Mayoral written answers Aug 17
Colindale Station redesign
Question No: 2017/3249
Andrew Dismore
TfL are looking to redesign the entrance to Colindale Tube Station. Can you ensure that the entrance continues to face out on to Colindale Avenue, opposite Colindale Park, as to do so otherwise would see a serious noise disturbance to local residents in Agar House?
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London is continuing to work with the London Borough of Barnet to make sure that any plans to improve Colindale station work for both customers and the local community. There are currently no plans to change the station entrance.
Policing football matches
Question No: 2017/3250
Andrew Dismore
In relation to the costs of policing football matches, did the response to the Deputy Mayor’s February letter from the Policing Minister Brandon Lewis MP in April indicate that the Government were prepared to consider a full cost recovery charging regime?
Written response from the Mayor
The Policing Minister stated that the Government had previously considered whether a change in legislation is required, and concluded that they would not seek to make changes to section 25 of the Police Act 1996. However, they are willing to discuss this at the next Ministerial meeting. MOPAC has been in touch with the Home Office to arrange this meeting.
I have also written to the Premier League requesting a meeting to discuss a voluntary contribution by the wealthiest football league in the world to the cost of policing their football matches in London.
Orbit Tower
Question No: 2017/3251
Andrew Dismore
What is the interest payable on the Arcelor Mittal Orbit Tower, broken down by year, and how many visitors have there been, broken down by year.
Written response from the Mayor
Interest
| Year | Interest£000 |
| 2012/13 | 139 |
| 2013/14 | 578 |
| 2014/15 | 616 |
| 2015/16 | 658 |
| 2016/17 | 686 |
| 2017/18* | 214 |
| Total | 2,890 |
*to 21/07/2017
Visitor numbers
| AMO total | Slide | |
| 2012 | 130,000 | |
| 2013/14 (two months only) | 35,599 | |
| 2014/15 | 123,278 | |
| 2015/16 | 101,623 | |
| 2016/17 | 193,147 | 105,507 |
| 2017/18 (April-June) | 48,671 | 32,738 |
| Total | 632,318 | 138,245 |
Torriano School
Question No: 2017/3252
Andrew Dismore
It’s been a few months now since the repainting of the yellow box at the crossing of Camden Road, Torriano Avenue and Camden Park Road. Other initiatives had also been discussed with TfL to reduce traffic problems and improve pedestrian safety for pupils at Torriano School, including some major changes to bus lanes on Camden Road, can we have an update on progress with these plans? Has funding been allocated?
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is designing proposals for improving safety along Camden Road and improving conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers. This is part of a wider project so it needs to be coordinated with other planned improvements in the area. In TfL’s Business Plan, construction is scheduled from 2020 but, subject to progressing the design and consultation, TfL will consider opportunities to start earlier.
Barnet Children’s Services OFSTED Rating
Question No: 2017/3253
Andrew Dismore
Do you share my disappointment that Barnet Council’s Children’s Services received a “requires improvement” rating from OFSTED? Do you agree with me that vulnerable children in Barnet deserve better?
Written response from the Mayor
All London’s children deserve high quality social care, especially when vulnerable or having additional needs. I am sure that Barnet leaders and senior managers will regard this inspection grade as the catalyst of a needed improvement journey for their children’s services. In Ofsted’s last published report on children’s social care inspections half of London boroughs were inspected. While two London boroughs received the only outstanding inspections in the country, there were still nine boroughs requiring improvement to be good. Clearly this is in the context of the significant budgetary challenges faced by many London local authorities in their social care provision coupled with high levels of need.
Acid and other corrosive chemical attacks
Question No: 2017/3254
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing to combat the upsurge in acid and other corrosive chemical attacks?
Written response from the Mayor
The Met are rolling out acid kits in one thousand police cars, which will include bottles of water, gauntlets and goggles. In East London, where the majority of offences have taken place, specially trained officers will carry litmus testing kits. I support the Commissioner in her commitment to use intelligence-led stop and search for corrosive substances, alongside knives, other weapons and drugs.
To address the problem in the longer term I have taken steps to ensure the government is addressing this problem, I have pressed for tougher sentences for those who carry corrosive substances, and asked that sentencing guidelines be clarified for judges.
Additional funding for the police
Question No: 2017/3255
Andrew Dismore
What response have you had so far to your request for additional funding for the police, and what will the consequences be, if the Government does not accede to that request?
Written response from the Mayor
We continue to work closely with Home Office, APCC and NPCC to make the national case for police funding, and separately to make the case for the unique position facing London. I am fighting tooth and nail to get the Government to give the Met the money it needs to keep our great city safe. Only last month, I again wrote to the Home Secretary setting out the serious consequences to policing and safety in London arising from the Government’s continued refusal to clarify its plans for police funding. There is a risk that police officer numbers will fall below 30,000 for the first time since 2003 if there is no certainty on future funding levels.
As I have warned the Home Secretary, without urgent clarity on funding, we are fast approaching a point where we will have to reduce recruitment in order to remain within our budgets. We cannot recruit officers without knowing we can afford to pay for them in the years ahead. As a result, we run a very real risk of officer numbers falling below 30,000 in this city for the first time since 2003.
former Clerkenwell fire station
Question No: 2017/3256
Andrew Dismore
What is happening about the disposal of the former Clerkenwell fire station?
Written response from the Mayor
Discussions are ongoing between the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, the GLA and the London Borough of Islington regarding the planning issues on this property. This includes how an internal planning appraisal might help establish how local planning requirements could be met which will help to determine the best disposal route.
NIMR site, Mill Hill
Question No: 2017/3257
Andrew Dismore
You have called in the NIMR site, Mill Hill: when do you expect to progress this?
Written response from the Mayor
GLA officers are currently undertaking discussions with the applicant and the Council on a number of issues, including affordable housing and car parking provision. Formal re-consultation on amendments to the application is due to be undertaken from late August to mid-September, with a formal hearing scheduled to take place at City Hall in October.
Further details can be found on the GLA’s website: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/planning-applications-and-decisions/public-hearings/national-institute-medical
Sprinkler systems
Question No: 2017/3259
Andrew Dismore
Are you lobbying the Government to help fund Councils to retrofit sprinkler systems in tower blocks?
Written response from the Mayor
I have been clear that retrofitting sprinklers is one of the best options open to us for reducing fire risk in tall buildings. While I don’t want to pre-empt recommendations of the Independent Advisory Group or the Public Inquiry, if what is needed to make buildings safe is sprinklers then Government must ensure that councils and other affected organisations are in a position to finance such a programme.
Advertising London as an LGBT+ friendly destination
Question No: 2017/3260
Andrew Dismore
What are you doing to advertise London as a friendly and welcoming destination for LGBT+ tourists?
Written response from the Mayor
London was the proud host and headline sponsor of Pride in London and I have pledged to do all I can to help protect London’s LGBT+ nightlife. My official promotional agency, London & Partners, hosted the official Pride in London webpage on visitlondon.com and promoted the Festival through via email, social and digital. The Visit London page, visitlondon.com/prideinlondon had 295k page views from 18 May -10 July.
This was a 75% increase in organic traffic over last year. On social, the Facebook live stream on the Parade day had 590k video views and a 1.3m reach. The hashtag #prideinlondon achieved a combined reach of 417.3m.
Earlier this year, I invested £10,000 into research conducted by UCL Urban Labs in collaboration with the Queer Spaces Network, which will look at how London’s LGBT+ landscape has changed over the years and what can be done to protect London’s LGBT+ venues. Following this, I have instructed the Night Czar, Amy Lame, to mediate between venue owners, developers and pub companies, and to reach out to venues in trouble to offer support from City Hall. I have also developed a new LGBT+ Venues Charter to help safeguard these venues. I have committed to carry out an annual audit of the LGBT + venues and to build safeguarding measures into the planning processes.
I continue to reinforce the message that London is a city open to all and a beacon for the LGBT+ community.
RAF Centenary [1]
Question No: 2017/3261
Andrew Dismore
What are you planning to do to commemorating the Centenary of the RAF next year?
Written response from the Mayor
The RAF has a series of events in central London next year to mark their centenary, details of which will be released in due course. We will also ensure appropriate reflection of this centenary in our annual Armed Forces Day ceremony.
RAF Centenary [2]
Question No: 2017/3262
Andrew Dismore
The RAF Museum in Hendon is undergoing a renovation in preparation for the Centenary of the RAF next year; will you consider visiting the museum to see and learn about the work they are undertaking and their plans for the centenary?
Written response from the Mayor
I’m proud of the selfless and dedicated work the Armed Forces do to keep our country safe and protect our way of life, and the RAF’s centenary celebrations is an excellent opportunity to highlight their important work. I would be very interested in seeing the renovated museum and will discuss with my team whether we can arrange a visit in my schedule.
World Para Athletics Championships
Question No: 2017/3263
Andrew Dismore
Suggestions have been made, that London should become the permanent host for the World Para Athletics Championships: what is your view of this?
Written response from the Mayor
The London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships were a roaring success with record-breaking crowds, ticket sales and gold star displays from our Superhumans on track and field.
I am proud that once again we have showcased London to the world, demonstrating our ability to host the globe’s best sporting events and celebrating all that our capital stands for – a united city that stands together as a true beacon of equality.
Due to the success of the event, the IPC has said that they are open to the idea of the World Para Athletics Championships returning to London in the future. However, they have ruled out London as a permanent host of the event. I believe this is the right approach to take in order to continue the growth and popularity of para athletics on every continent.
Tour de France
Question No: 2017/3264
Andrew Dismore
Given the refusal of your predecessor to support the return of the Tour de France to London, will we see this happen under your Mayoralty in the near future?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
British F1 race
Question No: 2017/3265
Andrew Dismore
With the potential loss of Silverstone as the venue for the British F1 race, is London under your Mayoralty ready and willing to step in?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Pedestrian crossing in Wood Street High Barnet
Question No: 2017/3266
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2476:
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?
Your response being:
‘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. ‘
Given Barnet Council’s poor record on public consultation and engagement and the importance of this crossing to the public, with hindsight don’t you think it would have been better for TfL to have consulted the public about their plans before implementing them?
Written response from the Mayor
The London Borough of Barnet is the highway authority for Wood Street so it is for that authority to decide whether and to consult on proposals at this location.
Transport for London’s works modernised the pedestrian crossing and brought it up to the latest standards. TfL does not normally carry out public consultation on these types of renewal works on borough roads, unless requested to do so by the borough, which they did not do in this case.
Tube train noise
Question No: 2017/3267
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2480
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?
Your response being:
‘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.’
What are residents supposed to do, if TfL are unable to tackle the noise sufficiently either timeously or in some cases, at all, so as to enable reasonable enjoyment of a home? Move out? Or put up with it?
Written response from the Mayor
I am committed to making sure that the Night Tube works for local communities as well as customers, and that noise from trains is reduced to the lowest level possible.
Transport for London (TfL) has a dedicated team of specialists to investigate and respond to every noise complaint. This has improved its ability to identify hot-spots, and target interventions.
TfL is dealing with the source of the noise, such as the trains and the tracks they run on, directly. TfL engages with every noise complaint it receives and has a robust engineering-led procedure to prioritise mitigation work as quickly as possible.
TfL has assured me that it will continue to work with residents to address all noise concerns to their satisfaction, and 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.
Signs for the Elizabeth Line
Question No: 2017/3268
Andrew Dismore
Will all signs on stations on the Elizabeth Line refer to the line as the “Elizabeth Line”, and will any signs referring to “Crossrail” be removed? How many signs, such as those at Tottenham Court Road, require replacing, and what will the cost be?
Written response from the Mayor
Yes, all the signs will direct customers to the Elizabeth line.
There are a limited number of vinyl sticker signs in Tottenham Court Road station that will need updating to direct customers towards the Elizabeth line. These will be updated closer to the start of Elizabeth line services opening in December 2018.
Transport for London (TfL) has assured me that the cost of updating these is minimal.
Crossrail 2 [1]
Question No: 2017/3269
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect the Government to give the go-ahead for Crossrail 2? Or will it be called the “George” line, rather than the “Charles” or “William” line at the current rate of progress of Government decision making?
Written response from the Mayor
I had a productive meeting with the Transport Secretary in July, where he pledged his continued support for Crossrail 2 and, as we have set out in a joint statement, we have agreed to work together to make the scheme more affordable. This work is now under way.
Given the urgent need to consult the public on TfL’s revised plans and prepare a Hybrid Bill by 2020, it essential that we get a timely decision from the Government. We need to get moving now on the next stage of Crossrail 2 if we are to avoid London’s transport network grinding to a halt in the early 2030s.
Crossrail 2 [2]
Question No: 2017/3270
Andrew Dismore
I have raised with you before the need for work on Crossrail 2, HS2 and Euston station to be properly managed and integrated, so residents do not suffer from years of works blighting their lives and you have been sympathetic to the issue. Can delays to Crossrail 2 still be accommodated in a plan to do all the works in an efficient and co-ordinated way?
Written response from the Mayor
I completely understand the unease of some residents around Euston over the amount of construction due to take place there in the coming years.
To address this, dedicated Crossrail 2 and HS2 teams within Transport for London regularly meet with the London Borough of Camden, HS2 Ltd, the Greater London Authority and Network Rail to coordinate the Euston Masterplan and make sure construction programmes are aligned to reduce to a minimum disruption to the local community.
Although the timetable for Crossrail 2 has been pushed back slightly, construction is forecast to start in around 2023. This will ensure the first passengers will use the service in 2033, which is crucial as it means it is ready for when phase 2 of HS2 starts bringing in tens of thousands more passengers into Euston every day.
Following feedback from the 2015 consultation, Crossrail 2 has worked on a new Euston station design which integrates better with the existing station. The new proposal would also be considerably less disruptive to local residents, as it requires less land to be used.
Electric car contactless charging
Question No: 2017/3271
Andrew Dismore
Has TfL made an assessment of contactless charging points, which may help expand the use, range and availability of electric cars in London?
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is in touch with industries developing electric vehicle (EV) wireless-charging solutions. TfL was involved in UNPLUGGED, a European funded project which researched how EVs could benefit from wireless charging. This project concluded in 2015, and set out the technical and market developments needed for wide-scale adoption.
Three wireless-charged hybrid electric double decker buses are currently operating on route 69 between Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations as part of the European-funded Zero Emission Urban Bus System project. Charging of these buses during short rest periods at each bus station helps maximise zero-emission operation over the route.
Major car manufacturers will start offering wireless-charging options for the next generation of EVs, due before 2020. TfL is open to collaborating with industry to trial new innovative technology such as wireless charging at low speeds, which may be suitable for charging zero-emission capable taxis moving slowly at busy ranks.
Step-free access at East Finchley Station
Question No: 2017/3272
Andrew Dismore
East Finchley station had a raised platform installed a few years ago, but has no lifts to get from the ticket hall level to the platforms. How much would lifts or other step free schemes there cost, and has any work been undertaken to assess how this could be accommodated?
Written response from the Mayor
I am committed to increasing the amount of step-free stations across the network to make the Tube more accessible. In December 2016, I announced a £200m programme to provide step-free access at around 30 stations over the next five years, and by 2022 Transport for London (TfL) aims to make 40 per cent of the Tube network step-free.
TfL has carried out a high-level investigation into installing lifts at East Finchley. It has indicated that the scheme would involve installing two lifts into a listed building, and the layout of the station means that the worksite would be significantly constrained.
Furthermore, the scheme would involve excavating under the tracks and this would result in a high level of disruption to both the station and the train service. Due to the complexity of this project and therefore high estimated cost, in the region of £15m – £20m, East Finchley is not being considered as part of the £200m five-year programme.
Step-free access at Kentish Town Station
Question No: 2017/3273
Andrew Dismore
What would the cost be of making Kentish Town Station step-free, what work has been done to assess the viability of doing so, and have any plans been drawn up on how this could be accommodated in the station?
Written response from the Mayor
I am committed to increasing the amount of step-free stations across the network to make the Tube more accessible. In December 2016, I announced a £200m programme to provide step-free access at around 30 stations over the next five years, and by 2022 Transport for London (TfL) aims to make 40 per cent of the Tube network step-free.
TfL has carried out a high-level investigation into installing lifts at Kentish Town. It has indicated that the scheme would involve digging new tunnels and installing a new lift shaft in a very constrained worksite adjacent to the main road and busy operational railways. Due to the complexity of this project and therefore high estimated cost, in the region of £40m, Kentish Town is not being considered as part of the £200m five-year programme.
Step free access: West Hampstead tube [1]
Question No: 2017/3274
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2923
What is the present position in responding to local demands for this?
Your response being:
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Will you now provide a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/2923.
Step-free access at West Hampstead tube [2]
Question No: 2017/3275
Andrew Dismore
What would the cost be of making West Hampstead tube step-free, what work has been done to assess the viability of doing so, and have any plans been drawn up on how this could be accommodated in the station?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2017/2923.
Mill Hill East tube line [1]
Question No: 2017/3276
Andrew Dismore
Given the growing usage of the line, can the Mill Hill East line, revert to having through trains for most of the day rather than just in peak times?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2017/1797.
Mill Hill East tube line [2]
Question No: 2017/3277
Andrew Dismore
Could TfL consider extending the double track on the Mill Hill East line up to or near the viaduct? This would involve a smoother and quicker service with the potential for trains arriving/departing to/from Mill Hill East at 5 minute intervals rather than every 12 minutes. This would not involve double tracking the viaduct but would allow for faster scheduling, as the passenger volumes are rapidly increasing and in the morning peak trains are full (no available seats) on leaving Mill Hill East.
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) has looked at this option but the cost of a double track in this area, including the associated re-signalling, power enhancements and second station platform, would be prohibitively expensive. In addition, to increase the frequency, TfL would need to purchase additional trains.
TfL does regularly review the Northern line timetable to make sure that services benefit the greatest number of customers. Trains to and from Mill Hill East Tube station currently run around every 12 minutes during peak times, which meets the current demand at the station and forecast future demand.
I understand that TfL updated you last month about improvements to the 382 bus which serves Mill Hill East and Finchley Central Tube stations. These improvements will allow Mill Hill East customers to make additional connections between Mill Hill East and Finchley Central.
Mill Hill East tube line [3]
Question No: 2017/3278
Andrew Dismore
Will you consider in the longer term converting the Mill Hill East line to a Docklands Light Rail or tram type of service from Finchley Central through to Mill Hill East and on to Copthall Park, Mill Hill Broadway & Edgware possibly Bushey & Watford with a link from Mill Hill Broadway alongside the Midland Mainline and on through the Dudden Hill freight line to Old Oak Common. The addition of such facilities in North London would dramatically improve orbital connectivity?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
100 Avenue Road
Question No: 2017/3279
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2482, in relation to the various reports on the proposed development at 100 Avenue Road, can I draw your attention to the requirements of condition 31 and the interaction with HS2, The main point being that HS2 is an ‘adjacent’ structure, which Essential Living’s own engineers say has a “Potential for damage to the new building from future HS2 tunnel construction” and that “The impact of HS2 should be reviewed as part of the design process”. Has this been done by TfL, as it would be wrong for the 100 Avenue Road building to be demolished and then for a reason later to arise to not proceed because of a conflict with HS2.
Written response from the Mayor
As set out in my answer to MQ2017/2482, London Underground (LU) is confident that the proposed development does not have a detrimental effect on its assets or operations, however this will be monitored by LU works inspectors throughout construction.
While any concerns about the demolition in relation to HS2 should be directed to the Department for Transport, I know that LU would be happy to meet with you to talk through your concerns. Further reassurance for local residents, I hope, could be sought direct from the London Borough of Camden.
Buses on route 24
Question No: 2017/3280
Andrew Dismore
I have received complaints about the very high temperatures in excess of 35C on the buses on route 24. The 24 bus drivers also complain about working without functioning air conditioning. What can be done to ameliorate this problem?
Written response from the Mayor
All New Routemaster buses, including those on route 24, have been fitted with opening windows on the upper and lower decks to improve air flow and help make customers feel more comfortable. All double deck vehicles in the London fleet also have air cooling systems to help reduce temperatures.
The driver’s cab on London buses has air conditioning and a window that can be opened to improve air flow. If the air conditioning is not working, the driver should report this to the garage so it can be fixed.
I would encourage anyone with concerns about the heat on New Routemaster buses, or other vehicles, to raise them directly with Transport for London (TfL) online at https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact. When reporting any issues, details such as the time and date, and vehicle registrations will help TfL check the problem.
No left turn’ restriction from the A1 into Tithe Walk
Question No: 2017/3281
Andrew Dismore
Will you consider a ‘no left turn’ restriction from the A1 into Tithe Walk, Mill Hill? A1 traffic comes both up and down Tithe Walk at speed, using it as a rat run to avoid going through the lights at Fiveways Corner and / or to shortcut tailbacks that often mount up when the phasing of the lights at Fiveways is poor. The volume and type of traffic that comes through is unsuitable for a road of this size – including HGVs – and there is considerable risk on the blind bends. It is pretty much impossible to slow to an acceptable speed when turning left off the A1 when the traffic is moving at speed. Hence there is considerable risk to pedestrians – and especially young children. Other similar roads nearby have no left turns off the A1, which suggests that this is a risk which has been identified and mitigated in similar settings.
Written response from the Mayor
Thank you for raising this with me. Although this location has a low number of recorded collisions, I acknowledge the potential for danger with the current layout, which is constrained by a pedestrian subway.
TfL will work with the police and the London Borough of Barnet to see what can be done to implement a ‘no left turn’ restriction from the A1 at Tithe Walk, and also to look at The Rise junction to the north, which also has no lane for vehicles to slow down in.
Colindale Tube station
Question No: 2017/3282
Andrew Dismore
What progress is being made with improving Colindale Tube station capacity?
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is working with the London Borough of Barnet and a developer to improve Colindale Tube station. This will include introducing step-free access to the station, improvements to the area around the station, and providing much-needed affordable housing.
TfL will provide further details once timescales and funding arrangements have been agreed for this project. Step-free access is expected to be delivered by 2020.
TfL‘s Complaints function
Question No: 2017/3283
Andrew Dismore
I have had complaints that TfL’s Complaints function on its website is neither easy to find nor easy to use. What can you do to improve this facility?
Written response from the Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) welcomes all feedback, and uses it to find ways to improve tfl.gov.uk. Previous feedback has resulted in TfL’s ‘Help & Contacts’ page being re-designed to make accessing information easier. A section has been added for escalating a complaint and providing direct access to feedback forms.
The new and improved page is at https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/
TfL will listen to any further feedback and, where possible, use it to improve the function in future.
Agency workers on 13 bus
Question No: 2017/3284
Andrew Dismore
Users of the 13 bus have informed me that after speaking to drivers, they understand that many are agency workers employed on temporary contracts. Is this true, and if so when do you expect the service to be driven by full time employees?
Written response from the Mayor
Tower Transit, the company which operates route 13 on TfL’s behalf, has been supplementing permanent staff with agency drivers as a temporary arrangement following its acquisition of the route. The company has a thorough induction process for all drivers.
Of the pool of 500 drivers working out of the Westbourne Park garage that serves a routes including the 13, only 10 (two per cent), are agency workers. Tower Transit anticipates that there will be no temporary drivers within the next few months.
Finchley Memorial Hospital
Question No: 2017/3285
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2932
What work has TfL done to examine the viability of extending the 383 bus route to Finchley Memorial Hospital, and what was the outcome of their investigations?
Your response being:
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Will you now provide a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see answer to MQ 2017/2932.
Congestion charge
Question No: 2017/3286
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2459
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?
Your response being:
‘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.’
Has the Government instituted such proceedings; and if not what explanation have they given?
Written response from the Mayor
In October 2016, Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, wrote to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs asking him to pursue the matter on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) behalf.
TfL has not yet received a formal response.
West Ham [1]
Question No: 2017/3287
Andrew Dismore
West Ham’s former ground at Upton Park is being redeveloped; what public benefit is expected to accrue from this, in light of the agreement for West Ham to occupy the Olympic stadium on such beneficial terms as they secured form the former Mayor?
Written response from the Mayor
The London Borough of Newham granted planning permission for the redevelopment of West Ham United’s former ground on the 13 July 2016 and approved a mixed-use scheme that included 842 new homes. The associated section 106 planning agreement required 25% of these homes to be affordable if no public subsidy was available and 35% of them to be affordable if public subsidy was available. The former Mayor considered this application on its own merits at Stage 2 on the 28 April 2016 and concluded that this approach complied with the London Plan’s affordable housing policy requirements and there is no connection between the concession agreement with West Ham United for use of the London Stadium and its subsequent sale of Upton Park.
West Ham [2]
Question No: 2017/3288
Andrew Dismore
In light of the agreement for West Ham to occupy the Olympic stadium on such beneficial terms as they secured from the former Mayor, how have they shared the benefits of that deal with their supporters, for example in fairer pricing of season tickets?
Written response from the Mayor
The issue of benefits for West Ham United’s supporters is a matter best dealt with by the club itself. However, the club suggests that it has one of the lowest ticket price structures in the Premier League with prices frozen from 2016/17 for the 2017/18 season.
I understand that the club has attracted 52,000 season ticket holders with under-16s able to watch Premier League football for £99 (the joint cheapest in the country) while the lowest adult price remains at £289.
Night time economy [1]
Question No: 2017/3289
Andrew Dismore
50,000 people visit Camden Town each Friday and Saturday evening. This is equivalent to the crowd at a Premier League football match. Camden Town have a dedicated Police team of 6 officers on duty as well as the usual SNT team.
At a “category A” football match with 50,000 fans in London there would typically be 150 police officers. There would also be 200 stewards. Football crowds are usually easier to police. The majority of fans are home fans who know what the best routes are and what the police will worry about. They follow the same routes every 2 weeks or so. Many night time economy customers come only once every 3-6 months and are going to different places and don’t have such an understanding of how to move around the area. Given this much lower policing ratio, is it any surprise that the streets of Camden Town (and other areas of London affected by night time economy crowds) see the level of incidents and anti-social behaviour that they do?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Night time economy [2]
Question No: 2017/3290
Andrew Dismore
You have talked about the ‘Agent of Change’ principle in planning, which requires the party making a change to take steps to mitigate its impact. If you are successful in intensifying the night time economy, how do you see this principle applying in the grant of alcohol licences for later hours?
Written response from the Mayor
I encourage licensing authorities to take an integrated approach to planning and licensing, however the agent of change principle is primarily aimed at pre-empting and resolving potential conflicts during the planning and development process.
Licensing authorities are required to promote the licensing objectives in carrying out their licensing functions, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Through the work of the Night Czar and Night Time Commission, I will continue to promote excellence in all aspects of managing the night time economy, and will bring together stakeholders including licensing authorities to advise on best practice, resolve conflicts where they arise and support the night time economy.
Night time economy [3]
Question No: 2017/3291
Andrew Dismore
Do you disagree with Westminster Council’s view, that there is a distinction between an evening economy, which is about culture, entertainment and food, and the night time economy, which is more about alcohol and clubbing?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Night time economy [4]
Question No: 2017/3292
Andrew Dismore
How will you make a more diverse night time offering attractive if you don’t find a way of dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime that come from the alcohol led nature of the current night time economy post 23:00?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Police Airwave radios
Question No: 2017/3293
Andrew Dismore
I have been informed that there are continuing problems with police Airwave radios for response teams–specifically that a response team is expected to maintain one channel while responding to an incident. This apparently means that other teams cannot listen in–one example given to me was that a team requiring assistance might not be able to communicate with another team nearby who could help. Is this correct? Is this a product of the borough pathfinder merger? If this is happening, what is being done about it?
Written response from the Mayor
The Airwave system is operating as expected and there are no reported faults or issues with it.
As you would expect the way that the Airwave Radio system is configured across response is operationally sensitive and it is not something that the MPS would be place in the public domain.
However, the MPS informs me that the scenario described above is not the case. On the Pathfinders the radio management is the same as is used for managing deployment across London including in some of our highest risk situations. The MPS will not compromise officer safety and any incident where safety concerns are raised is investigated and any lessons from it are fed into operational practice.
Borough merger [1]
Question No: 2017/3294
Andrew Dismore
I am getting reports from Camden residents and ward panels that the Pathfinder (Camden & Islington) Borough has resulted in a deterioration of services provided by the MPS, including in particular the poor standard of investigations into crime allegations. What is being done to correct this?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Borough merger [2]
Question No: 2017/3295
Andrew Dismore
In the Pathfinder (Camden & Islington) Borough there appears to be a disconnect in that ward priorities are not aligned with the emergency policing team priorities, for example if a caller dials 101 to report anti-social behaviour that was an issue on the ward, the Response teams would not attend as they had I & S grade priorities. What is being done about this?
Written response from the Mayor
Each Borough has selected two local volume crime priorities, based on local knowledge, crime data and police intelligence, along with antisocial behaviour, which has been identified in our consultation for the Police & Crime Plan as an important issue across London.
To address local priorities, neighbourhood officers work together with Councils and other partners to take a proactive problem solving approach – not only pursuing and arresting criminals, but also taking enforcement action on the problems that drive crime – such as drug dealing.
The Emergency Response teams predominantly respond to I & S grade calls, which are graded within the Control room on the basis of the need for an urgent police response.
Response teams are aligned to patrol zones, based on the demands that have affected particular areas, and this is intended to enable a more effective response to areas of high demand. It is also intended that response teams are used to provide additional support for local officers to tackle their priorities, and work is under way in Camden & Islington to make this happen.
Borough merger [3]
Question No: 2017/3296
Andrew Dismore
In the Pathfinder (Camden & Islington) Borough I understand that can be around 100 outstanding urgent calls at any one time with the response team. I have had reports that when member of the public calls 999, the police do not always respond to their call. Is this correct?
Written response from the Mayor
This is not correct; incidents will not be closed by a supervisor until the original incident has been dealt with.
When calls are received, the command and control process means that they are monitored until they are dealt with. This can include incidents when, for example, officers attend but there is no reply to their knocking, and there will be times when other more urgent incidents will take priority, so delaying any response.
The average level of outstanding (“unassigned”) urgent calls in the North Pathfinder between 18 and 25 July 2017 was 25. This ranged between a low of 3 and a high of 54.
Police contact points
Question No: 2017/3297
Andrew Dismore
As part of your public access consultation for the Met Police, have you considered locating contact points in other public buildings, such as local libraries, which might save the Met money, generate revenues for Councils and provide more “one stop shops” at public buildings?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of the draft Strategy, we propose requiring local dedicated ward officers (DWOs) to hold community contact sessions at convenient times and places in each ward. Rather than setting strict requirements centrally, we recognise that every community is different and will allow local solutions that best meet the needs of local people. These will be overseen by Safer Neighbourhood Boards.
There is, then, the opportunity for local officers to work with local authorities and others to identify the best locations.
In addition, in order to base DWOs closer to the wards they police, we are seeking co-locations with local authorities and others, as outlined in the draft Strategy.
Moped Crime [1]
Question No: 2017/3298
Andrew Dismore
What is your view of the police using a “tactical contact” (e.g. ramming) with suspects on mopeds?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/3199.
Moped Crime [2]
Question No: 2017/3299
Andrew Dismore
How many a) moped enabled crimes and b) moped thefts have there been in the last 12 months; and how does that compare with the previous 3 years?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be send shortly.
Water Cannon
Question No: 2017/3300
Andrew Dismore
What is the present position over the disposal of the water cannon? How much has been spent on the maintenance and storage since their purchase and what is the annual cost of maintenance and storage? Has consideration been given to ‘cutting the losses’ and scrapping them?
Written response from the Mayor
The water cannon remain available for sale via the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which is helping to find the highest and most reputable buyer from a European policing or civil protection organisation, according to conditions set by the German Federal Police. We will only permit a sale to a buyer who meets the most rigorous ethical standards, to ensure the water cannon are not in any way misused in the future.
Buying, modifying, evaluating and maintaining the vehicles cost £322,834.71 under the previous Mayor. Since they were put up for sale, the cannon have incurred no further storage or maintenance costs, and no training with the vehicles has been undertaken.
If a suitable purchaser cannot be found, we will have no other option but to scrap the vehicles. It beggars belief that, because the previous Mayor rashly purchased them before he even had permission to use them, such a huge amount of taxpayers’ money has been wasted on these redundant machines.
Domestic abuse crimes
Question No: 2017/3301
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/2500
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?
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
MOPAC is working with the London Criminal Justice Board subgroup to understand this data. As per my response to MQ 2017/ 2357, we continue to work with London Criminal Justice Services to agree a devolution approach that enables London to get to grips with exactly these kind of London-centric challenges.
Hendon Police training centre
Question No: 2017/3302
Andrew Dismore
Hendon Police training centre has been re-provided on a smaller site, with the remainder sold off for housing. Given the height and density of the new residential buildings, what guarantees have you got that the police training centre will not be overlooked or otherwise vulnerable from the neighbouring developments that have been given planning permission?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of the sale process restrictive covenants were imposed on the land around the boundary of the retained Hendon site which limit the distance from which a developer can build any buildings, the type of boundary wall that must be constructed and maintained and the maximum height that can be built within a defined area. The current masterplan and planning permissions comply with those covenants.
Public Access and Engagement Strategy [1]
Question No: 2017/3303
Andrew Dismore
What local consultation meetings are being organised in Barnet and in Camden to consult on the police Public Access and Engagement Strategy?
Written response from the Mayor
Borough commanders are in the process of arranging local consultation sessions in support of the public consultation on the draft Strategy. Camden and Barnet are in the process of arranging this.
Public Access and Engagement Strategy [2]
Question No: 2017/3304
Andrew Dismore
What premises in Barnet and what in Camden are you considering as ‘dedicated ward officer hubs’ under the Public Access and Engagement Strategy?
Written response from the Mayor
New dedicated ward officer hubs will ensure that dedicated ward officers (DWOs) start and end their shifts a short distance from the wards they police.
Where possible, existing police buildings will be used, but around 80 partner sites are being identified. MPS Property Services will be happy to discuss any possible locations, and this is part of the consultation under the draft Public Access and Engagement Strategy.
Police front counters
Question No: 2017/3306
Andrew Dismore
Once police front counters are cut back further, where should someone go to report lost property they have found in the street, for example a bunch of keys or a wallet?
Written response from the Mayor
Managing property lost and found in a public place is not and has never been a core policing responsibility. This should therefore not be linked to the number of MPS front counters.
In 2014, the MPS introduced a new approach to lost & found property, replacing previous arrangements were that were ineffective, inefficient and costly to provide. The majority of property brought into police stations was not identifiable and therefore never reunited with an owner. Since 2014, the MPS has not accepted items of found property save in certain circumstances, for example if an item is hazardous or identifiable through serial number.
In many cases, finders of found property can discharge any legal responsibilities by making their own local enquiries to trace the owner or directly return the item to any issuing agency in the case of official documents (e.g. driving licences, bank cards). There is also no requirement to report lost property to the police for the purpose of an insurance claim.
The MPS has a dedicated lost and found property webpage which provides guidance to people who have lost or found items, including signposting to agencies better placed to deal where appropriate.
Police assets
Question No: 2017/3307
Andrew Dismore
Of police buildings closed and earmarked for disposal under the previous Mayor, how many, and which, have not yet been sold?
Written response from the Mayor
Of the police buildings closed and earmarked for disposal under the previous Mayor there are five that have been vacated and will be openly marketed for sale from September. The 5 properties are:
- Belvedere Police Station
- Rotherhithe Police Station
- Greenwich Police Station
- Olwen House, Loman Street
- Douglas Webb Section House
First aid advice after acid attacks
Question No: 2017/3308
Andrew Dismore
Will you work with the police, fire and ambulance service to publicise the best first aid advice that can be given if someone is exposed to acid or other corrosive substance?
Written response from the Mayor
I will support the police, fire and ambulance service in issuing the most up to date advice. Emergency services working in conjunction will be vital to ensure victims are given the assistance they require quickly so when attacks are reported the London Fire Brigade will be alerted and will attend the scene as will have access to large amounts of water. The MPS will be outlining a three step model which encourages the removal of clothing and irrigation with plenty of water.
