MQT TfL answers June July 2020
Question No: 2020/1962
Andrew Dismore
Given the upsurge in speeding, will you ask the police to mount an anti speeding operation here; and what progress is being made with speed reduction measures discussions with Barnet Council?
Speeding: A1 Falloden Way
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response. Please be advised that there may be some delay as the information also requires input from functional bodies.
Speeding: A1 Falloden Way
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
During lockdown London experienced lower traffic volumes but that data showed speed increased in every limit category (20-70mph inclusive). We have experienced extreme speeds and the MPS has enforced accordingly. Some examples of the speed prosecuted, and the speed limits in the areas the vehicles were in at the time are as follows: 163mph (70 speed limit); 134 mph (40 speed limit); 110mph (30 speed limit); 73mph (20 speed limit).
The MPS has embedded a culture within roads policing teams of targeting the most risky roads, people and themes. Teams patrol priority roads across London with a real focus on speeding. Since lockdown began speeding enforcement increased 164% compared to the same period in 2019 (8,740 v 3,306). The MPS has extensively communicated the dangers of speeding via mainstream media and key partners.
In May 2020, 509 speeding offences were enforced by roads policing officers in the Borough of Barnet. The MPS informs me that Falloden Way is currently not identified as a priority road for intensive deployments based, in part, on serious collision data; however, this is regularly reviewed.
The MPS has launched a new local authority referral process in which Boroughs are encouraged to report road safety concerns to the Police and TFL. The MPS considers referrals and acts on this information as and when necessary. It will, in combination with TfL, proactively contact Barnet Council to fully understand their road safety concerns and see how best it can respond to any identified issues.
A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
Question No: 2020/1963
Andrew Dismore
TfL recently undertook, via their contractors Conway, a resurfacing of the A1 Great North Way sliproad at Fiveways Corner in NW4 on the night of 26th May 2020.
Regrettably, only around half the slipway was resurfaced, despite the whole section being of equally poor quality. Residents have ascertained that Conway will not be returning to complete the rest of the slipway. Why has only half the slipway been resurfaced, and will you now instruct Conway to resurface the rest of the slipway?
Answer for A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) targets its renewals programme at its poorest road surfaces, using data collected by its road inspectors and scanner vehicles. The resurfaced section of slipway was in a poorer condition and so qualified for renewal.
TfL is continuing its investigations into the road surface of the remaining section of the slip road. Should these investigations identify underlying issues with the road surface TfL will consider all options for remedial work including resurfacing.
Bridge at East Finchley Station
Question No: 2020/1966
Andrew Dismore
The Bridge at East Finchley Station over the High Road is in a disgusting state, there are several dead pigeon carcasses stuck in the netting, with pigeon droppings, blood and other dirt making the pavements and bus stops dangerously dirty and a public health hazard. Please can we ask TfL to repair the netting, remove the dead pigeons and undertake a deep clean?
Answer for Bridge at East Finchley Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Bridge at East Finchley Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London has confirmed that on 12 June it completed the repairs to the netting, removed the dead pigeon carcasses and cleaned the pavement.
Question No: 2020/1969
Andrew Dismore
A section 35 was declared in East Finchley on Friday 22nd May due to two large gatherings of teenagers at the Market Place playground. Whilst the swift action of the police is to be commended, do the police have information about how these gatherings were organised and by whom?
Section 35 in East Finchley
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response. Please be advised that there may be some delay as the information also requires input from functional bodies.
Section 35 in East Finchley
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The police received a number of calls about this incident and officers were dispatched to the playground where they discovered around 60-80 people. Barbecues had been lit and there were several drunk people. Officers also found that social distancing was not being observed. The officers were met with some hostility, and the Section 35 was put in place. Unfortunately, the MPS does not know who organised these gatherings or how they went about organising them.
Question No: 2020/1973
Andrew Dismore
What is the current status of the Camden Town Station upgrade?
Answer for Camden Town Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Camden Town Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The Transport for London (TfL) Business Plan published in December 2019 states that the realisation of the Camden and Holborn schemes relies on steady and sustained investment from the Government.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, both the Camden Town and Holborn station capacity upgrades were unfunded. The Business Plan stated that as TfL has no certainty of capital funding beyond 2020, it would be making the case to Government for capital support to enable these critical projects. That position remains unchanged, although the situation has become even more challenging given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Question No: 2020/1974
Andrew Dismore
What is the current status of the Holborn Station upgrade?
Answer for Holborn Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Holborn Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1973.
Question No: 2020/1976
Andrew Dismore
We are told that TfL’s scheme to reroute the 384 bus was requested by Barnet Council, other stakeholders and residents to enhance links between Barnet and Edgware. When did Barnet Council request this and will you publish their representation; which other stakeholders requested this, and when in each case; and how many residents requested this change?
Answer for 384 bus [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) continuously liaises with London boroughs to identify, develop and propose options to change bus services. The suggested changes for the route 384 were shared and discussed in person with Barnet Council officers, Theresa Villiers MP and a representative of Barnet Residents’ Association. This was in the context of a review of the bus network in the Barnet town centre area which was undertaken in early 2018.
The review took place after various requests from various stakeholders to improve bus links in the area, partly due to the expected impact of new developments. At the time stakeholders were broadly in support of the proposals’ general aims. The purpose of the subsequent consultation is to provide a more formal opportunity for a wider group of stakeholders and the public to comment on detailed and specific proposals.
While Barnet Council did not submit a formal Borough response to the subsequent consultation, I understand that some local representatives have requested further engagement. As agreed, TfL are looking at ways to hold a further discussion via electronic means to discuss and explain the proposals further, and I will ensure that you are invited to join this discussion.
Question No: 2020/1977
Andrew Dismore
What is the furthest distance someone will have to walk to reach a bus stop if TfL’s proposals are implemented; and how does that compare with the distances before these changes?
Answer for 384 bus [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
On average, the additional walk to access route 384 or another bus route following the changes is 160 metres. The longest additional walk is 700 metres and is from the eastern end of Gloucester Road. This affects 30 weekday trips and there is an alternative stop on Lyonsdown Road on route 326 that is closer for these passengers. Like the current 384, the 326 serves New Barnet Station, High Barnet and Barnet town centre. Passengers can also use the Hopper fare to change to the 384 on Station Road at New Barnet for other destinations, at no additional charge.
Question No: 2020/1980
Andrew Dismore
Will you commit to a review of the changes that are planned to the 384 bus route if they are implemented within a year?
Answer for 384 bus [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Yes. It is standard practice that Transport for London (TfL) reviews bus routes, particularly when changes have been made. This ensures that the changes are delivering the intended benefit and allows adjustments to be made if necessary.
Question No: 2020/1983
Andrew Dismore
As you are now returning to front door boarding for buses as you have made drivers safe, will you consider also allowing disabled people to use some or all of the designated seats at the front of buses?
Answer for bus disabled seats
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
bus disabled seats
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
On many buses in the fleet, most priority seats aren’t cordoned off as they are not located immediately behind the driver’s cab or just behind the front door. They are further back.
I have taken a number of steps to protect bus drivers and will continue to do so. TfL will ensure that drivers are protected behind screens whilst looking to make as many seats, including the priority ones with more leg room, available to enable social distancing.
Question No: 2020/1987
Andrew Dismore
What is the latest on work to reduce tube noise in Fitzrovia? When will the rails in both directions on the Victoria Line next be ground?
Answer for Tube Noise near Warren Street
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Tube Noise near Warren Street
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Over the weekend of 23-25 May 2020, Transport for London (TfL) carried out extensive rail grinding on the Victoria line, including a section in this area, where heavy corrugation had been identified.
Currently, rail grinding is next scheduled for the Victoria line in late 2020. I have asked that TfL continues to keep you updated on this programme, including the plans for Fitzrovia, over the coming months.
In the longer-term, TfL is continuing to investigate the feasibility of using the Delkor track fastening product at this location, with the aim of reducing noise and vibration.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1988.
Question No: 2020/1988
Andrew Dismore
Please provide an update on the Delkor track fixing trials; and indicate when the trials are to be evaluated with a view to a wider rollout across the network?
Answer for Tube Noise Delkor trials
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Tube Noise Delkor trials
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) is currently trialling an alternative rail fastening called Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the unavoidable focus on safety critical works, this work has unfortunately been delayed.
TfL expects to have further information on the impact of this product on residential and in-carriage noise levels by spring 2021. I have asked that TfL provides you with an update on this work later this year.
Once the evaluation is complete, TfL will provide you with a further update, including on plans to roll out this alternative rail fastening at other locations.
