Full June MQT answers

July 7, 2017 office

Tube Noise Complaints in London

Question No: 2017/2458

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/0559

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?

your response being:

“TfL has a process in place to respond quickly and comprehensively to noise complaints. Since the successful launch of Night Tube, TfL has been providing customers with a named contact via a dedicated phone number, with ready access to experts that are working to tackle the root cause of noise. This involves visits to residents’ homes to measure noise levels both before and after any work is undertaken.

TfL logs complaints about noise from the Tube in three main categories:

1) Train movements

2) Stations and other installations, such as noise from PA systems and ventilation shafts

3) Maintenance and engineering work conducted overnight and at weekends

Better data capture over the years has enabled TfL to measure these complaints more accurately.

The overall number of noise complaints across all categories for the past five years is provided below. A detailed breakdown is attached showing Tube line and station name, where this information was provided in the complaint.

The relatively high number of complaints at East Finchley station in 2016 relates to the significant track renewal and maintenance work on the track between this station and Finchley Central station that year. I understand that TfL has met with you to discuss noise issues at this location and that work it is doing to resolve this.

TfL takes noise complaints very seriously and has a robust engineering-led procedure to prioritise mitigation work as quickly as possible. Anyone disturbed by the Night Tube or everyday Tube services can contact TfL’s 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 0343 222 1234 or www.tfl.gov.uk/contact. Everyone is guaranteed a personal response and an effective, speedy investigation of their issue.

TfL believes that the announcements and publicity prior to the Night Tube service that started in 2014/15 may have caused an increase in complaints from that year from people who were concerned about the potential for disturbance once the service actually commenced.

Noise complaints by year:

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total Complaints

322

376

473

700

963

Please note, these figures are not all unique complaints as some originate from the same person and relate to the same issue.”

a) As TfL are refusing to do anything to resolve the noise issue at East Finchley, do you wish to amend your answer;

and

b) will you provide details of where the complaints are on the tube map as previously requested?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Congestion charge

Question No: 2017/2459

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1824

What progress is being made by the Foreign Secretary in instituting proceedings at the International Court of Justice to clarify the law regarding diplomatic immunity in order to force recalcitrant governments to pay the congestion charge?

Your response being:

“TfL has always been clear that the Congestion Charge is a charge for a service and not a tax. This means that foreign diplomats are not exempt from paying it.

TfL continues to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charge fees and related penalty charge notices and, in October 2016, wrote to the Foreign Secretary to ask him to take up the matter with the relevant embassies and the International Court of Justice.”

What action has the Foreign Office taken at the ICJ and in particular have proceedings commenced in that court; and if not when are they expected to be?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London has always been clear that this issue requires the support of Government because only Government can bring proceedings at the International Court of Justice.

T charge

Question No: 2017/2460

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1828

Have Embassies and High Commissions a) been notified of the forthcoming T charge ; and b) agreed that they and their diplomatic staff should pay the T charge when introduced; c) if not why not; and d) if any have indicated they will not pay, which are they?

Your response being:

“No specific communication has been made to embassies or High Commissions regarding the T-charge.”

Do you intend to notify embassies and High Commissions of this and your expectation that they will pay it?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

West Ham and stadium rates

Question No: 2017/2461

Andrew Dismore

It has been reported that E20 Stadium, the joint venture between Newham Council and the London Legacy Development Corporation, has confirmed it will pay the majority of the business rates bill for the stadium and that West Ham only has to pay the business rates for the office and retail space in the stadium, with E20 stumping up the cash for the business rates on the stadium itself. How much are the total rates for the stadium; how much will E20 pay; and how much will West Ham pay?

Written response from the Mayor

The rateable value of the London Stadium is currently £4.6m, which equates to an annual business rates bill of approximately £2.3m. This is paid in full by E20 Stadium LLP. West Ham United permanently occupies several ancillary lease areas in the Stadium, including the Stadium store, offices and storage space. The Valuation Office Agency has confirmed that it is reviewing whether these areas should be separately assessed for rating purposes and so the business rates bill for these areas has yet to be confirmed. Under the terms of the Concession Agreement and associated leases, West Ham United is liable for the full business rates bill for their lease areas.

As you will be aware, I have launched an investigation into the costs and future options for running the London Stadium and will publish its findings shortly.

Business rates relief

Question No: 2017/2462

Andrew Dismore

The distribution of business rates relief has been delayed by the Government, causing severe difficulties for many small firms across the capital. Will you make urgent representations to Government to pay up; and in the meantime to Councils to be realistic about what they can recover until the rebates come through?

Written response from the Mayor

In the March Budget the Chancellor announced three relief schemes to support those ratepayers most adversely affected by the impact of the 2017 business rates revaluation:

a scheme capping rises for small businesses losing eligibility for small business rate relief to £600 per annum for the next five years which will benefit around 5,000 firms in the capital – mostly in inner London;
a £1,000 one off discount for pubs with a rateable value below £100,000. This will benefit up to 3,000 pubs in the capital; and
a local discretionary relief scheme to be administered and allocated by London boroughs and the Corporation of London individually subject to the requirement to consult on their schemes with the GLA. London has been awarded £124 million from the £300 million national pot over four years – of which £72.5 million is available in 2017-18. As at 20 June around one in five London boroughs had publicly announced details of their proposed relief schemes.

While I welcome these relief schemes they were announced very late in the day by the Government after 2017-18 bills had been prepared by billing authorities – despite the fact that Ministers were well aware of the problems arising from the revaluation last autumn.

While the funding for these schemes has now been confirmed by the Government due to the need to update software, consult with ratepayers and recalculate bills there has been a regrettable delay in implementing these relief schemes locally and applying the necessary credits to ratepayer bills. It is also disappointing that the Government has still failed to confirm whether local authorities will be able to reprofile some of their funding for the locally administered scheme into future years to avoid some small firms facing very large cliff edge rises in bills next year and the year after. I will be calling on Ministers to clarify their position on this as soon as possible and ideally maintain levels of support in 2018-19 at the same level as this year.

I will also be pushing for the administration of business rates to be fully devolved to London government prior to the next revaluation in 2022 similar to the arrangements already in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We cannot allow the huge rises faced by London firms to be repeated again – and this could be avoided if the Government fully devolved decisions over business rates to the Mayor and London boroughs.

50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967

Question No: 2017/2463

Andrew Dismore

27th July is the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 receiving Royal Assent, which decriminalised male homosexuality, the first step in LGBT rights. What plans do you have to mark this historic event?

Written response from the Mayor

To mark this significant anniversary we are hosting an exhibition at City Hall curated by The Photographer’s Gallery which features archive photography with the historic struggle of gay rights in London and London’s LGBT community. This will be on display from 3 – 28 July.

I have also reinstated the London Community Pride Reception at City Hall on 4 July. This event will be an opportunity me to welcome and invite Londoners and international visitors to the city to celebrate Pride, and to recognise that 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.

We also continue to support Pride in London who this year will be hosting a number of events which mark and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

Institution of Civil Engineers’ Brexit Infrastructure Group

Question No: 2017/2464

Andrew Dismore

Following the triggering of Article 50 the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Brexit Infrastructure Group published a three point plan calling on the Government to:

Consolidate the UK’s status as an attractive location for infrastructure investment;
Avoid a self-inflicted skills crisis;
Use the Industrial Strategy to exploit the UK’s emerging status as a global leader in infrastructure innovation and technology.

The three point plan can be read here.<https://www.ice.org.uk/getattachment/media-and-policy/policy/securing-benefits-of-infrastructure-post-brexit/securing-the-benefits-of-infrastructure-in-a-post-brexit-world.pdf.aspx>

How can the Mayor support the recommendations of the plan?

Written response from the Mayor

I reiterate my call that government devolve a range of fiscal powers to London to enable me to unlock investment opportunities for infrastructure.

I have established a taskforce called Skills for Londoners to develop a skills strategy for London that will seek to address emerging challenges; however I believe that London’s skills challenge can immediately be reduced if government guaranteed the status of EU citizens living in London, providing certainty for a range of people and businesses.

I recently submitted a response to the government’s Industrial Strategy which acknowledged the importance of London’s advanced urban services sector.

The GLA’s work on infrastructure has recognised the importance of technology, ingenuity and innovation, displayed in projects like the construction of the Elizabeth Line.

The agent of change principle

Question No: 2017/2465

Andrew Dismore

The iconic Curzon Mayfair, after being threatened by closure as a result of a noise complaint coming from developers, has been saved after a petition, which called for the Curzon Mayfair to be protected, was signed by more than 27,000 people. You responded to the ‘save Curzon Mayfair’ campaign, saying you would seek to strengthen the ‘agent of change’ principle, whereby an interested party that wants to develop a building next to an existing venue has to meet the costs of noise soundproofing. Since then, the Government has brought forward proposals to strengthen the agent of change principle in changes to the National Policy Planning Framework, and this has been welcomed by you. Are further changes being brought forward as part of the new London Plan; and what are you doing to strengthen the agent of change principle?

Written response from the Mayor

My new London Plan will have a stand-alone Agent of Change policy to help protect existing venues from threat of closure from noise complaints. It will include suggestions for a variety of measures to ensure residents of new buildings close to existing venues are protected from noise impacts. The policy will require boroughs to consider refusing development proposals that have not clearly demonstrated how noise impacts will be mitigated and managed.

This ‘agent of change’ principle will also be reflected in a wider noise policy which will apply to all new noise generating use locating close to existing noise sensitive development. The ‘agent of change’ principle works both ways so that if a new venue or noise generating development is built near to an existing residential development, the onus will be on the new development to put in place noise mitigating measures.

Central London housebuilding

Question No: 2017/2466

Andrew Dismore

News reports suggest that developers have halted house building in central London due to dropping selling prices. What are you doing about this?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Draft planning brief for Golders Green [1]

Question No: 2017/2467

Andrew Dismore

Barnet Council is currently consulting on a draft planning brief for the Golders Green area, which is proving very controversial, with TfL being blamed by some people for the more extreme elements in Barnet’s draft plan. What are TfL’s intentions towards development of the tube and bus station; and when do you expect a planning application to be submitted?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Draft planning brief for Golders Green [2]

Question No: 2017/2468

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree that Hampstead Garden Suburb is a an area of important historic and architectural merit; and will you ensure that any plans that re brought forward for development nearby fully recognise the area’s character?

Written response from the Mayor

I do agree that Hampstead Garden Suburb is an area of important historic and architectural merit and I also note that in addition, the area surrounding the site contains a number of conservation areas, listed buildings and other heritage assets.

Should an application become referable to me, any decision would be made based on an assessment against the relevant policies of the London Plan, the NPPF and The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

At the moment no planning application has been submitted, although Barnet Council and Transport for London are jointly working on a draft planning brief for the bus station and wider site. Barnet Council’s public consultation ended on 25 May 2017 and GLA officers responded on my behalf, setting out the key strategic issues. This response included the recommendation that wording be included to ensure that building heights successfully address the character of nearby buildings.

Draft planning brief for Golders Green [3]

Question No: 2017/2469

Andrew Dismore

Some people have been making mischief over the Golder’s Green war memorial clock and its future in any forthcoming development. Is the memorial safe in your hands?

Written response from the Mayor

I will make sure that any application for the site that is referred to me will keep the memorial safe.

Any proposals would be assessed against the relevant policies of the London Plan, the NPPF and The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Draft planning brief for Golders Green [4]

Question No: 2017/2470

Andrew Dismore

Barnet Council’s draft planning brief for Golder’s Green, if approved, could mean the loss of some architecturally listed important local buildings and homes. Will you do all you can to preserve the character of the Golder’s Green area and listed buildings?

Written response from the Mayor

I am confident that the policies in the London Plan will help to preserve the character of the Golders Green Area and listed buildings. Specifically, London Plan Policy 7.8 provides that development should identify, value, conserve, restore, re-use and incorporate heritage assets where appropriate.

National policy also affords protection for listed buildings. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 sets out the tests for dealing with heritage assets in planning decisions and the NPPF states that where a proposed development will lead to ‘substantial harm’ to or total loss of the significance of a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss. Where a development will lead to ‘less than substantial harm’, the harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including securing its optimum viable use.

The draft planning brief does not propose the demolition of any listed buildings, and any future planning application would be expected to demonstrate the potential impact of any proposals on local heritage assets and views. Should an application become referable to me, any decision would be made based on an assessment against the relevant policies of the London Plan, the NPPF and The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

night tube toilets

Question No: 2017/2471

Andrew Dismore

TfL recently held a forum for Borough officers to come together to discuss the impacts from the Night Tube and the issue of access to toilets was raised, after which TfL agreed to look again at this issue and work with local authorities to review where opportunities exist to open toilets all night during Night Tube services. What is the present position regarding progress on providing more toilet facilities?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) is committed to increasing access to toilets during Night Tube and has begun discussions with local authorities and businesses to keep more facilities open overnight, as well as reviewing existing opening times. I have asked TfL staff to keep you updated on this process as it progresses.

TfL has also published a map of all available public toilets on its network to help passengers find them.

This map is available at https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube

Bus stops outside Burnt Oak Station

Question No: 2017/2472

Andrew Dismore

Without apparent warning, or any visible information as to why, TfL has merged two heavily used bus stops outside Burnt Oak Station and removed their attendant shelters. Whilst the shelter has since been replaced, the information display was not so that the time of arrival of the next bus is now a lottery. Will you look into this, explain why there was no notice, and have the stops and information display restored?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Renumbering of the 82 bus

Question No: 2017/2473

Andrew Dismore

As part of TfL’s pretence that the 13 bus has not been cut, the 82 bus has been renumbered 13. Signs at bus stops were changed with no notice at the stops of the change of route, renumbering the 82 as 13. This has led to considerable confusion amongst passengers. Why were no notices put on the stops to advise of this unpopular change, to avoid such confusion?

Written response from the Mayor

When a service is altered Transport for London (TfL) has processes in place to ensure the change is well publicised.

Unfortunately, in this instance, the process was delayed preventing information being provided prior to the service change. TfL apologises for the confusion caused to passengers and I have asked that they review their internal processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Complaints about the renumbered 13 bus (formerly 82)

Question No: 2017/2474

Andrew Dismore

I have received a lot of complaints about the renumbered 13 bus service, including:

(1) Buses not running to schedule with waits of 14 minutes at rush hour

(2) multiple 13 buses arriving together in convoys of 3 and 4

(3) Multiple stops at bus stops for 1-2 minutes without the driver using the tannoy to inform passengers if the bus service was being regulated or not

(4) Victoria destination buses terminating at Hyde Park Corner

(5) Northbound from Hyde Park Corner, an empty 13 bus stopped at bus stop and the driver got out to use his mobile phone and smoke for 10 minutes. Another 13 bus (packed) turned up and was only going to Golders Green and not North Finchley

(6) Around 1 in 3 buses terminate at Church End Finchley rather than going on to North Finchley

(7) Overcrowding on route 13 buses due to the merged routes

What is your opinion of these complaints; do they not support the considerable public objections to the termination of the original route 13; and what can be done to sort out this service?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Junction of Edgware Road/Kingsbury Road

Question No: 2017/2475

Andrew Dismore

The junction of Edgware Road/Kingsbury Road has no ‘all red phase’. After yet another serious accident, the air ambulance was required. As this is a major junction close to a primary school, several bus stops and ever more residential units, will you ask TfL to work with the boroughs to install an ‘all red’ pedestrian phase?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Pedestrian crossing in Wood Street High Barnet

Question No: 2017/2476

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/0563:

‘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?’

Your response being:

‘This is a much-improved pedestrian crossing which now complies with Department for Transport regulations and is safer than the crossing it replaced. The works at this location were part of TfL’s annual modernisation programme.

TfL consulted with London Borough of Barnet officers about the changes and the borough supported the proposals.

TfL will continue to monitor this location to ensure the crossing is operating both safely and correctly’.

Is it therefore the case that no public consultation was conducted; and if not why not?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London advised the London Borough of Barnet of the proposals to carry out a modernisation of the ageing infrastructure at the Wood Street crossing, as the borough is the highway authority. The scheme enabled the crossing to comply with current standards. Public consultation is not used in these circumstances.

The proposals were discussed at regular meetings between TfL and the London Borough of Barnet on 08 January 2016, 08 April 2016 and 06 July 2016, and details of the changes were provided in writing on 03 May 2016.

HS2 Vent Shaft Site at Alexandra Place NW8

Question No: 2017/2477

Andrew Dismore

According to HS2, their proposed Vent Shaft Site at Alexandra Place NW8 is ‘Under Review’. Residents were informed they would be told as to whether it is still going ahead ‘after Royal Assent’. As this shaft would create immense and prolonged local disruption, and as the HS2 Act has received Royal Assent, will you press HS2 to make an early decision on this?

Written response from the Mayor

I understand that HS2 Ltd will shortly announce the final location of the vent shaft site. Meanwhile, Transport for London continues to work with HS2 Ltd to review all proposed works in this area, and across London, to ensure disruption to Londoners is minimised.

Investment in walking

Question No: 2017/2478

Andrew Dismore

What funds are you investing to promote walking and improve footpaths?

Written response from the Mayor

Through TfL’s £2.1bn Healthy Streets portfolio, I am investing in London’s streets to make them more attractive and accessible places to walk. As part of this work, I have asked TfL to explore how they can work in partnership with boroughs and other partners to promote walking. In additional boroughs’ aspirations to improve pedestrian experience will be funded through Local Implementation Plan funding.

My Transport Strategy, published in draft for consultation on 21 June, has healthy, active travel at its heart, and signals a major shift towards the prioritisation of walking, cycling and public transport use in London. As part of the Healthy Streets Approach, improvements for people walking will be built into every TfL scheme, and boroughs will be encouraged to do the same for their local schemes.

Wider walking initiatives are ongoing, including led walking weekends held three times a year, Legible London and engagement with businesses and schools through behaviour change programmes such as Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe (STARS).

Car clubs

Question No: 2017/2479

Andrew Dismore

Will car clubs (both the traditional and floating models) be included within your Transport Strategy including guidance and best practice advice to boroughs as to how car clubs should operate, including competition between car-sharing clubs?

Written response from the Mayor

My draft Transport Strategy, published for consultation on 21 June, recognises the role that car clubs can play to allow people to use cars for certain trips without the need to own a car. This is part of a wider package of measures to reduce car use.

Boroughs are best placed to identify the most appropriate car club models to support their own residents and businesses, and deliver air quality and congestion benefits. TfL works closely with the car club trade bodies, car club operators and boroughs to support the joint development of best practice guidance through the London Car Club Coalition.

Tube train noise

Question No: 2017/2480

Andrew Dismore

In extreme cases of disruption and disturbance due to very excessive tube noise to the extent that a resident cannot live in their home, will you consider a scheme of offer compensation or alternative accommodation for residents so disturbed by tube train noise?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) is committed to tackling Tube noise and vibration problems at source, not through compensation.

Where the effects of noise are extremely serious and I expect TfL to prioritise work in locations where noise levels are highest. TfL is aware of one location on the Victoria line where this is the case, and work is currently underway to reduce the noise, with a resolution expected by July. The resident concerned is being kept regularly informed of progress.

East Finchley tube noise

Question No: 2017/2481

Andrew Dismore

After a site visit with residents, at long last TfL have established the cause of the high pitched tube rail noise that is disturbing residents, after grinding took place last year. They say that on the left hand rail which is the high-rail (there’s a slight curve) there is some very short-wavelength corrugation over a distance of 50m. TfL believes that this corrugation is the source of the tonal noise that residents experience. However, TfL now refuses to do anything whatsoever about it, including refusing the suggested noise baffling fence as mitigation. Will you look at this again and see what can be done to alleviate the nuisance the trains are causing, including at night with the night tube?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

100 Avenue Road

Question No: 2017/2482

Andrew Dismore

Essential Living plan to demolish the existing 100 Avenue Road building above Swiss Cottage Underground Station before all foundation plans are complete. Local groups commissioned and funded their own independent report by SDStructures Associates Ltd. which states that EL’s “detailed design and assessment reports and outline method statements” are inadequate and that it was not yet safe to construct a 24 storey skyscraper directly above the Swiss Cottage Southbound Jubilee tunnel. I understand that their reports have been supplied to TfL. What is TfL’s current view of the safety of these proposed works?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London’s (TfL) Infrastructure Protection Team has reviewed Essential Living’s proposed development, and the SDS report. It believes that the Essential Living proposals do not pose a risk to, and will not have a detrimental impact on, London Underground’s (LU) assets or operations.

If the development is granted planning permission, TfL will continue to review detailed designs as they are developed, and works inspectors will monitor construction to ensure that there is no detrimental effect on LU assets or operations.

Electric vehicle charging points

Question No: 2017/2483

Andrew Dismore

What will you do to encourage a significant increase in the siting of electric vehicle charging points; and in residential roads where there are no points, what is your view of residents charging from their homes to the street with safety cable?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Dollis Valley Viaduct

Question No: 2017/2484

Andrew Dismore

The Dollis Valley Viaduct was built originally to accommodate a double track. However, a present the single track for tube trains is laid down the centre of the viaduct. What is the width of the viaduct; what width would be needed to accommodate double track; would it be possible from an engineering viewpoint to double track the line to Mill Hill East , given the fast growing population in the area; if not why not; and what would be the cost of doing so?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) continuously reviews the Northern line timetable to ensure that services benefit the greatest number of customers. Trains to and from Mill Hill East Tube station currently run approximately every 12 minutes during peak time. This meets the current demand at the station and the forecast demand in the future.

TfL has previously investigated doubling the track at Mill Hill East however the total costs were prohibitive. While technically feasible, it would cost approximately £45m to replace the bridge, carry out the necessary re-signalling works, and install a second platform at Mill Hill East station.

Stirling Corner

Question No: 2017/2485

Andrew Dismore

What would be the cost of building a flyover at this roundabout for A1 traffic?

Written response from the Mayor

Without doing a detailed investigation of the site it is difficult to give an exact cost. However, looking at recent bridge projects in London and doing a high level assessment of the works required (including ground works, flyover, road grading, road layout and junction changes), Transport for London estimates it would be in the region of £100m to £150m.

Above surface tube stations staffing

Question No: 2017/2486

Andrew Dismore

TfL stated (at the time of the ticket office closures project) that “All stations will continue to remain staffed at all times”. Is it still a TfL requirement for above surface tube stations ( such as West Hampstead tube) to be staffed at all times, including 24 hour staffing for stations served by the Night Tube?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube station closures

Question No: 2017/2487

Andrew Dismore

How often in the last 12 months were each of the tube stations in Barnet and Camden closed due to staff shortages?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Vesage Court, Leather Lane and night tube

Question No: 2017/2488

Andrew Dismore

Camden residents at Vesage Court, Leather Lane are subjected to disgusting urination at their doorways most nights which has got worse since the 24 hour tube began. Many homeless people are also present and clearly vulnerable. There is an unused City of London toilet in the middle of High Holborn as well as an unused taxi-drivers’ hut. Will you investigate the possibilities of addressing these problems associated with the Night Economy and drug-related homelessness by bringing these facilities back into use?

Written response from the Mayor

Antisocial behaviour can have a serious impact on Londoners’ sense of safety and quality of life. For this reason, my Police and Crime Plan makes clear that tackling such anti-social behaviour is a priority for partnership action in every London Borough.

TfL is committed to increasing access to toilets during Night Tube operation and will be working with local authorities and businesses to keep more facilities open overnight, as well as reviewing existing opening times. I have asked officers to keep you updated on this process as it progresses through the year.

The taxi refreshment huts are not operated by TfL but by the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund charity and so they would decide on whether to open any new or old huts. I have asked officers to pass your query on to the Cabmen’s Shelter Fund.

I have appointed a Night Czar and a Chair of Night Time Commission who have set up the Night Time Economy Borough Champions which will further enhance partnership working between local authorities, Transport for London, the police, residents and businesses.

Camden and Euston business ‘wish list’ for HS2

Question No: 2017/2489

Andrew Dismore

Camden and Euston businesses have sent to your office a ‘wish list’ for what they would like to see as a result of HS2. Have you had the opportunity of considering this, and what is your response to their suggestions?

Written response from the Mayor

I have responded to the helpful suggestions raised by Camden Town Unlimited and Euston Town and am supportive of their approach. I am very keen to ensure HS2 delivers the right solution at Euston and secures both short and long-term business, community and environmental benefits locally whilst minimising the significant construction related impacts. In doing so, my officers are engaged with HS2 in pressing for a clear strategy that supports the needs of the business community now, prior to major construction works starting and delivers comprehensive and sustainable change in accordance with the adopted Euston Area Plan.

It is critical that existing businesses affected are able to continue trading locally with appropriate mitigation, or are sufficiently compensated and/or relocated to ensure local economic activity and jobs are protected. I am very encouraged by the many ideas suggested for maintaining and promoting business activity locally and working alongside HS2, Camden Council and the community I want to see a number of temporary and permanent measures in place to achieve these objectives. These range from start-up accommodation, local markets, free advertising, business support and skills training through to enhanced pedestrian access and local environmental improvements. It is imperative that adequate funding is available to support this approach and I am seeking to ensure appropriate monies are secured from Government and a range of local sources to deliver these initiatives.

Transforming Euston from an outdated station into a world class transport interchange and a new place including business uses, housing and open space is a priority and it is essential that existing businesses and the local community are fully engaged to help inform this approach. I will continue to press Government to do more in this regard.

Camden Town elevated parkland walkway

Question No: 2017/2490

Andrew Dismore

Camden Town Unlimited has been developing a “scoping exercise” including a detailed architectural blueprint for a new elevated parkland walkway which would link Camden Town with King’s Cross along a disused railway line. The plan would allow pedestrians to bypass busy inner-city roads and would knit together areas currently spliced apart by active rail lines and likely to be wrenched further asunder by the HS2 high speed link. Will you support the scheme and help lobby Network Rail to make it happen?

Written response from the Mayor

I fully support the Camden Town Unlimited Business Improvement District’s work to develop options for improved pedestrian routes across the area.

The masterplanning around the station is led by HS2 Ltd, and by the London Borough of Camden across the wider area. Transport for London and the GLA are involved in this work which is seeking to achieve high-quality, attractive, convenient and permeable pedestrian links. My officers will use this opportunity to promote walking, cycling and buses as the transport modes of choice, as set out in my Healthy Streets vision, and will ensure that the Euston proposals provide for the local community and visitors alike.

Camden Town Underground Station upgrade [1]

Question No: 2017/2491

Andrew Dismore

What are Transport for London’s current timelines for demolition and construction works, relating to the upgrade of Camden Town Underground Station?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Camden Town Underground Station upgrade [2]

Question No: 2017/2492

Andrew Dismore

Have the works associated with Transport for London’s plans to ‘build above’ the current Camden Town Underground Station site factored-in the potential interim use of workspace due for demolition?

Written response from the Mayor

The station upgrade works will require all buildings on the Buck Street site to be demolished. It is anticipated that the construction of the building above the station would follow the completion of the new station entrance.

Transport for London is currently in discussion with potential tenants regarding interim occupation of the buildings before this demolition.

Camden Town Underground Station upgrade [3]

Question No: 2017/2493

Andrew Dismore

Will works associated with planned redevelopment of Camden Town Underground Station incorporate temporary use for the vacant Auction Rooms located above the station site? And would this not make a useful exemplar for other such TfL sites across London?

Written response from the Mayor

I am keen that we make the best use of all GLA land across London, and will continue to press Transport for London (TfL) to do so.

TfL is holding discussions with the aim of ensuring a temporary use for all buildings on the site, prior to their demolition. Some of these buildings have already been leased, and I have asked TfL to provide you with a further update, including on the Auction Rooms, next month.

Police cannabis disposal team scheme

Question No: 2017/2494

Andrew Dismore

Will you ask the Met to consider introducing a similar scheme to that operated by the West Midlands Police Cannabis Disposal Team, who distribute the compost, plant pots, irrigation equipment, gardening tools, lights and heat lamps seized from illegal cannabis farms to community groups, sports grounds, schools and gardening projects?

Written response from the Mayor

As my Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden outlined in her letter to you in April, the Met’s primary objective when clearing cannabis farms is to disrupt criminal networks and reduce the harm caused by drugs. Accordingly, the cannabis and specific growing equipment is seized. More general items such plant pots, compost or gardening tools are not usually removed unless they have forensic value. This means in the variety of cases, the Met do not collect the same range of equipment as West Midland’s Police.

The Met have no plans to change their cannabis farm closure policy, however they are looking with interest at the work of West Midlands Police Cannabis Disposal Team. MOPAC will continue to discuss this issue with the Met to ensure the best methods of disposal are implemented for Londoners.

Faulty Met screens

Question No: 2017/2495

Andrew Dismore

Metropolitan Police control centre screens used to co-ordinate major operations such as Remembrance Day and the State Opening of Parliament .have reportedly suffered equipment failures at ‘critical’ times. What is being done to deal with this?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Black Police Officers Association

Question No: 2017/2496

Andrew Dismore

Why was the decision taken to remove funding from the Met’s Black Police Officers Association; and do you agree with that decision?

Written response from the Mayor

There has been no decision to stop funding the Met’s Black Police Association (BPA).

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are reviewing how all staff support associations are funded and supported. This process is ongoing and the MPS continue to engage with the BPA and other staff support associations.

I am committed to supporting the MPS increase the diversity of its workforce and staff support associations have an important role to play. I look forward to the completion of the review.

Hacked journalists emails

Question No: 2017/2497

Andrew Dismore

The Guardian has asked the Metropolitan Police if a secretive police unit illegally accessed the emails of its reporters and photographers. Did this occur; and if so when, and why?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Alleged Saudi Arabian war crimes in Yemen

Question No: 2017/2498

Andrew Dismore

Is the Metropolitan Police war crimes unit assessing whether criminal prosecutions could be brought over Saudi Arabia’s devastating aerial campaign in Yemen; and if so with what progress?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS are not currently dealing with any referrals relating to the conflict in Yemen. In initial consideration of war crime referrals, it must be established if the UK has jurisdiction for the potential offences; this primarily means if a possible suspect is residing or present in the UK.

Rwandan war criminals in London

Question No: 2017/2499

Andrew Dismore

There are a number of alleged war criminals from the Rwandan genocide living in London with apparent impunity. Are they being investigated? If so, how many? What is being done to bring them to justice?

Written response from the Mayor

As I understand, there are a number of individuals in London engaged in a lengthy extradition process in relation to allegations of genocide in Rwanda. The MPS are monitoring this process. The War Crimes Team work closely with the Residual Mechanism of the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda, the Rwandan authorities and other relevant authorities to consider any individual living in the UK suspected of crimes relating to the Rwandan genocide. There are currently no ongoing investigations.

Domestic abuse crimes

Question No: 2017/2500

Andrew Dismore

In London, reports of domestic abuse crimes increased by more than 2,000, from 72,535 to 74,770, between 2015 and 2016; however there were over 600 fewer police charges in 2016 than in 2015 with the volume of charges dropping from 15,694 to 15,010.what is the explanation for this disparity?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

101 calls (1)

Question No: 2017/2501

Andrew Dismore

What is currently the average time to get through to an operator on 101?

Written response from the Mayor

The average call waiting time for May was 298 seconds (just under 5 minutes).

There has been a significant increase in 999 calls since the beginning of 2017 which has led to longer wait times on 101. This is due to prioritisation of emergency calls.

For the average 101 wait time per month since April 2015 please see MQ 2554.

101 calls (2)

Question No: 2017/2502

Andrew Dismore

Although the automatic reply tells callers to the Met 101 number that s/he may have to wait 5 minutes, a constituent has complained to me that they were on hold for 25 minutes without a result; how common is this?

Written response from the Mayor

The average call waiting time for May was 298 seconds – just under five mins.

There are occasions when extended wait times are recorded on the 101 line, particularly when there is high 999 demand. This is due to prioritisation of emergency calls.

Since the beginning of June a daily maximum wait time of 25 mins was recorded on three separate occasions.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) receives in the region of 240,000 101 calls a year.

101 calls (3)

Question No: 2017/2503

Andrew Dismore

Has the Met made any arrangements to limit the cost of calls to the 101 number on a PAYG phone in cases where the callers are on hold for lengthy periods?

Written response from the Mayor

All calls to 101 are charged at 15 pence per call regardless of whether they are from landlines or mobile networks.

This cost is fixed no matter what time of day the call is made or how long callers are on the phone.

Rehiring retired officers

Question No: 2017/2504

Andrew Dismore

Was it value for money to use Metropolitan Police funds of over £200m paid to Reed Recruitment to rehire its own retired officers and staff rather than making it known directly to such people formerly in hard to recruit roles that they can offer to return?

Written response from the Mayor

Like other police forces across the country the MPS has seen demand for detectives increase significantly.

The MPS is undertaking a broad range of activity to meet this demand including direct entry to detective; progression of existing officers into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); and, where appropriate, the recruitment of retired detectives through a third party agency (Reed) as civilian investigators.

Agency staff are used to fulfil short term vacancies where specialist skills are needed and account for 1.1% of the MPS overall detective workforce.

The figure of £200m covers a period of spend over six years and the bulk of payments to Reed are for staff salaries.

Abstractions data

Question No: 2017/2505

Andrew Dismore

Why has the Met/MOPAC decommissioned the current system of providing abstractions data, before the alternative is up and running?

Written response from the Mayor

MPS data systems are used for a broad range of purposes for which generating abstraction information is only a small part.

Abstraction data was taken from an operational system for managing public order called POSMIS. This system was antiquated, technically unsupported and on its own servers, and as a result could not be moved from the previous New Scotland Yard building.

A new operational system on Share Point was developed and implemented before POSMIS was decommissioned. A solution to provide efficiently abstraction data from this new operational system has been commissioned.

Al Quds Day’ marches

Question No: 2017/2506

Andrew Dismore

For each of the Al Quds Day’ marches on 10th July 2015 and 3rd July 2016 please state separately for each event:

The total number of arrests recorded;
The total number of arrests recorded which resulted in charges;
The total number of arrests recorded which were made under s.13 of the Terrorism Act 200; and
The total number of arrests recorded which were made under any sections of any of the Terrorism Acts.

Written response from the Mayor

There were no arrests recorded for the 2015 or 2016 Al Quds March.

There were no arrests recorded under s.13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for the 2015 or 2016 Al Quds March.

There were no arrests recorded under any sections of Terrorism Act for the 2015 or 2016 Al Quds March.

Redevelopment of Euston Station

Question No: 2017/2507

Andrew Dismore

What options have you considered for exploiting the economic opportunity presented by the redevelopment of Euston Station?

Written response from the Mayor

Euston is a nationally significant economic and regeneration opportunity which must be delivered comprehensively and secure a range of benefits for the local area whilst minimising construction impacts.

I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish a world class transport interchange, incorporating a HS2, new mainline and Crossrail 2 stations and unlock the delivery of new homes and jobs and greater economic prospects for local residents and businesses.

I am keen to ensure that we create a high quality and sustainable place at Euston which complements the character of the surrounding area and business community, including the vibrant and growing Knowledge Quarter. It is critical that we attract the right investment, jobs and homes to cater for the needs of both existing and future residents and visitors.

Working with Camden Council, we have adopted a long-term planning framework, the Euston Area Plan to guide comprehensive economic, social and environmental change at Euston and have prepared a Growth Strategy for the area which seeks to identify the opportunities presented and how we can harness the benefits of growth at Euston for local communities and businesses. This includes securing the funding necessary to deliver new mainline and Crossrail 2 stations and associated works to enable over-site development and capturing the significant uplift in value generated to optimise job creation and affordable housing provision.

384 bus

Question No: 2017/2508

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1794

The 384 bus route is a popular route in the north of Barnet, serving residents of Cockfosters, East Barnet, New Barnet and High Barnet, many of whom live a long way from other bus routes. It forms an important transport link to Barnet Hospital, JCOSS and High Barnet station. Yet TfL plan on reducing the frequency of the service in weekdays from 15 minutes to 20 minutes, and remove the extra bus serving the JCOSS School run. Will you reverse this decision and ensure all Londoners have access to regular bus services?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1794.

Chelsea Football Club

Question No: 2017/2509

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1805

On 6 March, you approved Chelsea Football Club’s plans for a new £500 million stadium. How much has been the cost of policing Chelsea home games this season so far; how much has been or will be recovered from the club towards that cost; what was the full cost of policing their home games last year and how much was recovered; and do you agree that if they can afford to spend £500 million on a new stadium, they can afford to reimburse the full costs of policing their games?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1805.

Tube Noise Complaints in London

Question No: 2017/2510

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1812

Further to Question No: 2017/0559:

‘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?’

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.

will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/0559.

HS2 [1]

Question No: 2017/2511

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1815

Do you agree that without Crossrail 2 any passenger time savings from HS2 will be lost as a result of onward delays and tube station closures at Euston; and that pending Crossrail 2, the best solution to avoid such an impact on both HS2 and existing passengers at Euston is for a temporary terminus for HS2 at Old Oak Common?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1815.

HS2 [2]

Question No: 2017/2512

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1816

Do you agree that there are many reasons why Old Oak Common should be designated as a temporary terminus for HS2 but high among them are that by delaying High Speed Rail services into Euston until Crossrail 2 services commence this also offers the dual benefits of (a) allowing agencies to work together to integrate the different construction schemes to help mitigate some of the disruption and; (b) helping to significantly reduce crowding particularly on the already overstretched Northern and Victoria line services during peak periods, which will make transiting through Euston that much easier for passengers. Will you make further representations to the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure the Government hears this message loud and clear?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1816.

Congestion charge [1]

Question No: 2017/2513

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1821

Do any embassies and high commissions recognise the congestion charge, and pay it regularly; and if so which ones?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1821.

Congestion charge [2]

Question No: 2017/2514

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1822

Which embassies and high commissions refuse to pay the congestion charge?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1822.

Congestion charge [3]

Question No: 2017/2515

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1823

What is the total debt owed to London for the congestion charge by embassies, high commissions and their staff?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1823.

Congestion charge [4]

Question No: 2017/2516

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1824

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1824.

Parking and traffic tickets (1)

Question No: 2017/2517

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1825

Do any embassies and high commissions pay TfL parking and traffic tickets regularly; and if so which ones?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1825.

Parking and traffic tickets (2)

Question No: 2017/2518

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1826

Which embassies and high commissions refuse to pay TfL parking and traffic tickets?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1826.

TfL parking and traffic tickets (3)

Question No: 2017/2519

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1827

What is the total debt owed to London for TfL parking and traffic tickets by embassies, high commissions and their staff?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1827.

T charge

Question No: 2017/2520

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1828

Have Embassies and High Commissions a) been notified of the forthcoming T charge; and b) agreed that they and their diplomatic staff should pay the T charge when introduced; c) if not why not; and d) if any have indicated they will not pay, which are they?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1828.

A5 bus routes

Question No: 2017/2521

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1830

TfL has decided to cut/shorten various of our bus routes especially on the A5 in spite of overwhelming opposition to all parts of their proposals and as the curtailment of the 189 leaves no step-free access to Oxford Street east of Selfridges for passengers from there thus denying access to Oxford Street to the less mobile, and with no bus going east of the main A5 from Cricklewood/Kilburn, what reassurances can you give to passengers so inconvenienced?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1830.

Forensic reports

Question No: 2017/2522

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/1847

‘What is the average time for a) digital forensic reports and b) scientific forensic reports to be provided?’

Your response being:

‘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.’

What are the implications of these waits for evidence for the Met in light of the forthcoming new rules on time limits for police bail?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/1847.

Central London housebuilding

Question No: 2017/2466

Andrew Dismore

News reports suggest that developers have halted house building in central London due to dropping selling prices. What are you doing about this?

Written response from the Mayor

The latest official statistics do not suggest developers have halted house building in central London, but they do show new housing starts have fallen in central London in recent months.

I am using my planning policies, investment programme, and other interventions to boost house building, with a focus on rebalancing the supply of new homes so we are not as reliant on an exprensive and volatile central London market.

This will involve, for instance, promoting house building in outer London, supporting institutional investment in new rented housing, and boosting the level of affordable housing.

Hacked journalists emails

Question No: 2017/2497

Andrew Dismore

The Guardian has asked the Metropolitan Police if a secretive police unit illegally accessed the emails of its reporters and photographers. Did this occur; and if so when, and why?

Written response from the Mayor

The allegations referred to in your question are serious and of significant concern. These matters are the subject of an independent investigation by the IPCC, and I await their findings.

Given the investigation is ongoing, I cannot comment further at this time.

Faulty Met screens

Question No: 2017/2495

Andrew Dismore

Written response from the Mayor

The control centre screens at the Met Communication Command centres in Lambeth and Hendon are being replaced with modern and upgraded versions. The upgrade will be completed this summer.

Tube Noise Complaints in London

Question No: 2017/2458

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/0559

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?

your response being:

TfL logs complaints about noise from the Tube in three main categories:

1) Train movements

2) Stations and other installations, such as noise from PA systems and ventilation shafts

3) Maintenance and engineering work conducted overnight and at weekends

Better data capture over the years has enabled TfL to measure these complaints more accurately.

Noise complaints by year:

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total Complaints

322

376

473

700

963

Please note, these figures are not all unique complaints as some originate from the same person and relate to the same issue.”

a) As TfL are refusing to do anything to resolve the noise issue at East Finchley, do you wish to amend your answer;

and

b) will you provide details of where the complaints are on the tube map as previously requested?

Written response from the Mayor

In response to your first question, please see MQ2017/2481.

Transport for London is currently creating the map you have requested and I have asked they send it to you as soon as it is ready.

Complaints about the renumbered 13 bus (formerly 82)

Question No: 2017/2474

Andrew Dismore

I have received a lot of complaints about the renumbered 13 bus service, including:

(1) Buses not running to schedule with waits of 14 minutes at rush hour

(2) multiple 13 buses arriving together in convoys of 3 and 4

(3) Multiple stops at bus stops for 1-2 minutes without the driver using the tannoy to inform passengers if the bus service was being regulated or not

(4) Victoria destination buses terminating at Hyde Park Corner

(6) Around 1 in 3 buses terminate at Church End Finchley rather than going on to North Finchley

(7) Overcrowding on route 13 buses due to the merged routes

What is your opinion of these complaints; do they not support the considerable public objections to the termination of the original route 13; and what can be done to sort out this service?

Written response from the Mayor

The changes to routes 13, 113, 139 and 189 (and their respective night routes) and the withdrawal of route 82 were introduced on 1 April 2017. Since then, performance of routes 113, 139 and 189 has been good with the routes meeting their performance targets.

While there is sufficient capacity on route 13 when running reliably, Transport for London (TfL) has identified some performance issues on the route over the past few months, with the route not meeting its reliability targets and a number of buses not running the full length of the route. In response, TfL and the operator are working closely to develop a reliability scheme as quickly as possible. They plan to introduce this scheme in late summer 2017.

East Finchley tube noise

Question No: 2017/2481

Andrew Dismore

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) has advised that in the area approaching the tunnel mouth, the levels of noise measured have settled following the grinding of the rails last year. As a result, further work at this location is not currently planned. At this location the track is in a generally good condition and the last recorded noise level was 32 decibels, a reduction of seven decibels from when this issue was first reported to us.

Although I recognise that noise at any level can be disturbing to individuals, TfL must prioritise mitigation work based on noise levels recorded, the information they already have about track condition in the area, and the number of complaints at a given location.

Electric vehicle charging points

Question No: 2017/2483

Andrew Dismore

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) has developed a charging infrastructure location guidance document for London, which summarises a suite of evidence-based research commissioned by TfL and sets out projected future electric vehicle demand in London. This will help boroughs and the private sector identify where and how much charging infrastructure is needed for different categories of electric vehicle fleets and in different areas of London.

TfL is working with the London boroughs to locate additional sites for TfL’s Rapid Charging Infrastructure Network project. TfL is on track to deliver this rapid charging infrastructure for taxi, private hire and commercial vehicle fleets, with 75 rapid charge points expected to be installed by the end of 2017.

London secured funding from Government to deliver its Go Ultra Low City Scheme. This includes plans to increase the provision of on-street residential charging infrastructure in London, specifically for those residents without access to off-street parking.

The usage of charging cables between residents’ homes and their vehicles may not be advisable as the cable represents a trip hazard. However, each London borough may want to provide advice to their residents based on their own legal advice.

Tube station closures

Question No: 2017/2487

Andrew Dismore

How often in the last 12 months were each of the tube stations in Barnet and Camden closed due to staff shortages?

Written response from the Mayor

From May 2016 until May 2017 there have been 38 closures of stations in Barnet and Camden due to non-availability of staff. The closures were at Kings Cross (5), Brent Cross (1), Chancery Lane (4), Euston (1), Euston Square (5), Kentish Town (4), Russell Square (5), Goodge Street (11), Holborn (1) and Warren Street (1).

Since I became the Mayor of London last year I have been clear with Transport for London (TfL) that more needs to be done to reduce the number of station closures. Last year I asked London TravelWatch to carry out a review into the impact of ticket office closures at Tube stations. Since then, TfL has been working with the Trade Unions to increase the number of staff available to support customers, including by introducing an additional 325 staff to stations. Once in post, these additional station staff will be able to offer improved customer service for passengers and reduce the number of station closures resulting from staff non-availability.