 Ltd. I am not convinced this is the best way to ensure the Brigade’s requirements  will be taken into account, and so I am now urging the Authority to petition against the Bill before it is too late.’

Written answer from Fire Commissioner:

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.

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