Andrew Dismore

PHV English tests [1]

Question No: 2018/0683

To: Mayor and Commissioner

Andrew Dismore

Why is it taking a year or more to process checks of English language qualifications for PHV drivers?

Written response from the Mayor

The process of verifying evidence that has been provided to meet the English language requirement is complex.  Transport for London (TfL) has received a wide range of documents from applicants for a private hire vehicle driver’s licence to demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement.

TfL is therefore currently working through all the various types of certificate and qualification in order to verify that they meet the required standard. This has involved discussions with various awarding organisations to ascertain if, and how, they are able to provide verification of the certificates/qualifications they issue.

Drivers have until 16 July 2018 to provide evidence to prove that they meet the required standard. TfL will make contact with drivers once a decision has been made on the documentation that they have provided.

I have asked TfL to take all necessary steps to ensure that evidence submissions are processed promptly. In the meantime, private hire drivers are able to continue working while this process is taking place.

PHV English tests [4]

Question No: 2018/0686

To: Mayor and Commissioner

Andrew Dismore

Why has it taken over a year so far and no sign of progress, other than a standard holding reply to my constituent Abdul Salam, to decide on whether the English language qualifications he has submitted for his PHV licence are acceptable?

Written response from the Mayor

As mentioned in 2018/0683, delays have been caused by the need to review and verify all the various types of certificates and qualifications.

I sympathise with your constituent and appreciate the frustration this is causing. I understand Transport for London has been in contact with you regarding Mr. Salam’s position and has confirmed that your constituent is able to continue working while this process is taking place.

Camden High Line

Question No: 2018/0687

To: Mayor and Commissioner

Andrew Dismore

Do you support the proposed Camden High Line? If so, what will you be doing to make sure the project is realised?

Written response from the Mayor

This innovative project could become a great asset to people walking and cycling in Camden. Through an allocation of £2500 from my CrowdFund London initiative (July 2017) I am supporting detailed feasibility work on the proposal to transform this former railway asset into a public park and green link.

I continue to encourage co-operation between those proposing the High Line and Network Rail, which owns the asset.  They will need to explore and agree the challenges and opportunities involved in taking forward this exciting proposal as well as identifying funding to bring the project forward.

River and water safety [4]

Question No: 2018/0700

To: Mayor and Commissioner

Andrew Dismore

The biggest cause of loss of life on the river by drowning is suicide; what do you see as your and TfL’s role in minimising and preventing this risk?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to 2018/0528

Water safety [4]Question No: 2018/0528 Andrew Dismore The biggest cause of loss of life on the river by drowning is suicide; what do you see as your and TfL’s role in minimising and preventing this risk?

Written response from the Mayor

 

Prevention of suicides is a complex issue and requires cross-sector working by a range of agencies.

 

As a highway authority, Transport for London (TfL) has worked with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to install lifebuoys on its Thames bridges, river walls and piers. The lifebuoys have clear signage and instructions to dial 999 and state that the coastguard should be alerted, as it was found that the majority of people are not aware that the Coastguard is the fourth emergency service in London and is the direct mechanism to activate RNLI boats for rescue attempts.

 

TfL attends the UK Bridges Board, where issues such as suicide prevention are discussed by bridge owners and managers across a number of different sectors. TfL will also continue to work with the Coastguard to improve the information available regarding suicide awareness and will share information with relevant stakeholders.

 

Furthermore, all river operators licensed to use TfL piers are required to adhere to the guidance set out by the Port of London Authority on how to assist those in difficulty.