MQT answers feb 17
USA Embassy and the congestion charge
Question No: 2017/0222
Andrew Dismore
The USA embassy has consistently refused to pay its congestion charge bill. What is the total now due; and as there is a new President in the USA will you take the opportunity to raise this matter with him, and send him the bill?
Written response from the Mayor
Information about outstanding debt owed by Embassies and Diplomatic Missions for non-payment of the Congestion Charge is regularly published by Transport for London at the following link: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/cclez-online-factsheet-embassy-debt.pdf
The next report is due to be published by the end of this month and will show all debts outstanding until 31 December 2016. USA Embassy debt as at 31 December 2016 is £11,544,455.
Brexit
Question No: 2017/0554
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the findings of the London Chamber of Commerce and Innovation survey of just over 500 firms, that cutting immigration into the UK would have a negative impact on London’s economic growth, according to over half of these capital’s businesses; and that three in five firms said London should prioritise growth, even if that means increasing EU migration?
Written response from the Mayor
It is clear that access to skills and talent is one of the primary attractions for businesses locating in London. Even with freedom of movement, many employers are raising the issue of skills shortages. My Skills for Londoners will bring a stronger strategic approach to the long term skills and training opportunities in the capital. London, as the world’s leading city, will always draw on a rich supply of global talent and skills to remain competitive. Any future immigration system will need to ensure this for the good of the capital and country – as when London grows, the UK grows.
London’s higher education institutions
Question No: 2017/0555
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with more than 180 top academics from London’s leading higher education institutions who have united to warn that government reforms risk undermining the capital’s great universities in that they claim that changes to the way universities are organised and assessed would damage London’s stature and deter students, particularly those from overseas, from choosing to study here?
Written response from the Mayor
The Department for Education needs to ensure that the metrics used for the Teaching Excellence Framework reflect the quality of degree, the employability strengths and valuable life experience students get by studying in the capital.
As the recent Times Higher Education Best University City shows, London remains the world’s leading city for study and research.
London will attract new providers and I welcome this. London is a national asset and I am delighted the likes of Bath, Loughborough and Warwick have opened campuses in recent years.
However, when considering degree-awarding powers for new providers, the Government needs to prioritise the quality of provision to ensure our reputation for higher education is maintained.
South Asian and Chinese restaurants
Question No: 2017/0556
Andrew Dismore
London’s south Asian and Chinese restaurants are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the skilled staff they need, especially chefs, which is threatening the future continuity of business for many, with some closures already. This is primarily down to Government immigration policy. Will you conduct a survey of this sector to establish the full extent of the problem and make representations to Government to allow this important and popular sector of London’s hospitality industry to thrive?
Written response from the Mayor
There are a number of reasons why some parts of the restaurants industry may face challenges in recruiting sufficient skilled staff. I know that the breadth and excellence of our restaurant sector, as part of the wider hospitality industry, helps to make London one of the greatest food cities in the world.
I am committed to London remaining open to the world and I will continue to urge the Government to make sure we have a flexible visa system that supports businesses to recruit talent and meet skills needs, where these cannot be met domestically.
Future funding of the Met.
Question No: 2017/0589
Andrew Dismore
What representations have you made to Government and when, about the future funding of the Met.?
Written response from the Mayor
My Deputy Mayor and I have made a number of representations to the Home Office and other government departments about the need for increased funding for the MPS to cover the current £174 million shortfall in the National and International Capital Cities Grant and the importance of ensuring London is protected when decisions about the future funding formula are made.
I discussed this with the Home Secretary last year and the Minister for London, Gavin Barwell MP early this year. My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, has also raised this in writing with the Police Minister, Brandon Lewis MP, on several occasions over the past few months, in recent telephone conversations and, at a formal meeting on the matter in early February.
MOPAC officials have also been working with the MPS to ensure our engagement across London is consistent in making the case for policing in the capital.
drugs and alcohol support workers
Question No: 2017/0606
Andrew Dismore
Is MOPAC cutting funding for drugs and alcohol support workers embedded in custody suites, and if so by how much and why?
Written response from the Mayor
Responsibility for commissioning alcohol and drug workers in MPS custody suites lies with the local authorities.
MOPAC funds the local authorities through the London Crime Prevention Fund (LCPF). I have protected and maintained the LCPF at £72m over the next four years, despite continued pressures on the police budget.
The majority of the LCPF is direct funding to local authorities, who have discretion to allocate this to local priorities aligned to the Police and Crime Plan.
MOPAC also funds a minimum of £1.5m for MPS drug testing in police custody suites.
MOPAC will be working with Local Authorities, MPS, NHS England and Public Health England to review London drug treatment and testing arrangements. This will aid future funding and commissioning decisions.
children held in custody [1]
Question No: 2017/0607
Andrew Dismore
Further to question 2016/4842, the answer to which provided a table of the numbers of children held in custody by age and length of time, will you provide a breakdown of that table to indicate for each box , the number of children held in custody under investigation; and the number held on post charge remand?
Written response from the Mayor
It is important that appropriate safeguards are in place for all children who come into contact with the police and that they are not held in police custody unnecessarily.
I will use my Police and Crime Plan to set out my intention to use MOPAC’s oversight powers to scrutinise the number of young people going into police custody and the effective and appropriate use of triage and out of court disposals.
Please find below the breakdown as requested:
| Age at arrest | Under investigation (pre-charge) /no charge | Post charge | Overnight (4hrs or more between 00:00 & 08:00) in custody |
| Under 12: | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 12 | 72 | 5 | 77 |
| 13 | 301 | 41 | 342 |
| 14 | 807 | 152 | 959 |
| 15 | 1402 | 319 | 1721 |
| 16 | 1854 | 357 | 2211 |
Note the following caveats: This data relates to individual custody records where there was a detention authorised between 1/11/2015 and 31/10/2016.
The definition of overnight detention “post Charge” is that the detainee was in a custody suite for four or more hours between 00:00 and 08:00 AFTER the relevant Disposal Form had been issued. It should be noted that as many of 781 of the Overnight Pre-Charge detainees could have been arrested for being wanted on Warrant, Breach of Bail etc. and not for the purpose of investigation
children held in custody [2]
Question No: 2017/0608
Andrew Dismore
In relation to requests by the Met to local authorities to provide a) secure and b) non secure accommodation for children held in custody, in relation to each category i) how many requests were made and ii) how many request were complied with , in the last 3 calendar years?
Written response from the Mayor
Data on the status of juveniles detained after charge is not available pre-April 2016 and has therefore been provided for the period of 26 April 2016 to 8 February 2017. This is due to an inability to search the data systems that were in place at that time. Having been identified, a process is now in place to ensure data is accurately recorded and more easily retrievable.
During the time period 26 April 2016 to 8 February 2017 there were:
- 102 (9.5%) Secure accommodation requests
10 were offered accommodation – two in foster care as agreed with Social Services and two in Bristol. Six juveniles were not placed in the accommodation offered because of the limited time between charge and court appearance and the distance to the accommodation.
- 654 (60.9%) Non-secure accommodation requests
35 juveniles were offered accommodation – 10 were place in local authority care and 3 were returned to their homes as agreed with Social Services. The remaining 22 offers were for places as far afield as Durham and Cheshire and were rejected because of the limited time between charge and court appearance and the distance to the accommodation.
- 158 juveniles for whom a request for accommodation was not made – these juveniles were transferred to court within a matter of hours after detention, so no request was submitted.
- 59 juveniles for whom accommodation was required, but contact could not be established with the local authority.
- 101 records that are currently being reviewed to ensure the data has been accurately collated.
The data above indicates that between 26 April 2016 and 8 February 2017, 1074 juveniles were detained in police custody overnight. In total 756 requests for [secure and non-secure] accommodation were made to local authorities (who have the responsibility for providing this accommodation). Appropriate accommodation was only offered to 45 juveniles and more than half of those were for placements outside of London.
It is unacceptable that very many young people are not able to access appropriate accommodation and that when it is offered they often have to travel miles out of London to access it.
Through my Police and Crime Plan, MOPAC will work with the London Children Safeguarding Board to review the effectiveness of current provision of local authority accommodation so that we can work together to find solutions to this troubling problem.
Brexit
Question No: 2017/0554
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the findings of the London Chamber of Commerce and Innovation survey of just over 500 firms, that cutting immigration into the UK would have a negative impact on London’s economic growth, according to over half of these capital’s businesses; and that three in five firms said London should prioritise growth, even if that means increasing EU migration?
Written response from the Mayor
It is clear that access to skills and talent is one of the primary attractions for businesses locating in London. Even with freedom of movement, many employers are raising the issue of skills shortages. My Skills for Londoners will bring a stronger strategic approach to the long term skills and training opportunities in the capital. London, as the world’s leading city, will always draw on a rich supply of global talent and skills to remain competitive. Any future immigration system will need to ensure this for the good of the capital and country – as when London grows, the UK grows.
London’s higher education institutions
Question No: 2017/0555
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with more than 180 top academics from London’s leading higher education institutions who have united to warn that government reforms risk undermining the capital’s great universities in that they claim that changes to the way universities are organised and assessed would damage London’s stature and deter students, particularly those from overseas, from choosing to study here?
Written response from the Mayor
The Department for Education needs to ensure that the metrics used for the Teaching Excellence Framework reflect the quality of degree, the employability strengths and valuable life experience students get by studying in the capital.
As the recent Times Higher Education Best University City shows, London remains the world’s leading city for study and research.
London will attract new providers and I welcome this. London is a national asset and I am delighted the likes of Bath, Loughborough and Warwick have opened campuses in recent years.
However, when considering degree-awarding powers for new providers, the Government needs to prioritise the quality of provision to ensure our reputation for higher education is maintained.
South Asian and Chinese restaurants
Question No: 2017/0556
Andrew Dismore
London’s south Asian and Chinese restaurants are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the skilled staff they need, especially chefs, which is threatening the future continuity of business for many, with some closures already. This is primarily down to Government immigration policy. Will you conduct a survey of this sector to establish the full extent of the problem and make representations to Government to allow this important and popular sector of London’s hospitality industry to thrive?
Written response from the Mayor
There are a number of reasons why some parts of the restaurants industry may face challenges in recruiting sufficient skilled staff. I know that the breadth and excellence of our restaurant sector, as part of the wider hospitality industry, helps to make London one of the greatest food cities in the world.
I am committed to London remaining open to the world and I will continue to urge the Government to make sure we have a flexible visa system that supports businesses to recruit talent and meet skills needs, where these cannot be met domestically.
Improving internet connectivity in East Finchley
Question No: 2017/0557
Andrew Dismore
I understand that Fiber-Optic cabling does not extend to the Strawberry Vale estate in East Finchley. Given the importance of accessing information and services online, will you undertake to write to BT and ask them to investigate how they can improve internet service here, and if they can extend Fiber-Optic cabling if needed?
Written response from the Mayor
I have committed in my manifesto to improving London’s connectivity, making it a priority to tackle London’s ‘notspots’, ensuring better access to public-sector property for digital infrastructure, and treating digital infrastructure with the same status as other key public utilities.
As there are many factors that contribute to fibre availability in an area, I will ask my officers to contact you and provide guidance on next steps.
Air Pollution impact of Two-way proposal – Baker Street
Question No: 2017/0558
Andrew Dismore
Has an air quality assessment of the proposed two-way for Baker Street & Gloucester Place been undertaken by TfL or Westminster City Council in the light of it running through one of London’s biggest hot spots for air pollution. If so, with what results? And if not, why not?
Written response from the Mayor
An independent assessment of the air quality impacts of the Baker Street two-way project was carried out in February 2016.
The report concluded that the scheme will have a significant beneficial air quality impact and is available from the Baker Street Two Way Project website at: http://www.bakerstreettwoway.co.uk/pdfs/Baker-Street-Air-Quality-Assessment.pdf.
Tube Noise Complaints in London
Question No: 2017/0559
Andrew Dismore
Can you please give the numbers of tube noise complaints TfL have received for the past 5 years – 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 – and their location on the tube map?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Buses on Oxford Street
Question No: 2017/0560
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/4844:
“If the Elizabeth Line, when open, is being used as an excuse to cut bus routes that use Oxford St, will bus passengers be able to travel on the Elizabeth Line for free for the length of Oxford St, to pick up another bus at the other end of Oxford Street?”
Your response being:
“The opening of the Elizabeth line will be the most significant transformation to transport in central London for a generation and we predict there will be a reduction in bus use along Oxford Street when it comes into operation in two years’ time. It is entirely appropriate for wider transport networks to be re-examined as part of this huge project.
We plan to consult on a scheme to transform Oxford Street next year.”
By how many and what percentage do you predict that bus use along Oxford St will reduce as a result of the Elizabeth Line; will you now answer the original substantive question,
namely ‘will bus passengers be able to travel on the Elizabeth Line for free for the length of Oxford St, to pick up another bus at the other end of Oxford Street?'; and in due course when you have cut Oxford St buses, will you provide a ‘mobility shuttle’ for disabled people?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
PCN mitigation
Question No: 2017/0561
Andrew Dismore
In a recent case involving one of my constituents, it transpires that local authorities, who do not accept PCN appeal representations solely based on mitigating factors, are not making clear to those appealing in their rejection letters that the London Tribunal does not accept mitigating factors as a ground to cancel a PCN. Residents are thus erroneously led to make a further appeal to the Tribunal when they have zero chance of success, and so end up having to pay the full penalty fare instead of the discounted early pay rate. Will you undertake to write to all Councils in London to advise them that they should make clear in their appeal rejection letters that appeals solely based on mitigating factors are not accepted by London Tribunals as a ground for cancelling a PCN, which will save Londoners money?
Written response from the Mayor
All London enforcing authorities, including TfL, have a duty to inform customers of their statutory rights in relation to the process for appealing a PCN. The decision to exercise those rights remains entirely with the PCN recipient. The information contained in the Notice of Rejection letters from enforcing authorities is a matter for the individual boroughs, authorities and London Councils.
In February, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) published a report on its investigation into ensuring good practice in the management of parking and traffic penalties. One of the report’s findings was that Councils should do more to inform motorists of their rights when issuing parking and traffic penalties, including providing clear and transparent information to improve trust between motorists and authorities and to save motorists from paying unnecessary charges. I support the LGO’s findings and, as the Joint Committee for London with respect to parking and traffic enforcement, I urge London Councils to note these findings.
London enforcing authorities must also sign up to London Councils’ Code of Practice as a condition of enforcement.
Colindale tube station
Question No: 2017/0562
Andrew Dismore
It has long been established that this station is in need of an upgrade especially due to the rapidly rising population served by the station. What is the present position with the upgrade; what form will the upgrade take; how will it be financed; what is the timetable for this; and when is it expected to be completed?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is currently talking to the London Borough of Barnet about the scope of plans to upgrade Colindale station. TfL expects to share these proposals more widely by summer 2017.
The current proposal is to build a new station building with a larger entrance hall on the existing station car park and to install a lift to provide step-free access to platform level.
The project would be jointly financed by Barnet, TfL’s step-free access fund and a significant Section 106 contribution from Redrow, the developer of the former Metropolitan Police Service training college.
Once a design is agreed, TfL intends to progress the scheme using its own planning powers, with construction planned to start in spring 2019 and with a view to opening the new station entrance and step-free access in summer 2020.
Pedestrian crossing in Wood Street High Barnet
Question No: 2017/0563
Andrew Dismore
What public consultation did TfL undertake with High Barnet local residents, pensioner organisations, and with any users of the crossing, particularly the parents of the numerous small children who use the playground which is just inside the Old Court House Recreation Ground, about the changes to the crossing?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TFL‘s Archway gyratory scheme
Question No: 2017/0564
Andrew Dismore
Will you conduct an urgent review of this scheme which is not helping cyclists, pedestrians or bus users and is creating significant traffic congestion?
Cyclists ask “what is the point?” of the very wide cycle lanes around the gyratory which they don’t use in any number on the Highgate Hill and Archway road lanes. Serious tailbacks occur in St. John’s Way as one can no longer turn right from here into Highgate Road. Bus users must descend into the cycle lane (heading north) at the first stop on the Archway Road. This is a death trap and deters bus users. In the interim will you ask TFL to allow a right turn into Highgate Road from St. John’s Way?
Written response from the Mayor
The changes at Archway are nearing completion and have already transformed the gyratory from one-way to two-way traffic. When completed later this year, there will be a new public space in the heart of the town, creating a more pleasant and accessible environment for those that visit, work and live in the area.
The significantly improved pedestrian and cycling facilities address many issues at what was previously an intimidating place for vulnerable road users.
TfL wants bus users and cyclists to be safe, and feel safe, when using bus stop bypasses including the one on Archway Road. TfL is working closely with stakeholder groups to further develop bus stop bypass design, including trialling the use of zebra crossings.
The working group for the trial includes a range of user groups such as the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Guide Dogs Association, Age UK, and the London Cycling Campaign. In the meantime, the bus stop bypasses associated with the Archway scheme have passed thorough design and road safety checks, and TfL will carefully monitor their operation.
During the design of the Archway scheme, TfL concluded that allowing a right turn from St John’s Way into Archway Road is not possible given the available road space, road safety concerns and negative impacts on all junction users. Allowing the turn would substantially increase journey times for bus passengers and other traffic on St John’s Way and Holloway Road.
The new layout at Archway will only be fully operational once the new public space is completed later this year. TfL has committed to monitoring the Archway scheme after it is completed to assess the benefits and impacts, and any necessary changes needed will be identified and agreed with the London Borough of Islington.
TfL permits to erect scaffolding on the highway and pavement on red routes
Question No: 2017/0565
Andrew Dismore
What steps do TfL take to ensure that when granting or continuing a permit for scaffolding on a red route, such as at 154 to 160 Camden High Street, that the scaffolding is needed; that the work for which it is required is being done expeditiously; and what consideration is given to the impact on neighbouring homes and business which may be affected by the scaffolding?
Written response from the Mayor
I understand that the works at 154 to 160 Camden High Street have now progressed to a stage which has allowed the scaffold to be removed.
TfL’s standard scaffolding licence conditions can be viewed on its website at: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/urban-planning-and-construction/highway-licences. Scaffold licences are time-limited to a maximum of 10 weeks, after which the need for the scaffold is regularly reviewed and the licence extended or refused as appropriate. Standard conditions require all licensed activities to be undertaken promptly and efficiently and all equipment or materials to be cleared from the highway at the earliest practicable opportunity.
When considering the granting of a scaffold licence, TfL takes account of the safety of highway users, the practicality of undertaking the works by alternative means and other site-specific factors.
Victoria Line Tube Noise, Chalton St NW1
Question No: 2017/0566
Andrew Dismore
Residents have complained for over six months, about noise levels exceeding 52dB (against a recommended limit of 35dB) from the Victoria Line in this area. Will you ensure TfL produces a clear noise mitigation plan to bring back tube noise at an acceptable level; schedule for the noise reduction works; and clear and measurable noise targets?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is aware of, and has investigated, complaints from Chalton Street residents and plans to smooth the Victoria line rails in both directions using a grinding train on 19 and 22 March. TfL is confident that noise levels will significantly reduce as a result.
After the work has been completed, TfL’s noise experts will contact all affected residents to arrange for follow-up measurements to be taken. TfL will share those results and will continue to work with the residents to ensure that their noise concerns are addressed.
CS11
Question No: 2017/0567
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/4391:
‘TfL have had no stakeholder meetings in Camden Town concerning CS11 even though the proposals have an impact there as well as in Swiss Cottage, as there is an issue about diversionary traffic heading onto residential streets to the east of Regents Park when Albany Street and Prince Albert Road become the main alternative route to the outer circle for traffic in peak hours (because of the shutting of gates into the park for CS11). These two roads are also affected by HS2 major utility works and are the primary HGV routes for their lorry holding area in the zoo car park, which will then journey to the main site compound and work sites on Hampstead Road, bringing under present plans one HGV every three minutes for ten hours a day on Albany Street for several years. Will you now arrange for a stakeholder consultation meeting in Camden Town over CS11 as soon as possible?’
Your response being:
‘TfL’s public consultation on the CS11 proposals included sending out leaflets, emails and notices to stakeholders, visiting businesses and organisations and five public drop-in sessions to give people the opportunity to ask questions about the scheme. Six thousand responses were received, which compares favourably with similar schemes. TfL has also held a number of meetings with local stakeholders to discuss the consultation proposals, including campaign groups from Westminster and Camden, as well as transport and road user groups, representatives from the freight industry, London TravelWatch, cycling campaign groups, pedestrian campaign groups, residents’ associations, MPs, local councillors and Assembly Members.
I have asked TfL officers to liaise with you and Camden Town councillors to provide a briefing on progress with this important scheme.’
How many each of leaflets, emails, and notices to stakeholders were sent to residents in Camden Town a) in Albany Street and Prince Albert Road b) their ward councillors and c) generally?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL sent notification emails to all Camden Town and Primrose Hill Ward councillors when the Cycle Superhighway 11 consultation was launched. Some 1,563 consultation leaflets were delivered to residents and businesses in Albany Street and Prince Albert Road, while 2,695 leaflets were delivered to properties on roads in the Camden Town and Primrose Hill Ward.
TfL emailed 150,000 people who live locally or are known to travel through the area. In addition, 600 businesses and organisations near the scheme were sent emails, supplementing contacts from TfL’s own database with information provided by the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster.
Cycling on the pavement
Question No: 2017/0568
Andrew Dismore
The press have reported that cyclists riding on the pavement will not face enforcement action. This activity can be dangerous for pedestrians for whom the pavement is intended. Is this in fact Met policy; if so do you agree with it, and if so why; and if not, what do you propose to do about it?
Now cyclists are told: You won’t be fined for riding on pavements
Daily Mail (Main), 23/01/2017, p.25, Chris Greenwood
Police in Camden are allowing cyclists to ride on pavements without punishment. Sgt Nick Clarke said: ‘Riding on the pavement is technically illegal, just like being drunk in a pub is technically illegal, but we don’t enforce it unless we have good reason.’
Written response from the Mayor
Please also see my response to MQ 2017 /552.
I am assured that the activity led by Sergeant Nick Clarke does not allow cycling on pavements, rather it seeks to understand the holistic reasons as to why cyclists are using the pavement and to work in partnership to ensure that this is stopped safely, including prosecution where appropriate.
The additional ward officers allocated to Camden Borough will assist in responding to this and other antisocial behaviour.
Formula 1
Question No: 2017/0569
Andrew Dismore
Do you support the staging of a Formula 1 motor race on the streets of London?
Written response from the Mayor
I am always open to receiving new event proposals, but before an F1 Grand Prix could happen in London, I would want to see a significant reduction in the emissions currently emitted by the cars.
Dedicated football officers
Question No: 2017/0570
Andrew Dismore
How many dedicated football officers are there in the Met; how much of a Dedicated football officer’s time on average in each football division is spent on these duties; and who pays for this time?
Written response from the Mayor
There are 15 Dedicated Football Officers in the MPS, who all fall under the MPS Public Order Branch. They spend 100% of their working time performing this role and are paid from the MPS Public Order Branch budget.
DBS checks for police officers
Question No: 2017/0571
Andrew Dismore
How long, on average did it take in 2016 to complete DBS checks for candidates to become a Met police officer?
Written response from the Mayor
The Disclosure and Barring Service carries out criminal record checks for specific positions, professions, employment, offices, works and licences included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
The role of Police Officer is not eligible for such checks under the current legislation. Applicants who wish to become police officers are vetted under a separate process.
Metropolitan Police vehicle fleet [1]
Question No: 2017/0572
Andrew Dismore
How many motor vehicles (including motor cycles) does the Met. own or lease, by type of vehicle ?
Written response from the Mayor
As of 13th February 2017 the Met vehicle fleet is comprised of the following:
| Type of Vehicle | Quantity |
| Cars | 3351 |
| Vans | 1120 |
| Motorcycles | 344 |
| HGV’s | 114 |
| Total | 4929 |
Metropolitan Police vehicle fleet [2]
Question No: 2017/0573
Andrew Dismore
Of the vehicles (including motor cycles) owned or leased by the Met. by category, what is their useful life expectancy and how frequently are they replaced?
Written response from the Mayor
The planned life parameters within the vehicle categories varies according to the different roles performed by individual vehicles. The ranges are summarised in the following table:
| Type of Vehicle | Planned Life Parameters (months) |
| Cars | 36 – 180 |
| Vans | 36 – 180 |
| Motorcycles | 60 – 120 |
| HGV’s | 60 – 180 |
Operational vehicles achieving higher than expected mileages can be replaced early, and those achieving lower than expected mileages may be retained on the fleet for longer than originally planned.
Metropolitan Police vehicle fleet [3]
Question No: 2017/0574
Andrew Dismore
Of the vehicles (including motor cycles) owned or leased by the Met. by category, what percentage of their construction and components is built in other EU countries and what percentage wholly within the UK?
Written response from the Mayor
No details are held on the origins of the components that vehicle manufacturers use to construct cars, vans or motorcycles.
Metropolitan Police vehicle fleet [4]
Question No: 2017/0575
Andrew Dismore
Of the vehicles (including motor cycles) owned or leased by the Met. by category, what was the unit price and date of the last replacements before June 2016?
Written response from the Mayor
Average combined purchase and conversion costs for vehicles entering service between 1st June 2014 and 31st March 2016 in core MPS roles are shown in the following table:
Vehicle Role |
Average Cost |
|
Area Car |
Liveried |
£32,706 |
Armed Response Vehicle |
Liveried |
£39,626 |
General Purpose Car |
Unmarked |
£11,654 |
Incident Response Vehicle |
Liveried |
£17,129 |
Station Van |
Liveried |
£28,859 |
Traffic MotorcycleHGV Equipment Carrier |
LiveriedLiveried |
£13,314 None entering service in date range£71,355 None entering service in date range |
Note: The MPS Vehicle Replacement Programme (VRP) is planned and implemented on an annual basis with the resulting replacement of individual vehicles happening throughout the financial year.
Metropolitan Police marine craft fleet [1]
Question No: 2017/0576
Andrew Dismore
How many marine craft does the Met. own or lease, by type of craft?
Written response from the Mayor
As of 13th February 2017 the Met marine fleet is comprised of the following:
| Type of Craft | Quantity |
| Boat | 8 |
| Rigid Inflatable | 4 |
| Inflatable | 13 |
| Total | 25 |
Metropolitan Police marine craft fleet [2]
Question No: 2017/0577
Andrew Dismore
Of the marine craft owned or leased by the Met by category, what is their useful life expectancy and how frequently are they replaced?
Written response from the Mayor
The planned life parameters for the different categories of marine craft are shown in the following table:
| Type of Craft | Planned Life Parameters (months) |
| Boat | 144 |
| Rigid Inflatable | 84 |
| Inflatable | 84 |
As with the vehicle fleet, replacement dates for individual marine craft are reviewed according to usage and condition as the planned replacement date approaches
Metropolitan Police marine craft fleet [3]
Question No: 2017/0578
Andrew Dismore
Of the marine craft owned or leased by the Met. by category, what percentage of their construction and components is built in other EU countries and what percentage wholly within the UK?
Written response from the Mayor
No details are held on the origins of the components that manufacturers use to construct marine vessels.
Metropolitan Police marine craft fleet [4]
Question No: 2017/0579
Andrew Dismore
Of the marine craft owned or leased by the Met. by category, what was the unit price and date of the last replacements before June 2016?
Written response from the Mayor
The last replacement date and combined purchase and conversion costs for the last replacement in the different categories of marine craft are shown in the following table:
| Vehicle Role | Last Replacement | Cost |
| Boat | May 2012 | £241,922.00 |
| Rigid Inflatable | Nov 2010 | £198,392.06 |
| Inflatable | Apr 2012 | £87,934.72 |
Metropolitan Police procurement
Question No: 2017/0580
Andrew Dismore
What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on the Met.’s future procurement of a) vehicles and b) marine craft?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL staff from other EU countries
Question No: 2017/0581
Andrew Dismore
How many staff presently employed by TfL are nationals of other EU countries?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL checks the right to work for all candidates at the interview stage. This may be a valid working visa or EU passport from any EU country. TfL does not record the specific country in the case of EU passports so it is not possible for TfL to provide the number you request.
The nationality of candidates for roles at TfL is collected on a self-declaration basis only and, therefore, could not be used to accurately count the number of staff from other EU countries.
LFB staff from other EU countries
Question No: 2017/0582
Andrew Dismore
How many a) operational and b) FRS staff presently employed by London Fire Brigade are nationals of other EU countries?
Written response from the Mayor
When appointing staff, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) ensures that they have the right to work in the UK.
At present, LFB staff data sets do not record nationality or allow LFB to distinguish between UK, EU (excluding UK), and other nationals.
This information could only be determined by checking individual staff files. This will be reviewed when legislative changes are proposed or the Government issues guidance.
Met Police staff from other EU countries
Question No: 2017/0583
Andrew Dismore
How many a) warranted officers b) civilian staff and c) special constables presently employed by the Metropolitan Police are nationals of other EU countries?
Written response from the Mayor
As of the 31st December the total MPS workforce was 44,036 and comprised of the following EU nationals:
Warranted officers 708
Police Staff (including PCSOs) 295
Special Constables 237
GLA staff from other EU countries
Question No: 2017/0584
Andrew Dismore
How many staff presently employed by GLA are nationals of other EU countries?
Written response from the Mayor
The GLA does not routinely ask for details of nationality at the point of recruitment or commencement. We collect all equalities data as required by the Equality Act and we, of course, request proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
The HR system allows staff to include nationality information on the employee self-service module of the system but many staff have chosen not to do this.
Therefore we only have data on the nationality of 70% of the workforce, those staff who have chosen to enter this. The data is therefore not comprehensive.
From this data, 34 people (4.2%) are recorded as nationals of other EU countries.
TfL procurement
Question No: 2017/0585
Andrew Dismore
What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on TfL’s future procurement of a) buses b) underground trains and c) other equipment?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is exposed to foreign currency movements through major procurements and has procedures in place to identify and mitigate this exposure during the procurement process, when they become certain and after a contract is agreed. Any currency exposure ultimately depends on the identity of the successful bidder, so it is impossible to estimate what this impact could be until after contracts are finalised.
TfL has a number of active procurements, including the purchase of rolling stock, which may result in currency exposure. However, these procurements are commercially sensitive and, as such, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific projects. At any given time, TfL manages financial risk relating to exchange rate movement of £100m to £200m. TfL keeps this risk under close review as each procurement progresses.
TfL does not anticipate any impact in relation to bus procurement as bus services are delivered under concession agreements with bus operators. The bus operators purchase the majority of buses on the network, not TfL, and TfL does not anticipate a potential future drop in the value of Sterling to impact on negotiating future contracts with these operators.
GLA procurement
Question No: 2017/0586
Andrew Dismore
What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on GLA’s future procurement?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Borough policing priorities public involvement
Question No: 2017/0587
Andrew Dismore
How will the public be involved in the setting of Borough policing priorities?
Written response from the Mayor
Borough leaders have been contributing to the discussion on local priorities based on their local assessments, crime statistics and local residents’ priorities.
As Mayor, my role is to hold the MPS Commissioner to account and, as explained in the draft plan, local crime priorities will be set in my plan for the Commissioner, based on this evidence and data and with consultation with local borough leaders.
Borough policing priorities SNB involvement
Question No: 2017/0588
Andrew Dismore
How will borough SNBs be involved in the setting of Borough policing priorities?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of that local community, Safer Neighbourhood Boards are well placed through their regular engagement with senior borough police officers to discuss local policing.
I would encourage all Safer Neighbourhood Boards to discuss this issue with their local policing leads to ensure that their views are included.
Future funding of the Met.
Question No: 2017/0589
Andrew Dismore
What representations have you made to Government and when, about the future funding of the Met.?
Written response from the Mayor
My Deputy Mayor and I have made a number of representations to the Home Office and other government departments about the need for increased funding for the MPS to cover the current £174 million shortfall in the National and International Capital Cities Grant and the importance of ensuring London is protected when decisions about the future funding formula are made.
I discussed this with the Home Secretary last year and the Minister for London, Gavin Barwell MP early this year. My Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, has also raised this in writing with the Police Minister, Brandon Lewis MP, on several occasions over the past few months, in recent telephone conversations and, at a formal meeting on the matter in early February.
MOPAC officials have also been working with the MPS to ensure our engagement across London is consistent in making the case for policing in the capital.
Restorative justice
Question No: 2017/0590
Andrew Dismore
For each of the last three years, how much was MOPAC awarded by the Government for restorative justice; in each year, how much was spent; and what happened to any underspend?
Written response from the Mayor
MOPAC is awarded an annual grant by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for the provision of services for victims. Such services may include the provision of restorative justice (RJ), but the MOJ have not applied a ring-fence to this fund for the sole purpose of commissioning RJ services.
Through this funding MOPAC has supported locally commissioned services and is now committed to making a significant investment over the next two years in the delivery of a pan-London service.
MOPAC’s expenditure on RJ to date is as indicated in the table below.
| Year | Expenditure (£) |
| 2014/15 (from October 2014) | 20,000.00 |
| 2015/16 | 250,000.00 |
| 2016/17 | 302,911.00 |
| 2017 – 2019 | 997,089.00 |
Cutting bus route 13
Question No: 2017/0591
Andrew Dismore
TfL have now announced that they intend to go ahead with their plan to cut bus route 13 despite the overwhelming opposition to the scheme in the public consultation, including ignoring the petition against it too. What is the point of TfL consulting the public when they always ignore the outcome of any given consultation if it does not agree with what they intend to do?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL considers all feedback carefully before deciding how to proceed on a scheme following public consultation. While the proportion of support for or against a scheme offers a way of assessing the attitudes of respondents, other factors must also be taken into account, including the detailed content of consultation responses, feedback from other forms of engagement, available funding, passenger usage, technical information and wider strategic imperatives. This information helps to determine the best way to achieve a scheme’s objectives.
TfL did not ignore the petition on route 13 and it is explicitly included in their summary of consultation responses: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/routes-13-82-113-139-189/.
Changes to route 13 are part of a wider set of changes in this area to ensure the network adapts to changing patterns of demand.
Merged Met. Borough pilots [1]
Question No: 2017/0592
Andrew Dismore
By what objective criteria will the success (or otherwise) of the merged Met. Borough pilots be assessed and measured?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Merged Met. Borough pilots [2]
Question No: 2017/0593
Andrew Dismore
How will the merged Borough pilots be overseen at Met and local level?
Written response from the Mayor
The merged borough pilots, known as ‘Pathfinder BCUs’, are part of the MPS’s Transformation programme overseen by the MPS’s Management Board and MOPAC.
Each of the two Pathfinder BCUs has its own Oversight Board which includes the MPS, MOPAC and local authority Leaders and Chief Executives.
These Oversight Boards are in turn supported by Project Boards involving the MPS and local authority partners.
Merged Met. Borough pilots [3]
Question No: 2017/0594
Andrew Dismore
what risk assessments were made prior to merging Boroughs in the pilots; and will you publish them?
Written response from the Mayor
The merged borough pilots , known as ‘Pathfinder BCUs’, are part of the MPS’s Transformation programme overseen by the MPS’s Management Board and MOPAC.
The BCU Pathfinders have been subject to a strategic business case process, which include the consideration of risk and benefits.
An evaluation of the Pathfinders will be made in the summer of 2017, which will help determine the suitability of the BCU model for roll out across London.
Detectives in the Met
Question No: 2017/0595
Andrew Dismore
By how many detectives is the Met short of what is needed; and what are you doing to fill the gap?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Impact of HS2 on Euston
Question No: 2017/0596
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/0215
Further to Question No: 2016/4854:
Further to Question No: 2016/4380:
In August you wrote a very welcome letter to the Secretary of State for Transport about the impact of HS2 on Euston setting out your concerns on behalf of residents after you met with local representatives. Details of this appeared in the Evening Standard last month. Have you received a reply yet; and if so, will you publish it; and if not what are you doing to press for a reply?
Your response being:
The Secretary of State responded to my letter on 10 October, stating that he shares my desire to maximise the opportunity HS2 presents locally and wants to see a comprehensive redevelopment of Euston.
His response also recognises that it is critical to mitigate the impacts of construction on people living and working around the Euston area. Whilst the SoS’s response provides some reassurance, I will continue to push for a better outcome at Euston to reduce the impacts of HS2 and protect peoples quality of life and livelihoods.
Will you now publish the Secretary of State’s letter of 10th October?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
As this is the third time this question has been raised, will you now answer it substantively and publish the Secretary of State’s letter of 10th October?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my earlier response to MQ 2016/ 4380 (as below).
The Secretary of State responded to my letter on 10 October, stating that he shares my desire to maximise the opportunity HS2 presents locally and wants to see a comprehensive redevelopment of Euston.
His response also recognises that it is critical to mitigate the impacts of construction on people living and working around the Euston area. Whilst the SoS’s response provides some reassurance, I will continue to push for a better outcome at Euston to reduce the impacts of HS2 and protect peoples quality of life and livelihoods.
I have asked my officers to contact you directly on this matter.
Camden Street
Question No: 2017/0597
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/0253
The lack of pedestrian crossing on the east side of the Camden St/Camden Rd junction is proving very difficult for the school commute for children and their families from Hawley and St Martin’s Primary Schools. Will you ensure that officers from TfL actively propose improvements to pedestrian crossings as part of their ongoing review of traffic flow in the area?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/253.
USA Embassy and the congestion charge
Question No: 2017/0598
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No Question No: 2017/0222
The USA embassy has consistently refused to pay its congestion charge bill. What is the total now due; and as there is a new President in the USA will you take the opportunity to raise this matter with him, and send him the bill?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/222.
Archway buses
Question No: 2017/0599
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/0223
Archway is an important transport hub for residents of Barnet and Camden and other neighbouring boroughs who will have to put up with worse traffic and poorer bus connectivity if TfL’s scheme goes ahead. Of the large total of 818 responses, a massive 75% were against TfL’s scheme. Yet TfL are ignoring residents’ and commuters’ objections. What was the point in consulting when TfL are not prepared to listen to an answer they didn’t want to hear; and will you now review the scheme in light of the overwhelming opposition to it?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/4889.
Archway Gyratory [1]
Question No: 2017/0600
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/0224
Further to Question No: 2016/4889
Do you agree that a good definition of Consultation might be:
“let people know what they are proposing and why, give them a chance to comment, and conscientiously take into account their responses with an open mind before deciding whether or not to do what was proposed.”
That being the case, what was the point of the public consultation on the proposals for the Archway Gyratory scheme, if TfL have decided to ignore what the public say? Of the 818 respondents, 75% disagreed with the proposal. How is this “conscientiously taking into account responses with an open mind before deciding whether or not to do what was proposed”?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now provide a substantive reply?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
As this is now the second reminder, will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/4889.
Track maintenance north of East Finchley station
Question No: 2017/0601
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No 2017/0227
Since March of 2016 residents have suffered from a noise problem arising from overnight track maintenance just north of East Finchley station. They have suffered an unprecedented 13 nights broken sleep due to hammering and drilling on this track generally starting at 2 a.m. and lasting till 4 a.m. The work seems to concentrate on the central track – this is neither the northbound nor the southbound track, but a rarely-used track used to turn the trains around. TFL has made no attempt to give residents notice of this work or tell them when it is scheduled to be completed. One resident emailed TFL’s Freedom of Information office (foi@tfl.gov.uk) on 15th November to try to find out when the work is due to finish, but they have not bothered to reply. Will you look into the issue and give a proper reply as to what has been going on, when this will stop and ensure fair warning is given to residents?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/227.
Gallantry awards [2]
Question No: 2017/0602
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No 2017/0235
Over the last 5 years, how many London police officers have a) been recommended for and b) awarded national gallantry awards or honours in recognition of particular acts of bravery?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/235.
Sexual misconduct inquiries into police
Question No: 2017/0603
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No 2017/0248
Further to Question No: 2016/4882
Further to Question No: 2016/4395
‘The Times’ has established that there are at least 156 live sexual misconduct inquiries into police in England, Wales and Scotland. The figure includes complaints made by colleagues as well as reports by victims and witnesses, although the majority of cases are in the latter category. The true figure is likely to be higher since only a quarter of 44 forces would acknowledge live cases. How many of these are in the Met.?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now provide a substantive reply as this has been outstanding for some time?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer as this is the third reminder?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/248.
Senior officers’ perquisites
Question No: 2017/0604
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No 2017/0251
Do any senior officers receive any assistance with housing in London: and do any senior officers receive a clothing allowance towards their uniforms or otherwise; and if so in both categories, what is the value in total of these?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now give a substantive answer?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/251.
forensic reports
Question No: 2017/0605
Andrew Dismore
What is the average time for a) digital forensic reports and b) scientific forensic reports to be provided?
Written response from the Mayor
- The estimated time for digital forensic reports is 7-10 days. This includes work undertaken on self-service kiosks and the most complex digital examinations.
- The estimated time for scientific forensic reports is 67 days. This includes urgent submissions, completed in 48 hours, through to complex scientific cases that involve multiple submissions and different forensic disciplines.
drugs and alcohol support workers
Question No: 2017/0606
Andrew Dismore
Is MOPAC cutting funding for drugs and alcohol support workers embedded in custody suites, and if so by how much and why?
Written response from the Mayor
Responsibility for commissioning alcohol and drug workers in MPS custody suites lies with the local authorities.
MOPAC funds the local authorities through the London Crime Prevention Fund (LCPF). I have protected and maintained the LCPF at £72m over the next four years, despite continued pressures on the police budget.
The majority of the LCPF is direct funding to local authorities, who have discretion to allocate this to local priorities aligned to the Police and Crime Plan.
MOPAC also funds a minimum of £1.5m for MPS drug testing in police custody suites.
MOPAC will be working with Local Authorities, MPS, NHS England and Public Health England to review London drug treatment and testing arrangements. This will aid future funding and commissioning decisions.
children held in custody [1]
Question No: 2017/0607
Andrew Dismore
Further to question 2016/4842, the answer to which provided a table of the numbers of children held in custody by age and length of time, will you provide a breakdown of that table to indicate for each box , the number of children held in custody under investigation; and the number held on post charge remand?
Written response from the Mayor
It is important that appropriate safeguards are in place for all children who come into contact with the police and that they are not held in police custody unnecessarily.
I will use my Police and Crime Plan to set out my intention to use MOPAC’s oversight powers to scrutinise the number of young people going into police custody and the effective and appropriate use of triage and out of court disposals.
Please find below the breakdown as requested:
| Age at arrest | Under investigation (pre-charge) /no charge | Post charge | Overnight (4hrs or more between 00:00 & 08:00) in custody |
| Under 12: | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 12 | 72 | 5 | 77 |
| 13 | 301 | 41 | 342 |
| 14 | 807 | 152 | 959 |
| 15 | 1402 | 319 | 1721 |
| 16 | 1854 | 357 | 2211 |
Note the following caveats: This data relates to individual custody records where there was a detention authorised between 1/11/2015 and 31/10/2016.
The definition of overnight detention “post Charge” is that the detainee was in a custody suite for four or more hours between 00:00 and 08:00 AFTER the relevant Disposal Form had been issued. It should be noted that as many of 781 of the Overnight Pre-Charge detainees could have been arrested for being wanted on Warrant, Breach of Bail etc. and not for the purpose of investigation
children held in custody [2]
Question No: 2017/0608
Andrew Dismore
In relation to requests by the Met to local authorities to provide a) secure and b) non secure accommodation for children held in custody, in relation to each category i) how many requests were made and ii) how many request were complied with , in the last 3 calendar years?
Written response from the Mayor
Data on the status of juveniles detained after charge is not available pre-April 2016 and has therefore been provided for the period of 26 April 2016 to 8 February 2017. This is due to an inability to search the data systems that were in place at that time. Having been identified, a process is now in place to ensure data is accurately recorded and more easily retrievable.
During the time period 26 April 2016 to 8 February 2017 there were:
- 102 (9.5%) Secure accommodation requests
10 were offered accommodation – two in foster care as agreed with Social Services and two in Bristol. Six juveniles were not placed in the accommodation offered because of the limited time between charge and court appearance and the distance to the accommodation.
- 654 (60.9%) Non-secure accommodation requests
35 juveniles were offered accommodation – 10 were place in local authority care and 3 were returned to their homes as agreed with Social Services. The remaining 22 offers were for places as far afield as Durham and Cheshire and were rejected because of the limited time between charge and court appearance and the distance to the accommodation.
- 158 juveniles for whom a request for accommodation was not made – these juveniles were transferred to court within a matter of hours after detention, so no request was submitted.
- 59 juveniles for whom accommodation was required, but contact could not be established with the local authority.
- 101 records that are currently being reviewed to ensure the data has been accurately collated.
The data above indicates that between 26 April 2016 and 8 February 2017, 1074 juveniles were detained in police custody overnight. In total 756 requests for [secure and non-secure] accommodation were made to local authorities (who have the responsibility for providing this accommodation). Appropriate accommodation was only offered to 45 juveniles and more than half of those were for placements outside of London.
It is unacceptable that very many young people are not able to access appropriate accommodation and that when it is offered they often have to travel miles out of London to access it.
Through my Police and Crime Plan, MOPAC will work with the London Children Safeguarding Board to review the effectiveness of current provision of local authority accommodation so that we can work together to find solutions to this troubling problem.
DBS checks for nurse practitioner posts
Question No: 2017/0609
Andrew Dismore
How long did it take in the last calendar year on average to complete DBS checks for applicants for nurse practitioner posts in custody suites?
Written response from the Mayor
MPS systems are not able to sift applications by profession. The role of police forces in the DBS application process is specifically to check the security of the individual.
The MPS continues to make good progress towards the elimination of the DBS backlog.
The average turnaround time for DBS checks is now down to 20 days, from over 75 days in February 2016.
Northern Line noise
Question No: 2017/0610
Andrew Dismore
Residents who live in Arlington Road and Mornington Crescent Camden Town have been suffering with disturbing noise from the Northern Line which has got considerably worse in the last two years with measurements showing ground-borne noise of 55dB (as tested by TfL) every time a Southbound Bank branch train passes by, plus disturbing vibration. The Northbound Bank branch is also audible. Whilst TfL are proposing to retrofit rubber bushings onto the stretch of Southbound line which has concrete sleepers which may help, they say that they cannot do anything about the corrugated track exists on both lines because the only solution to this is hand grinding which is very slow and expensive or totally replacing the track also very slow and even more expensive. What can you do to help these residents affected by tube noise?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is planning to install shock absorbent fixings on the southbound Northern line at the beginning of April and estimates that this work will take four weeks to complete. After this work is complete, TfL’s noise experts will take follow-up measurements at a number of properties to assess the benefit and then decide how best to tackle any remaining noise issues.
rail-grinders
Question No: 2017/0611
Andrew Dismore
Is it correct that there is no electric-powered rail-mounted rail-grinder small enough to be used in the Northern Line tunnels, thus preventing corrugated tracks being smoothed out, when compared with other lines where a diesel powered rail-grinder can be used; and if so, what can be done about this?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has allocated funds in its Business Plan to develop its own electric-powered rail grinder unit which would be suitable for use across the entire Tube network. TfL is aiming for this unit to be in service in 2020/21.
TfL currently contracts the most modern and efficient diesel-powered grinding machinery available. Some limitations remain due to the age and geometry of some of TfL’s infrastructure. In these locations, TfL uses a variety of methods to manage rail condition and reduce noise, such as replacing rails and installing shock absorbent track fastenings.
Met vehicle replacement programme and Brexit
Question No: 2017/0612
Andrew Dismore
Reports suggest that the Met has a replacement programme costing £21 million to replace 700 vehicles in 2017/18, including 250 Hybrid electric or alternative energy vehicles. What is your best estimate of how much more this replacement programme is costing, than would have been the case if Sterling had not been devalued as against the dollar and euro consequent on the Brexit referendum last year?
Written response from the Mayor
At the present time we have not forecast any additional costs to the vehicle replacement programme as a result of Sterling devaluing.
All vehicles are purchased from the Crown Commercial Services framework and a competitive process normally results in significant discounts against retail prices.
President Trump’s state visit
Question No: 2017/0613
Andrew Dismore
If President Trump’s state visit goes ahead, what is the estimated cost of policing it?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see response to MQ 2017/ 0702.
Routemaster buses recall
Question No: 2017/0614
Andrew Dismore
Is it correct that more than 400 of the previous Mayor’s Routemaster buses are being recalled because of a fault with the doors which means the rear doors can be opened while the bus is actually moving, which then makes the vehicle suddenly stop. If so this fault is on top of the previous faults with their batteries and steering. What is the cost of remedial works on these buses and what is the impact on the reliability of the routes they serve?
Written response from the Mayor
Londoners deserve an affordable and functional bus fleet, which is why I will not be purchasing any more New Routemaster buses.
The fault you refer to was caused by a problem with the door control software in some New Routemaster buses which meant it was possible for the rear doors to be opened by the bus driver at speeds of 5mph or less, if a driver pressed the door close button ten to 20 times in a row and the halt brake was applied.
TfL has confirmed that the buses did not need to be recalled by the manufacturer for this problem to be fixed which meant that there was no impact on bus services. The affected buses had their software updated at bus garages when they were not in service and guidance was issued to bus drivers to ensure that the correct procedure was followed to avoid this problem occurring.
The software has been updated in all affected vehicles at no cost to TfL.
spoof ‘Suicide Bomber Royal Navy recruitment’ posters
Question No: 2017/0615
Andrew Dismore
What urgent action are you taking over the apparently spoof ‘Suicide Bomber Royal Navy recruitment’ posters appearing on TfL advertising sites?
Written response from the Mayor
The posters were fly-posted illegally, were obviously in no way affiliated with the Royal Navy and were not authorised by TfL. TfL is taking this matter extremely seriously both because of the inappropriateness of the posters and because posting them is as an act of vandalism.
As soon as the posters were brought to TfL’s attention, it instructed its contractor to remove them.
TfL works closely with British Transport Police and the MPS and will investigate the incident and take further action as appropriate.
