Andrew Dismore

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

 

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.