Andrew Dismore

New York police ‘Domain Awareness System’

Question No: 2018/1788

Andrew Dismore

New York police have a ‘Domain Awareness System’, combining real time information from CCTV cameras, automatic number plate readers (ANPR), chemical and radiation sensors, 911 calls, microphones that can “hear” gunshots, that is fed to all 35,000 NYPD officers who can access it through mobile smart devices. Has the Met considered this approach and do you support it?

Written response from the Mayor

 

I know that the Met is open to new technological approaches that might reduce crime. Safety is my number one priority and I support the Met investigating any options which can make London safer. I inherited a terrible digital legacy in the Met and have therefore had to make significant improvements including implementing an integrated policing system that will be more efficient and easy to use (MiPS). In addition, we have provided 30,000 laptops and tablets to frontline officers, equipped 1,200 vehicles with in-vehicle mobile data technology and rolled out more than 22,000 Body Worn Video cameras. I have also set aside well over £300m to address technological infrastructure and digital transformation over the next four years.

 

The Met is continuously looking at how to maximise the use of technology and evaluate its effectiveness and potential benefits.  The Met has contacts with national and international forces, including NYPD, and has regular dialogue about technology and innovation.

London Living Wage (2)

Question No: 2018/1796

Andrew Dismore

How many businesses are currently London Living Wage accredited?

Written response from the Mayor

 

The latest data from the Living Wage Foundation indicates there are more than 1500 (1537) London Living Wage employers, operating over 3000 (3141) shops, offices and street stalls in the capital.

 

Brexit and legal services

Question No: 2018/1856

Andrew Dismore

Reports in the legal press suggest that Paris is setting up law courts applying English Law and undercutting fees in commercial cases, as a direct challenge to London’s courts, post Brexit. Have you seen these reports and what representations have you made about it?

Written response from the Mayor

I have seen these reports, and to me they add to the growing sense that Paris is well positioned to benefit from Brexit, with the opportunity to become a significant finance and professional services hub. I am seeking a meeting with the new Secretary of State for Exiting the EU to raise these concerns, among others. I recently wrote to the Prime Minster, after the publication of the Government’s Brexit White Paper, expressing my fears that a Brexit deal which heavily reduces the ability of our banks, insurers, legal and professional services firms to do business across Europe will clearly damage our status and hamper our growth.

 

A1000/A406 connecting bridge

Question No: 2018/1857

Andrew Dismore

Cyclists have complained about the state of the A1000 on the bridge over the A406: the poor state of the tarmac around drain covers and other iron work and the metal of the expansion strip on the bridge sits proud of tarmac road surface. This results in cyclists having to take evasive action to avoid damage to bike wheels and/or an accident. Given the volume (and at quieter periods, the speed) of traffic on this stretch, were a cyclist to come off their bike it could well be difficult for vehicles to avoid them. Will you ensure that these hazards are dealt with promptly?

Written response from the Mayor

The A1000, including the surface of the bridge of the A406, is the responsibility of the London Borough of Barnet who are the Highway Authority. Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the bridge structure itself and engineers carry out regular inspections.

The safety of Londoners is my top priority and so I have asked TfL to consider if remedial works to the expansion strip are required to ensure the bridge is not a danger to cyclists.

TfL is happy to organise a site visit to discuss with you further.

 

Mill Hill East

Question No: 2018/1862

Andrew Dismore

I have previously raised the problem of Mill Hill East shuttle tube trains setting off while passengers are still disembarking at Finchley Central, to transfer; I was previously given assurances that the shuttle would wait to allow passengers to transfer, but this arrangement has started to break down meaning passengers then have a 15minute wait; will you ensure that Mill Hill trains wait for the incoming trains before setting off. Also, the 382 bus leaves at the same time as the shuttle from Mill Hill East which doesn’t even make using a bus an option when going from Mill Hill East in the direction of Finchley Central and beyond: can this be letter co-ordinated so that the buses go at the mid point of the shuttle timetable?

Written response from the Mayor

Transport for London (TfL) tries to plan the transport network to ensure customers are able to move between services as easily as possible. However, the sheer scale of the network means it is not possible for every journey to connect seamlessly.

The new signalling system on the Northern line currently has no function for alerting drivers on the Mill Hill East London Underground branch when the next train is coming into East Finchley station. A software update, planned to take place in Summer 2019, will rectify this situation. In the meantime, drivers are instructed to look at the incoming platform to see if a train is coming and, if so, to wait for those passengers who wish to transfer. I have asked TfL to remind drivers of this requirement.

The current 382 bus schedule, in place since July 2017, aims to connect with Mill Hill East branch services when frequencies are the same. This is possible during the hours between the morning peak and evening peak Monday to Fridays and during Saturday shopping hours. It is not possible during early mornings, peaks, Sundays and evenings when the Tube is operating at a higher frequency than the 382 bus route

red routes

Question No: 2018/1868

Andrew Dismore

Why is Oxford Street not a red route while St John’s Wood Road is?

Written response from the Mayor

 

The Transport for London Road Network (also known as “red routes”) is largely based on the Primary Route Network established in the early 1990s, with a slight expansion as part of the 1999 GLA Act. This network – which comprises five per cent of London’s roads – was established as the most appropriate set of strategic routes for moving traffic into and around London.

In terms of the wider road network, St Johns Wood Road provides a key link between the A5 and the A41, meaning TfL is the responsible highway authority. Oxford Street is a busy international destination but Westminster City Council is currently the responsible highway authority.