Appendix 3 Written Answers to questions not answered at Mayor’s Question Time on 25 February 2009 Crossrail Question No: 199 / 2009 Jenny Jones How will requiring new developments at Elephant and Castle to contribute to the costs of Crossrail affect the regeneration of the area? Oral Response

Borough Targets Question No: 422 / 2009 Nicky Gavron Can you please update us on your indicative housing target negotiations with London’s boroughs? Oral Response

London Electric Working Group Question No: 293 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What progress do you expect your London Electric Working Group to make in encouraging the greater use of electric cars and light vans? Oral Response

Bendy Buses Fare Evasion Question No: 378 / 2009 Richard Tracey When you take in to account the cost of fare evasion what do you estimate the saving to be in replacing the bendy buses? Oral Response

Air Quality & the EU Question No: 439 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Now that the EU has decided to take action on the unacceptably poor air quality in London, what are you, as directly elected Mayor of the biggest city in Europe, doing to improve London’s air quality? Oral Response

1 Youth employment Question No: 392 / 2009 James Cleverly As levels of unemployment reach record levels, what are your plans to ensure young people are not at risk of being pushed out of the employment market? Oral Response

Select Committees Question No: 503 / 2009 John Biggs How do you decide whether and when to attend select committees? Oral Response

Outer London Commission Question No: 360 / 2009 Brian Coleman What is the budget for the Outer London Commission? Oral Response

London Olympic Site Question No: 246 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook In the light of the recent British Jobs for British Workers protests, what measures will the Mayor be putting into place to ensure that local people are employed at the London Olympic Site? Oral Response

Woolwich Arsenal DLR Question No: 408 / 2009 Andrew Boff Whilst the opening of the Woolwich Arsenal DLR station was hugely welcome its popularity has highlighted the overcrowding on the DLR. Therefore can the Mayor update the Assembly on the progress of the DLR upgrades to three-carriage trains? Oral Response

Queens Market Question No: 508 / 2009 John Biggs Why are you scared of your constituents in Newham? Oral Response

2 Heathrow Question No: 371 / 2009 Gareth Bacon Is the Mayor persuaded by the effectiveness of the “green” concessions proposed by the Government as part of its support for a third runway at Heathrow? Oral Response

Olympic legacy Question No: 316 / 2009 Dee Doocey You announced on 5 February 2009 that you would be setting up a private company to deliver the legacy from the 2012 Games. What budgets will this body control? Oral Response

Mortgage Rescue Question No: 366 / 2009 Steve O’Connell Does the Mayor believe that the Government’s mortgage rescue scheme is adequate for London’s struggling homeowners? Oral Response

Air Quality (1) Question No: 330 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey What response have you had from Lord Mandelson to your letter regarding working with the Government on a subsidy scheme for replacing the oldest, most polluting light goods vehicles and will this subsidy be in place by 2010? Oral Response

Olympic Taxis Question No: 397 / 2009 Victoria Borwick Will the Mayor give very serious consideration to using taxis as Olympic transport vehicles? Oral Response

Domestic Violence Question No: 527 / 2009 Joanne McCartney What place will domestic violence have in your Violence Against Women strategy? Oral Response

3 Cautions and fixed penalties Question No: 394 / 2009 Tony Arbour Please list the number and categories of criminal offences which were dealt with by way of fixed penalties and cautions between January and December 2007 and January and December 2008. Oral Response

Additional information provided following the meeting: The table attached at Appendix F sets out the number and categories of criminal offences, which were dealt with by way of fixed penalties and cautions between January and December 2007 and January and December 2008.

The total number of fixed penalties and cautions in 2008 was 61,965, which accounts for 7.2 % of the total number of criminal offences in 2008 of 850,856.

The issuing of fixed penalty notices and cautions is but a small part of the police’s armoury to deal with criminal offences in London.

Low Emission Zone Question No: 200 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will you call on the European Commission to refuse the UK Government’s request to extend the deadline for meeting the PM10 and NO2 air quality limit values? Answer from the Mayor:

I believe it would be counter productive to call upon the EU to refuse the Government’s request to extend the deadline for meeting PM10 and NO2. This approach will not deliver actual improvements in air quality on the ground.

I intend to focus on putting in place measures to achieve genuine reductions rather than political gestures.

There are a number of initiatives in place to deal with this issue, such as; encouraging more electric vehicles; ensuring every bus entering the fleet is hybrid by 2012 and investing in hydrogen buses. I have also kept the Low Emission Zone Phase 1 & 2, which has worked well and targets the heaviest polluting vehicles.

I met with Lord Hunt last month and we agreed that Defra and GLA officials would work together over the coming months to look at potential measures that could be taken at the local, regional and national level to further reduce PM10 emissions in London. Officers will also look at measures to tackle NO2.

66 Bus Route Question No: 415 / 2009 Roger Evans The 66 Bus Route travels from Leytonstone to Romford and connects five London Underground stations and Romford Rail Station. Will the Mayor ask TfL to investigate extending the 66 Bus Route to a 24 hour service as this would be hugely beneficial to my constituents? Oral Response

4 Civil Service Pensioners Question No: 507 / 2009 John Biggs Do you accept that the majority of public sector employees and former public sector pensioners are far from being ‘fat cats’ and that your comments, given that as Mayor you are an employer, are misconceived? Answer from the Mayor: There is a distinction to be drawn between many talented and hard working public servants, most of whose individual pensions are relatively modest and the total public sector liability, which is unsustainable and needs to be openly debated and addressed.

Family Sized Units Question No: 413 / 2009 Andrew Boff To what extent does the mayor think that the demographic shift towards smaller households is as a result of the shortage of family sized properties. Please could the Mayor make available the data used by the LDA in relation to the Barrier Park East development on socially rented demand in Newham that justify the LDA’s position that “The percentage of one and two bedroom units on this scheme reflect local needs”. Oral Response

Information on the TfL Website Question No: 470 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Why is TfL so slow to publish board and committee papers on the TfL website? · Example 1 – 27 Jan 09 Finance Committee Meeting - no documents posted before the meeting - as of today (10 Feb) not one single paper has been posted for this meeting on the TfL site · Example 2 – 10 Feb TfL board meeting - no papers were posted until Fri 6 Feb when the Agenda only was posted to the TfL site – no papers and no reports - as of the date of the meeting the agenda remains the only document posted

· Example 3 TfL are also very slow at posting other reports eg the Operational Performance report for Q3 was in today’s Board meeting papers but only Q1 has been put on the TfL web site with Q2 completely missing. Answer from the Mayor: TfL uploads the agenda for the Board meeting the day it is posted to Board Members. For the Board meeting on Tuesday 10 February, this was on Friday 6 February as noted. The papers for the meeting appeared live on the website on the night of the meeting.

TfL publishes open Board, Committee and Panel reports on the web as soon as possible after the meeting where they have been considered by Members. In the case of material which is for later

5 consideration by the Board, the material is published after that later meeting.

There was a delay in uploading the papers for the 27 January Finance Committee meeting for which TfL apologises.

Road Safety Question No: 423 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What steps are you taking to reduce fatal and serious accidents involving pedestrians on London’s roads? Answer from the Mayor: The numbers of pedestrians killed and seriously injured has reduced from 1,870 in 2000 to 1,292 in 2007 (a 31% decrease). With 109 pedestrians killed in 2007 however, reducing this number further remains a high priority.

TfL continues to upgrade its network to provide safer crossings for pedestrians. TfL’s London Road Safety Unit work closely with their Walking & Accessibility team to improve the walking environment for pedestrians in London. With regards to safety, this means providing adequate facilities, such as crossings, which will enable people to make a journey on foot in a direct and safe manner. In addition TfL, through the Local Implementation Plan process, fund borough initiatives to improve pedestrian safety on local roads. TfL will also be updating their Walking Plan alongside my Transport Strategy and there will be more focus on improving urban realm/public spaces and pedestrian safety.

There have been a number of critically acclaimed campaigns that aim to improve the safety of pedestrians (e.g. the “Don’t die before you’ve lived” and “Shattered dreams” adverts). TfL is currently looking at how to build on these adverts to continue to engage with the teenage pedestrian target group.

In addition to the advertising campaigns, TfL provide the Children’s Traffic Club free to all under 3’s resident in London and have developed curriculum-linked road safety resources for primary school children. TfL is currently working on a resource for 11-14 year olds, due to be launched later this year.

TfL will continue to explore ways in which to improve road safety.

Questions for Written Answer

Rape crisis centres Question No: 201 / 2009 Jenny Jones How will the Mayor’s four new rape crisis centres complement London’s existing twenty-four hour rape havens in terms of access, location, and the services that they provide? Answer from the Mayor: Through the London Violence Against Women Strategy we will consider the gaps and need for rape crisis provision in London. We will ensure that London’s new rape crisis services complement the work of London’s existing Havens by working in partnership with the Havens and other specialist providers.

6

The key difference between the Havens and rape crisis is that the Havens offer forensic, basic medical and crisis intervention with respect to recent sexual assault and work with both female and male service users. Rape crisis and sexual violence services offer a more varied service, including 24 hour counseling helplines, and will see women who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives (not just in the last 12 months). * Investment in cycling Question No: 202 / 2009 Jenny Jones A recent Transport for London review of walking and cycling identified that 80% of a potential 400% growth in cycling by 2025 would come from outer London. How much of the £111m cycling budget for 2009/10 (not including funding provided to boroughs) will be spent in outer London? Answer from the Mayor: Investment schemes in outer London will depend on how my proposals for cycle highways and cycle hubs are taken forward and I plan to share more details on these with the Boroughs and other stakeholders. In addition there are promotional and educational activities that have a pan-London focus. * Green Grid Question No: 203 / 2009 Jenny Jones If you extend the Green Grid concept from East London to the rest of the capital, will you increase the investment you make in the project in line with its increasing scope? Answer from the Mayor: The precise funding levels for support to the boroughs and other partners to deliver the East London Green Grid and green infrastructure more generally will be confirmed through the LDA's ongoing business planning and budget process. Budget approvals will be sought early in the new financial year.

As part of this allocation sought for 09/10 a study will be undertaken to examine the feasibility of extending the East London Green Grid concept across the rest of London to create a London- wide Green Grid and outline the next steps. The results of this study will inform business planning and budget allocations in future financial years. * Outer London Commission Question No: 204 / 2009 Jenny Jones Who on your Outer London Commission has expertise on environmental and climate change issues? Answer from the Mayor: Several of the members of the Commission have practical experience of implementing environmental and climate change policies, those from the GLA group have considerable expertise in developing these policies and the independent planning expert has considerable experience in testing them.

7 Any further specialist expertise in these fields needed by the Commission can be provided or procured by the GLA’s Development and Environment Directorate, which is providing the Commission secretariat * Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (1) Question No: 205 / 2009 Jenny Jones By when must all goods vehicles operated by Transport for London divisions and all vehicles operated by contractors working on Transport for London and Olympic Delivery Agency funded projects sign up to the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme? Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to require companies to sign up to FORS as part of the contractual process. However, TfL would strongly encourage for all operators to become part of FORS. TfL are currently collating information on the uptake of FORS amongst its suppliers and will be able to produce the information in due course. * Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (2) Question No: 206 / 2009 Jenny Jones Will you ask borough councils and their contractors to sign up to the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has already done so. TfL has been approaching Local Authorities about the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) since November 2008. All Boroughs have now been contacted. Four boroughs are currently accredited, with a further eight undergoing the accreditation process. A number of others are expressing a desire to become accredited. * Bus disruption Question No: 207 / 2009 Jenny Jones Were you consulted by the Transport Commissioner before the decision was taken not to run a full bus service on Monday 2nd February? If not, how many hours after buses started to be withdrawn, were you informed of the fact? Do you think the Mayor of London should be involved in making decisions which leave 6 million people without their normal means of transport? Answer from the Mayor: Night buses were progressively withdrawn from around 0010 hours on 2 February, following an unprecedented series of accidents, emergency calls, and failed emergency calls due to appalling road conditions. Contrary to popular myth, there was not a decision to unilaterally suspend the whole service. Operating companies were asked at 04.56 on Monday 2 February to run a service if it was safe to do so. None were able to do so, and I was thus informed by the Transport Commissioner of that just after 0600 that morning.

Operational managers within the London Buses’ control structure and bus operating companies are best placed to evaluate local road conditions, drawing on technical expertise and front-line experience. Services were suspended on Sunday evening only because it was unsafe for buses to operate, And they were unable to operate normally on Monday morning. *

8 Bus service cancellation Question No: 208 / 2009 Jenny Jones How many times since buses started running in London has the entire service been cancelled, as it was on the 2nd of February? Answer from the Mayor: There have been at least two previous occasions when heavy snow severely disrupted bus services. In 2003, heavy snow paralysed north London and bus services there were unable to operate. In 1963, parts of the network did not have buses for several days or weeks because of snow.

What was unusual on February 2 was the quantity of snow, the fact it covered the whole of London and that it fell at a time when hardly any traffic was on the roads. While it is possible to spread salt, if it is covered over or falls on ice, it will produce conditions in which it is unsafe for heavy vehicles like buses to operate.

Other cities like Bath and Bristol, and areas to the North and West of London, shared the experiences of London and they were not able to run bus services for nearly 48 hours.

* Seized vehicles (1) Question No: 209 / 2009 Jenny Jones Will some of the income from Operation Reclaim, which removes uninsured vehicles from London’s streets, be used to increase the capacity of car pounds in the capital? Answer from the Mayor: Income from Operation Reclaim will be used, amongst other things, to support the costs of the Operation including car-pounds. Overall capacity is being increased by using existing car pound space more efficiently, using other Metropolitan Police Service premises (for example Northholt) for long-term storage and purchasing additional space from contractors as and when needed. * Seized vehicles (2) Question No: 210 / 2009 Jenny Jones What is the current annual capacity of car pounds used by the Metropolitan Police Service in London and are there any plans to expand this capacity? Answer from the Mayor: The MPS has two main car pounds and a further smaller one.

Perivale (northwest) and Charlton (southeast) each have a capacity of approximately 1100 vehicles. The third at Heathrow has a capacity of approximately 30 vehicles.

Additionally the MPS has a long-term storage capability at Northolt where approximately 200 vehicles are currently stored.

Of the seven contractors that are used to remove vehicles, three also store vehicles with a combined total capacity of approximately 120.

With the continuing rollout of Operation Reclaim (the seizure of vehicles for no insurance /valid driving licence) the MPS intends to establish a satellite pound within a private garage and,

9 pending this, is presently looking to make use of some 200+ spaces within a privately owned compound.

The annual capacity is variable as it depends on why a particular vehicle is being stored. An Operation Reclaim vehicle will stay for up to 15 days depending on whether or not it is collected and how quickly. Likewise, vehicles that require accident investigation examination or forensication may be released once this has been carried out or retained, pending the completion of any related court action. * Borough policing Question No: 211 / 2009 Jenny Jones Will the Mayor, as Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, visit all boroughs in order to see for himself the problems and successes of policing in each borough? If so, will he accept an immediate invitation from Southwark Police Community Consultative Group? Answer from the Mayor: I believe it is very important for the me and my team, including Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Deputy Chair of the MPA, to have a close working relationship with the boroughs. I have therefore established Joint Engagement Meetings (JEM), to support this. JEM brings together the MPA, police and council leaders. I hope that all boroughs will have engaged in this process by the end of the year. The JEM with Southwark will take place shortly.

I believe that it is vital that police accountability is addressed at a local level, to ensure that local concerns about crime and disorder are met. I congratulate the police community and engagement groups in all the boroughs whose work enables local people to explore regularly issues of concern with their local police. Unfortunately due to diary commitments I am not able to meet with Southwark Police Community Consultative Group (PCCG) immediately, but I will explore with the MPA the possibility of a meeting with all London PCCG chairs.

Kit Malthouse has already held meetings with the Community Safety Team at Southwark and recently spoke at their one day conference on gangs and knives. In addition he has also been briefed on the tactics the Met are employing to tackle gangs in the borough.

Police budget (1) Question No: 212 / 2009 Jenny Jones Why is there a forecast underspend of £22m in the Metropolitan Police Service’s 2008/09 revenue budget and of £16.7m in the MPS’s capital programme? Answer from the Mayor: The main areas of underspend on the revenue budget are on Pay (Officers & Staff) and other Employee Related Expenditure and is principally due to vacancies.

The capital budget underspend is principally due to the rephasing of the Greenwich patrol base project and part of the Safer Neighbourhoods programme into future years.

A more detailed explanation is provided in the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2008/09 – Period 9 for the MPA Finance & Resources Committee meeting on 19 February 2009. *

10 Police budget (2) Question No: 213 / 2009 Jenny Jones Can you provide details of all other years where the MPS’s revenue and/or capital programmes were underspent, including by how much? Answer from the Mayor: The table below shows the variance of actual expenditure compared to budget for the last 5 years. Financial Year Revenue Capital £m £m 2003/04 -18.9 -15.9 2004/05 -11.8 -80.1 2005/06 -7.5 -64.5 2006/07 -5.1 -81.1 2007/08 -7.9 -32.0

The revenue expenditure underspends are minimal in the context of the Authority’s overall budget and reflect good budget management. The revenue underspends are taken from the published accounts and represent the amounts transferred to the general reserve, after taking account of various contributions to other reserves. * Affordable housing targets Question No: 214 / 2009 Jenny Jones If, following negotiations with boroughs, you are unable to agree individual targets that will in total deliver 50,000 additional affordable homes in London, what action will you take to ensure this key commitment to Londoners is delivered? Answer from the Mayor: I am already working with the Homes and Communities Agency and with other key partners to identify additional opportunities for affordable housing delivery. This work is currently at a preliminary stage. * Velib helmets Question No: 215 / 2009 Jenny Jones Do you agree that making the wearing of helmets compulsory as part of the user conditions for the London cycle hire scheme would severely limit take up and impose a condition which does not apply to other cyclists? Answer from the Mayor: There are no plans to make the use of cycle helmets compulsory for users of the London Cycle Hire Scheme.

The wearing of cycle helmets in the UK is not mandatory and it is therefore personal choice as to whether cyclists might like to consider wearing a helmet.

*

11 LDA climate change budget (1) Question No: 216 / 2009 Darren Johnson Is the figure of £18,323,000 for the London Development Agency climate change, waste, and environment budget the original budget for 2008/09, or the budget approved later in the financial year? Answer from the Mayor: The original 2008/9 budget setting process did not include a budget for waste nor did it include specific projects later approved for funding, for example the Mayor’s Trees and Parks project. Hence, the total figure allocated to climate change, waste and environment in 08/9 is a composite budget of all the programmes and projects that were either approved at the start of the year or subsequently approved in the course of 08/9. * LDA climate change budget (2) Question No: 217 / 2009 Darren Johnson Can you explain the £3.64m of unallocated spending in the London Development Agency’s climate change, waste, and environment budget for 2008/09? Is this because of an underspend in some projects? Will this funding be carried forward to 2009/10? Does the figure of £18M for 2009/10 include money carried forward from 2008/09? Answer from the Mayor: The unallocated spend represents the funding available at the start of 08/9 for the development of new projects not already budgeted for in any other category (e.g.: green organisations, green homes etc). It is not under spend and it will not necessarily be carried forward to 09/10, hence the £18m figure of 09/10 does not include the £3.64m unallocated spend. * LDA climate change budget (3) Question No: 218 / 2009 Darren Johnson What did the £3.85m funding for the London Waste and Recycling Board in 2008/09 pay for? Answer from the Mayor: The funding was reallocated to the London Waste and Recycling Board in accordance with new Mayoral Policy in this area. The Board was only established in statute in July and is currently developing its business plan. It has not therefore as yet been in a position to utilise the available LDA funds. Hence the LDA has not spent the available budget allocated to waste for 08/9 and the full amount will now be reprofiled into subsequent years for this purpose. * Investing to tackle climate change (1) Question No: 219 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will any of the £2,427,000 budgeted by the London Development Agency for retrofitting programmes in 2009/10 fund the improvement of domestic energy efficiency? Answer from the Mayor: The LDA’s business planning process will determine the available budget for 09/10 for new initiatives and this has not yet concluded, hence we cannot confirm the specific budget available for retrofitting programmes. 12 * Investing to tackle climate change (2) Question No: 220 / 2009 Darren Johnson Where in your 2009/10 budget have you made provision for investments to improve the energy efficiency of London’s homes? Answer from the Mayor: The work that needs to be done to improve the energy efficiency of London’s homes requires significant amounts of funding. My team along with partners from boroughs and London Councils are developing a business case for retrofitting homes which aims to maximise existing sources of funding and draw in other potential sources. * Green Homes Programme Question No: 221 / 2009 Darren Johnson How long would an innovative project such as the Green Homes Programme normally have to run before a full evaluation could be made of its success and future potential? Answer from the Mayor: All LDA projects are subject to evaluation on completion and many projects also undergo a mid- term evaluation. If a project is underperforming and/or is not meeting contractual targets, the project will be evaluated no matter what stage it has reached.

The LDA undertook an evaluation of the Green Homes Concierge Service in September 2008 due the project not meeting contractual targets. The results of the evaluation are being used by the GLA and LDA to inform the development of a pan London home energy efficiency scheme that will reach far more households, and build on the lessons of the existing concierge service.

Walking, cycling, and accessibility budgets Question No: 222 / 2009 Darren Johnson Thank you for your answer to my question 40/2009 explaining that much of the £111m investment in cycling in 2009/10 is accounted for by accelerating spending on a cycle hire scheme. Does this mean that spending on walking, cycling, and accessibility in 2010/11 will be lower than the £75m set out in the Transport for London business plan? If so, by how much for each? Answer from the Mayor: TfL intend to deliver the cycle hire scheme in accordance with the Business Plan. It is however too early to confirm budgets for 2010/11. My budgets for 2009/10 are soon to be considered for approval by the London Assembly and later in the new financial year work will begin under the business planning process to determine budgets for 2010/11. * Home insulation (1) Question No: 223 / 2009 Darren Johnson How will the Government’s recently proposed programme to improve the energy efficiency of 7 million homes complement work being done by the Greater London Authority to cut domestic carbon emissions?

13 Answer from the Mayor: We are aware of the Government’s proposed programme, which is presently out for consultation. The proposal is that 7 million homes will have been offered a ‘whole house’ heat and energy efficiency solution by 2020.

Central government will set the overall policy. Delivery at a regional and local level will be needed to ensure that Londoners benefit. London’s domestic retrofit programme currently being developed should act as a catalyst to enable London to take full advantage of the national programme.

Through the use of my housing powers I also hope to leverage the funding streams that are created to achieve the 7 million homes target.

I have written to Ed Milliband and will be following up a response for a request to meet to discuss how we can work together to meet climate change priorities including domestic retrofitting. * Home insulation (2) Question No: 224 / 2009 Darren Johnson What discussions have you or GLA officers had with Government regarding the recently proposed programme to improve the energy efficiency of 7 million homes? Answer from the Mayor: GLA officers have met with DECC officials about the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) consultation. The government sees this programme as a pilot leading to a more co- ordinated approach proposed in “Heat and Energy Saving Strategy: a consultation” for the 7 million homes programme. GLA officers also met with officials from the Office of Climate Change in the development of this consultation. GLA officers will have ongoing discussions with DECC during the consultation period. The LDA has also seconded an officer into DECC for 2 days a week in March to assist on heat aspects of the consultation. * Environmental direction of travel Question No: 225 / 2009 Darren Johnson Have you recently appointed consultants to work on the Environmental direction of travel document? If so, why is this work not being done ‘in-house’, given that strategic policy development is one of the core functions of the City Hall environment team? Answer from the Mayor: Yes, I have recently appointed a temporary agency worker to co-ordinate my Environment direction of travel statement. The skills of the individual who has been taken on complement the skills available in the team rather than duplicate them – her strong analytical skills gained from a consulting background fit well with the in-depth policy knowledge available in the team. This will ensure that the programmes are fact-based and deliverable and feed into the corporate planning process. * Air quality staff Question No: 226 / 2009 Darren Johnson Can you outline the staffing provision for work on air quality, whilst the new air quality strategy

14 is being drawn up? Answer from the Mayor: There are currently three full-time air quality posts on the establishment at this time, supplemented by a Strategy Manager for Air Quality, Energy and Climate Change.

The Strategy will also be drawn up with assistance from relevant officers at Transport for London. A number of working groups are being established to take this work forward. * Mayoral contribution to carbon reduction Question No: 227 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will your forthcoming direction of travel document on the environment support action by the Greater London Authority and its functional bodies to achieve at least the following reductions in CO2 emissions by 2025? · 7.7 million tonnes from homes · 7.6 million tonnes from the commercial and public sectors · 7.2 million tonnes from energy supplies · 4.3 million tonnes from ground based transport · 133.4 thousand tonnes from Mayoral group operations Answer from the Mayor: I am totally committed to a 60% carbon dioxide reduction target for London by 2025. As you know, achieving this target also requires strong government action to drive forward significant new policies on decentrailsed energy and energy efficiency. The sectoral emission savings you indicate from the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) are continually being reviewed – whilst the overall target remains, which sector is best placed to deliver what percentage of those reductions may change. The programmes delivering these savings will be addressed in the environment direction of travel document and further details in my forthcoming Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy.

* Government’s contribution to carbon reduction Question No: 228 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will your forthcoming direction of travel document on the environment support action by the Government to achieve at least the following reductions in CO2 emissions by 2025? · 4.6 million tonnes from homes · 6.1 million tonnes from the commercial and public sectors · 6.6 million tonnes from energy supplies · 2.8 million tonnes from ground based transport Answer from the Mayor: Please see the response to 227 / 2009. *

15 Business support Question No: 229 / 2009 Darren Johnson Has the London Development Agency assisted any London businesses in accessing funding from the Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises (Jeremie), which provides investment loans to small businesses? Answer from the Mayor: No. ‘JEREMIE’ is an optional financial engineering mechanism within the existing European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme, rather than a separate source of funding. London already has a vehicle that serves this purpose, SME Wholesale Finance (London) Limited which was established under London's 2000-6 European programmes.

As announced in my Economic Recovery Plan, the LDA will make available new loan and equity funds for SMEs to help weather the current economic conditions. The source of finance for these funds includes investment from the current 2007 to 2013 European programme, SME Wholesale Finance (London) Limited and the LDA. * World Economic Forum Question No: 230 / 2009 Darren Johnson What measures to tackle climate change in London did you discuss with other mayors at the World Economic Forum? Which of these measures are you considering implementing in London? Answer from the Mayor: All major cities are looking at similar challenges such as retrofitting of buildings, taking up low carbon vehicles, other transport measures, increasing recycling and recovering energy from residual waste. We had particularly extensive discussions around electric vehicles. The key issue that emerged was around ensuring we have mechanisms to deliver at the scale needed. For example San Francisco has been very successful in catalysing low carbon vehicles. Cities need to work together to identify ways they can help deliver low carbon technologies. * Recycling on the tube Question No: 231 / 2009 Darren Johnson Given that some waste will always be left on the tube, what is Transport for London doing to improve the recycling rate of the rubbish it collects from the current 40%? Does Transport for London have the goal of ensuring that all recyclable waste left on the Transport network is recycled? Answer from the Mayor: London Underground (LU) has put a lot of effort into recycling the newspapers passengers leave in our stations and on trains and has increased its recycling rate from 12% to 40% over the past five years.

This has been achieved through 'behind the scenes' activities which include a dedicated recycling truck, separate collection of newspapers when cleaning trains and dedicated staff at certain stations. There is currently a marketing campaign underway which is designed to help LU recycle in an environment where customers are increasingly leaving newspapers on our trains. Customer waste increased by approximately 20% last year alone.

Security restrictions, as well as safety, space and passenger numbers limit the number of litter and recycling bins that can be put inside LU stations, however LU is currently trialling customer

16 newspaper recycling bins inside six stations. The trial will assess the effectiveness of the recycling bins, in terms of improving recycling and customer involvement. The trial began in October 2008 and will be reviewed in March/April 2009. There are 270 newspaper recycling bins in place outside LU stations.

LU is also working closely with the Corporation of London where a joint process for recycling newspapers collected on the Tube has been established. LU hopes to work in a similar fashion with other boroughs.

TfL is looking at opportunities to increase recycling of waste left on the transport network taking into account operational challenges such as contamination of waste, storage space and collection cost. * Air Quality Management Areas Question No: 232 / 2009 Darren Johnson Which Local Authorities in London have not declared an Air Quality Management Area that should have done so? Answer from the Mayor: All London local authorities have recognised that they are not meeting air quality objectives and have declared air quality management areas. This area accounts for 79 per cent of London.

Newham currently has an AQMA partially covering the borough and are in the process of submitting an AQMA for the whole of their area. * Local Air Quality Action Plans Question No: 233 / 2009 Darren Johnson Which Local Authorities in London that have or should have declared an Air Quality Management Area have developed a Local Air Quality Action Plan? Answer from the Mayor: All London local authorities declaring Air Quality Management Areas have developed Local Air Quality Action Plans except Bromley and Havering.

Bromley and Havering are currently formulating their action plans. * London Underground Question No: 234 / 2009 Darren Johnson How will you ensure that a thousand job losses on the London Underground do not lead to a decline in services, or safety standards? Answer from the Mayor: Operational staff, who are responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Tube on a daily basis, are not affected by the planned organisational changes and post reductions. *

17 Local Action on Biodiversity programme Question No: 235 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will you ensure the Greater London Authority joins the worldwide Local Action on Biodiversity (LAB) programme, aimed at capturing and sharing information on the increasing importance of biodiversity management at the local level? Answer from the Mayor: The Local Action for Biodiversity Programme is primarily about following a process to produce and implement biodiversity strategies and action plans in major cities across the world.

London has already gone through the five proposed stages of the Local Action for Biodiversity Programme process. Work on a nature conservation strategy for London began in the mid- 1980s, and we now have in place a statutory Biodiversity Strategy and a Biodiversity Action Plan. The protection, enhancement and management of biodiversity is reflected in a range of policies, programmes and projects being implemented by a wide range of stakeholders across London. I believe that the activities of the current Local Action for Biodiversity programme would deliver the greatest benefits for those cities less advanced in the development of their own biodiversity conservation strategy. * Flat roof insulation Question No: 236 / 2009 Darren Johnson Will you do more to promote flat roof insulation, given the numbers of flat roofed buildings in London (particularly extensions with flat roofs) and given that heat loss through flat roofs is very significant and could be prevented by adding insulation the next time the flat roof needs to be re-covered with felt or other material? Answer from the Mayor: We are not aware of any major programme, such as the Carbon Emission Reduction Target, that has funded flat roof insulation and it hasn’t been included as a qualifying measure for the proposals for the Community Energy Saving Programme. However, my team will be looking at whether it is appropriate to include flat roof measures in the retrofit programme.

As you are aware the London Plan promotes Sustainable Design and Construction (Policy 4A.3) and current living roofs (policy 4A.11) and expects boroughs to do the same. Sustainable Design is based on principles to ensure buildings are energy efficient and Living roofs also seek to insulate the property underneath. The London Plan is being reviewed and I will continue to include these policies to ensure that new development reduces heat loss and seeks high levels of energy efficiency.

The GLA is also involved in an EU funded pilot project ‘Cool Roofs’. Like Green Roofs, Cool Roofs also offer energy saving properties via thermal buffering and reflection of sunlight away from buildings. Therefore, application of Cool Roofs can save energy by reducing the need for use of mechanical air conditioning in summer.

Improved driver training Question No: 237 / 2009 Jenny Jones In its efforts to ensure the highest driving standards in London, will Transport for London support new drivers choosing to undertake a BTEC Award level 2 in Driving Science, in the same way that is supports those following the Pass Plus course?

18 Answer from the Mayor: TfL is aware of the BTEC Award level 2 in Driving Science qualification and is currently evaluating whether it will provide support for this qualification. * Old Kent Road Question No: 238 / 2009 Jenny Jones How frequently are major roads checked for defects such as the large pothole in the bus lane near number 155 Old Kent Road, which is posing a threat to cyclists? Are bus drivers expected to notice and report this kind of road damage? Answer from the Mayor: Roads on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) are subject to safety inspections, which in the case of Old Kent Road, at monthly intervals. TfL’s contractors also respond within one hour to reports of an emergency or hazardous defect from any road user. The pothole around a utility company’s manhole cover outside 155 Old Kent Road was reported as an emergency fault on 27 January and a temporary repair carried out the same day. The permanent repair has since been completed. * Cycle parking at Canada Water Question No: 239 / 2009 Jenny Jones The planned removal of railings at Canada Water station will leave a desperate need for at least 60 secure cycle parking places, yet the bus station’s managers are apparently opposing this. Will you ensure that your mayoral priorities are turned into action by instructing Transport for London to install enough secure cycle parking at the bus station to meet peak demand, in consultation with local cycling groups? Answer from the Mayor: The London Borough of Southwark will use LIP funding from TfL to install by the end of March over 40 cycle parking spaces at Canada Water. These will be at the corner of Surrey Quays Road and Deal Porter Way.

There are also a number of developments at the station and the railings will not be removed until completion. The developments will provide:

- 60-80 bike spaces in a secure cycle park aimed at commuters with controlled authorised access; - 14 spaces adjacent to the library; - 38 spaces along Albion Channel as part of a public realm scheme; & - 1000-plus spaces within the development itself for use by residents, staff and visitors to the new development. * 484 and 122 bus routes Question No: 240 / 2009 Darren Johnson Following complaints from constituents about the irregularity and overcrowding of the 484 and 122 services to Lewisham will you ask TfL to review these services and consider increasing the frequencies?

19 Answer from the Mayor: The current scheduled frequencies on routes 122 and 484 provide sufficient capacity for demand. However the reliability of route 122 has been poor in recent weeks which has led to crowding on this service and consequently on adjacent services such as the 484. TfL is working closely with the operator of route 122 to ensure that reliability improves. * Crossrail Question No: 241 / 2009 Darren Johnson The economic advisor of the previous Mayor suggested in 2001 that there could be a supplementary Crossrail connection to Stansted Airport. Has there been any recent discussion or proposals for such a link? Answer from the Mayor: CRL and its delivery partners are delivering the project and the route as agreed under the Crossrail Act 2008.

Neither Crossrail Limited (CRL) nor I have recently had any discussions or proposals regarding an extension of Crossrail to Stansted. Crossrail will serve Liverpool Street and from here passengers take can onward connections to Stansted via train services which run from this station. * Local athletics Question No: 242 / 2009 Darren Johnson A constituent recently wrote to me to complain that had he tried to get his daughter into an athletics class locally but was told there is a 6 month waiting list. What are you doing to ensure that London, as the Olympics host city, provides suitable places for budding local athletes? Answer from the Mayor: Capacity - in terms of both formal sports clubs and other less formal environments - is one of the key factors affecting sports participation in London. It can only be addressed in partnership with local authorities, Sport England, the LDA and with national governing bodies of sport. Over the past few months the GLA Sports Unit has been engaging with these organisations and all other stakeholders, in order to produce a Sports Legacy Plan for London. The Plan, to be published in April, will tackle this issue and many others, helping to secure a grass-roots legacy of increased participation in sport and physical activity amongst Londoners.

Help a London park Question No: 243 / 2009 Darren Johnson What safeguards were put in place to ensure that voting to help a London park was not open to manipulation? Answer from the Mayor: Voters were required to enter their first name, surname, post code and where they were voting from (home, work, school, etc). Votes were monitored to look for signs of irregularity and where malpractice was suspected the votes were disqualified. All of the 111,000 votes have been hand-checked.

Of the votes received via the website, in the region of 5% have been disqualified. This did not alter the 10 parks that will receive an award, with the results being announced in early March.

20 * East London Line Question No: 244 / 2009 Darren Johnson It is very welcome news that phase two of the East London Line extension is to proceed. What will you now do to ensure funding for the construction of Surrey Canal Road station? Answer from the Mayor: I am very pleased that we managed to reach an agreement with the DfT on funding for this much-needed scheme.

The cost of a new station at Surrey Canal Road (SCR) is not provided within the current funding allocation. Construction of the station will be considered as part of the regeneration scheme for the area and will be dependent on a value for money assessment that TfL is carrying out over the next six months. * Borough food strategies Question No: 245 / 2009 Jenny Jones Would the London Food Board consider helping London local authorities who are interested in developing borough wide food strategies, to do so? Answer from the Mayor: The London Food Board recognises the importance of working at local and borough level. Advice and support has been given over the last two years to London boroughs which have expressed an interest in sustainable food issues and London Food has now formed a working group on local food strategies precisely to take forward this kind of borough level engagement. That group will engage with as many boroughs as are interested to ensure that the vision of a sustainable food system becomes a reality across the city. Of course all boroughs are also able to apply to the Capital Growth scheme. * Gaza demonstrations Question No: 247 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook Does the Mayor have any comments to make concerning the recent Gaza demonstrations in London in which officers from the Metropolitan Police were allowed to be assaulted, abused and humiliated? Answer from the Mayor: There have been a number of demonstrations in central London recently on the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip over Palestine, the vast majority of which have been peaceful.

The right to lawful protest is important and something the Police will always facilitate, however, there have been a few incidents relating to the above demonstrations where a small minority of protestors have acted violently towards MPS officers. This is completely unacceptable and many suspects have already been arrested and charged, as is usual practice. Steps are being taken by the MPS to seek to identify the remaining suspects and take the necessary action. *

21 Predicted increasing crime levels Question No: 248 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook Can the Mayor confirm that he believes that the 25 extra police officers provided for in his recent budget submission will be sufficient in the light of predicted increasing crime levels? Answer from the Mayor: The 2009-12 budget proposals do reflect a net increase of 25 officers although the impact varies across the Service in line with current priorities.

There has been significant investment in police numbers and the increase of 7,282 (28%) officers since 2000 means that next year the MPS is budgeting for 33,283 officers, which will be the highest in the Service’s history.

The Service has robust systems in place to identify emerging trends and is closely monitoring the impact of the recession on crime profiles. The Service will continue to use its resources effectively to meet the new challenges and build on its performance in reducing crime. * Anti-terrorism Question No: 249 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook Does the Mayor believe that the proposals for an estimated total expenditure of £350 million on “anti-terrorism” in London (2009-2010) indicate that it is a stable, multicultural city? Answer from the Mayor: I do not think it possible to draw any conclusions about the stability or multicultural nature of a city, from the size of a city's budget to counter acts of terrorism - which can, of course, occur anywhere in the world and depends on many factors. * Tax freeze Question No: 250 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook With the current economic climate the announced council tax freeze will be welcome change for Londoners. With this in mind can the Mayor please indicate to Londoners where they can find the extra cash to pay for the high rent increases that have been announced by some London boroughs. Can the Mayor also confirm what influence the Mayor has over local councils to negotiate a fairer deal for residents. Answer from the Mayor: I am delighted that the freeze on the GLA’s share of council tax could be a help to Londoners at this difficult time.

Council rent increases are determined by local authorities within the parameters set by central government and I do not have any direct responsibility in this area. * Obscene language Question No: 251 / 2009 Richard Barnbrook With being Mayor of London comes great responsibility. The public expect a Mayor to be an upstanding member of the community who will act as a role model to old and young alike; the Mayor of London should be capable of coping with any given situation with dignity. With this in

22 mind can the Mayor confirm that in the future he will deal with all people in a professional way and not use obscene language like he did in a phone conversation to Keith Vaz MP? Can the Mayor confirm that this is not a sign of him falling apart under pressure? Answer from the Mayor: This was a private conversation. * Moving Bus stops Question No: 252 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Will you please instruct TfL to stop moving bus stops in ways that harm small shopping parades, as is happening on the A316 at the junction with Pagoda Avenue in Richmond? Answer from the Mayor: Any proposal to move a bus stop is subject to a site meeting involving, and requiring, the agreement of the local authority in question and the Metropolitan Police Service. Stop moves are generally undertaken as a result of an identified need, such as accessibility improvements, or as a result of road or traffic schemes. The relocation of bus stops on the A316 are an example of the latter. Impact on location is one of the considerations taken into account when agreeing a stop position. * Estuary Airport Question No: 253 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey What estimates have been made of the potential impacts on Climate Change/CO2 emissions from the proposed Estuary Airport? Answer from the Mayor: This information will be available once Doug Oakervee completes his report; expected around the end of March. * School Bus programme Question No: 254 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon You have spoken about having a dedicated school bus programme run by TfL where the service would significantly reduce tensions between school children and the community. Can you tell me if TfL have any plans to pilot such services, and how Assembly Members could suggest schools, and routes, that might benefit from such a service? Answer from the Mayor: I have considered this, however, there are no plans for a dedicated school bus programme. The TfL bus network is kept under regular review to ensure it provides appropriate capacity and links for children traveling to and from school.

If there are specific issues leading to tensions within local communities, TfL will seek to resolve these through working with the school concerned and, if necessary, other partners such as the Police and the local authority.

As you know, TfL has established a ‘Members Correspondence’ email service through which Assembly Members can send suggestions or questions. *

23 Affordable/Social housing need Question No: 255 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey How many additional families in London do you estimate will be seeking affordable or social housing because of the recession, and what additional provision will you be enabling and on what timetable? Answer from the Mayor: I have not yet made an estimate of the additional number of households likely to seek intermediate or social housing, as the depth or length of the recession is unknown.

My immediate priority is to work with London boroughs to ensure that Londoners in difficulty have ready access to advice services so that as many people as possible remain in their own homes.

I have also made representations to the government about its mortgage rescue scheme to ensure it better meets the needs of Londoners. I am awaiting a response to my request that the valuation cap is increased from £295,000, and that the current savings limit of £16,000 is increased.

First Capital Connect ticket offices Question No: 256 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Have you, or your officers, made any representations objecting to the reduction in hours of First Capital Connect ticket offices in London, such as Drayton Park and Elephant & Castle? Answer from the Mayor: TfL have made representations to the relevant DfT Rail officials both in the context of First Capital Connect (FCC) and also the South Central refranchise, where TfL will pay to ensure that there is station staffing for the whole traffic day. DfT’s officials note that there are some reductions in ticket office transactions, and that the matter will be dealt under the terms of their franchise agreement with FCC.

It is everyone’s right to travel safely and free from the fear of crime. It is also why I recently announced the funding of a further 50 British Transport Police officers to patrol train stations and transport hubs in outer London. London Overground stations are also staffed from the first to the last train of course.

Trees in London Question No: 257 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Please provide a breakdown of how many new trees will be planted in each London Borough as part of your pledge to plant 10,000 new trees across London? Answer from the Mayor: The new trees will be planted in 40 priority areas, with one or two areas identified in each borough. The first 20 of these areas have been identified and maps of them can be found on the London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme website (http://www.groundwork- london.org.uk/ltwgs).

The remaining 20 areas are currently being finalised and will be announced soon. An average of 250 trees will be planted in each area, and I hope that at least 100 will be planted in every area,

24 with a maximum of 400. Therefore between 100 and 800 trees will be planted in each borough. All the trees will be planted by the spring of 2012.

The first round of grants have been allocated, and the number of trees to be planted in each borough from this round is as follows: Brent 100, Haringey 250, Havering 62, Hillingdon 51, Islington 230, Merton 47, Newham 380, Redbridge 70, Southwark 122, Tower Hamlets 145. Many of these trees have already been planted, and all should be in the ground by the end of March. * Waste Transfer Facility, Barnet Question No: 258 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon At the time of tabling there is still no news on what decision you have taken in considering the planning application for the Waste Transfer facility in Barnet. What steps have you taken to ensure that the impact on Brent residents is taken into account by Barnet Council, and can you assure the residents of Brent that they will not be subjected to hundreds of extra heavy vehicle movements because of any decision you have reached? Answer from the Mayor: I considered the planning application for the regeneration of Brent Cross Cricklewood, including the proposed waste transfer facility, at my planning meeting on 11 February. The officer report is available to download from the GLA website.

I understand that Barnet Council has consulted on the application and has received representations from residents of Brent as well as Barnet. I fully expect the Council to take these representations into account in its determination of the application, and I will also consider the issues raised when the application is referred back to me for final decision.

In an attempt to mitigate the impact of heavy vehicle movements associated with the new waste transfer facility, it is my understanding that TfL and Barnet Council are developing a Framework Delivery and Servicing Strategy which should include measures to consolidate deliveries to reduce the overall number of lorry movements. In the longer term the developer for Brent Cross intends this facility to include rail access as well which should reduce the number of lorry movements needed. * Government inflicted rent rises Question No: 259 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Due to government measures that will see council tenant rents rise by 6% in Brent and by up to 9% in other London boroughs, what steps have you, and can you, take to ensure that council tenants across London are no longer forced to subsidise those in the rest of England? Answer from the Mayor: I am aware of the concerns surrounding the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system and that the Government is currently reviewing this system. I understand that initial findings from the review will be published sometime in the spring.

I do not have any direct responsibility in this area but I await the findings of the review with interest. *

25 Domestic waste/recycling facilities Question No: 260 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey At present some Londoners, for instance people who live in the borough of Lewisham, but right on the Bromley borough boundary, have to drive miles to use a domestic waste or recycling facility. If the Lewisham resident goes to the facility in Bromley they get charged. Present arrangements are environmentally unfriendly and wasteful. Will the London Waste and Recycling Board encourage boroughs to allow all Londoners to use the nearest waste/recycling facility without charge? Answer from the Mayor: I want to make it easier for Londoners to recycle their waste. I believe that if we want the public to recycle it should be as easy, if not easier than throwing this potential resource away. The London Waste and Recycling Board has a role to play in encouraging the reduction, recycling and beneficial treatment of waste and therefore the Board hopes to receive a wide variety of bids that aim to do this. Each bid will be assessed against the criteria and priorities set out in the 2009/10 Business Plan. If a solution to this problem comes forward that meets the priorities and criteria of the 2009/10 Business Plan it will have a very good chance of securing funding.

I will also consider and consult on this situation during the development of my Municipal Waste Management Strategy later this year. * Christchurch Road (the South Circular) and Streatham Hill (A23) Question No: 261 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Now that a second planning appeal has been lost by Transport for London in their attempts to build on green open space at the corner of Christchurch Road (the South Circular) and Streatham Hill (A23) will you now accept that your predecessor’s desire to build on Green Open Space should be overturned? Will you instruct TfL to now take down the hastily constructed fences on this site and restore the site so that it becomes an important visual and leisure amenity space, valued by local people as a buffer to the main roads in the area? Answer from the Mayor: TfL have been seeking planning consent for a 100% affordable housing scheme alongside creating some new public open space on this former housing site. The recent Inspectors decision has reversed some aspects of the previous Inspector’s decision.

In my manifesto I stressed the importance of seeking to use brown field public sector land to create the housing London needs, this scheme would have contributed to this objective.

TFL are seeking a high level meeting with the borough to understand their aspirations going forward. * Re-opening of City Road and York Way tube stations Question No: 262 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Given the rise in local population and predicted upward growth, would you be willing to consider looking at re-opening the stations at City Road and York Way (on the Northern Line and Piccadilly Line respectively) in Islington as part of the Underground’s future capital programme?

26 Answer from the Mayor: There are no plans to re-open the old York Road station, which was closed in 1932 owing to low usage and the need to speed up journeys following the extensions at both ends of the Piccadilly line.

A pre-feasibility study was carried out in 2005 to look at the possibility. It concluded that there were benefits but that these were not sufficient to justify the cost and extended journey times for existing users of the Piccadilly line. The area is well served by buses and nearby King’s Cross St. Pancras and Caledonian Road Tube stations.

There are no plans to reopen the disused City Road Tube station which was also closed due to low usage. Local residents are already well-served by the nearby Angel and Old Street stations as well as local buses. * Penton Rise/Pentonville Road junction update Question No: 263 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you update me on what, if any, action has been taken to improve safety for cyclists at this notorious junction following my site visit in August with TfL officers and local councillors and the erection of a draft sign? Answer from the Mayor: Design of a new junction layout to improve cyclist safety is complete, and some preliminary works due to start in January were re-scheduled in order to avoid adding to the disruption of Pentonville Road caused by major gas main repairs at the Angel. The gas main works have now moved along Islington High Street so the work at the Pentonville Road/Penton Rise junction is now due to start on 2 March for completion by 21 May 2009.

Cycle Network Plus funding cut in Islington & impact Question No: 264 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon How can you justify the recent announcement that funding from the London Cycling Network Plus programme for Islington is being cut by more than 50% - from more than £1 million for 2008/09 to only £405,000 for 2009/10 and the impact this will have on the Council’s cycling improvements? Answer from the Mayor: You will be aware of my view that efforts to provide for cycling should now be focused on my cycling revolution as I have set out in “Way To Go!”.

I envisage a shift towards more integrated and targeted interventions to make cycling safer, easier and more appealing. These include cycle highways along with bike hire and cycle hubs as the best way to grow and develop cycling in the Capital. That said, LCN+ funding has been available to boroughs from 2002/03 and investment has been made across the network in both boroughs. This investment is recorded in the LCN+ Annual Reports which are available on londoncyclenetwork.org.uk. In addition to LCN+ budget, a number of funding sources are available to managing authorities, both from TfL and others, to maintain and improve these routes. *

27 Madras Place/Fieldway Crescent/Holloway Road killer junction Question No: 265 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you please update me on progress, if any, following your answer 2118/2008 about the junction at Holloway Road/Madras Place/Fieldway Crescent in Islington after the fatal accident that took place in September 2008? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has undertaken a review of the last three years of collision data for the junction of Holloway Road with Madras Place/Fieldway Crescent. In conjunction with this study, a site assessment has been undertaken and previous design options work has been re–examined.

Options could include relocating an existing pedestrian crossing on the south side of the junction so that it is closer to the pedestrian ‘desire line’ (the point at which pedestrians naturally cross) and introducing a new pedestrian crossing on the north side of the junction. TfL will progress preliminary design and traffic modelling of these options at the start of the 2009/10 financial year. * Highbury & Islington station stallholders Question No: 266 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Will you be intervening with Spacia and Network Rail to support the traders on the forecourt of Highbury & Islington station from losing their business over the next four years as a result of the East London Line extension works? Answer from the Mayor: I will urge Spacia and Network Rail to listen to the views of local people and to show consideration of the fact that these traders are a valued part of the community. It will benefit no-one to harm their trade during this tough economic climate. * Quality of new TfL paving in Holloway Road Question No: 267 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Given the fact that newly-laid paving slabs between Highbury Corner and the Magistrates’ Court in Holloway Road are already coming loose and a danger to pedestrians, can you outline what inspections take place to check the quality of paving works on roads managed by TfL? Answer from the Mayor: All TfL pavements are subject to regular safety inspections and any defects found are promptly repaired. However, the new paving laid late last year has suffered some failure within the contractual maintenance period. This means that the contractor has to make good the defects at its own expense. The remedial work is scheduled to be completed by 20 February. * Wharfdale Road bridge at King´s Cross station Question No: 268 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you outline how TfL intends to progress the pre-feasibility study currently being carried out by Islington Council into a replacement pedestrian bridge between Wharfdale Road and St. Pancras Way at King’s Cross station?

28 Answer from the Mayor: TfL has helped fund this pre-feasibility study and will consider Islington’s report and business case when it is received in April. * Bus stands Question No: 269 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What action is being taken in general to ensure bus stands do not cause a nuisance to residents and specifically at Highbury Corner where the 277 route terminates? Answer from the Mayor: Bus stands are important in ensuring that buses can run reliably. Bus drivers are trained to switch off their engine when they reach a bus stand. Notices are displayed in bus garages and at bus stands themselves to reinforce this. TfL has raised this issue with the operator of route 277 although it would also be useful if you could forward to TfL any correspondence you have received about the bus stand at Highbury Corner. * Upper Street crossing Question No: 270 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you report back on the findings of the review of crossing times at the junction of Upper Street/Canonbury Lane/Islington Park Street that was due to be finished in December 2008 according to your answer [2478/2008]? Answer from the Mayor: TfL completed a signal timing review at the junction of Upper Street and Islington Park Street in December 2008 and the signals were found to meet Department for Transport guidelines.

However, TfL’s engineers observed that when there are high numbers of vehicles turning right into Islington Park Street from Upper Street, they do not always clear the junction before pedestrians are given a green man to cross. TfL will therefore change the order of the signal phasing to resolve this. TfL will need to prepare and install temporary signs to inform road users of the changes to the signals. TfL expect these signs to be ready for installation by the end of March 2009, at which time the signal timings will be permanently altered. * Archway gyratory Question No: 271 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What were the findings of the feasibility study (due to be completed at the end of November 2008) into a return to two-way working at the Archway gyratory that you referred to in answer to my question 2018/2008? Answer from the Mayor: The feasibility study was completed in 2008. Two options were identified for returning the gyratory to two-way working along with improvements to transport interchange and the urban realm. The implementation costs were significant and, given that TfL has no funding in its 10 year business plan for this work, any scheme would require external funding. Regretfully, at the current time it is unlikely that there will be any local development of sufficient scale to generate enough funding for this. TfL will continue to liaise with Islington Council to monitor the situation for any development or other funding opportunity. *

29 Extension of bus route 269 (Bromley-Bexleyheath) Question No: 272 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon In order to improve orbital public transport, can you ask TfL to look into the merits of extending the 269 bus route (Bromley-Bexleyheath) to Beckenham Station so that connections with tram services towards Croydon and Wimbledon can become simpler and more attractive to residents in the northern third of Bromley and the southern half of Bexley? Answer from the Mayor: TfL will be undertaking a review of this service in the summer as part of the ongoing tendering programme. They will take the opportunity to fully assess your suggestion.

Pedestrian audits: Waterloo Question No: 273 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon When will you have reviewed the pedestrian audits for the Waterloo area and the suggested improvements as mentioned in your Answer to Question 83/2009? Answer from the Mayor: In my previous answer I suggested that we needed a better understanding of the issues affecting pedestrians around Waterloo. In this light, I am pleased to note that the audits undertaken by TfL are now being used to inform joint working between TfL, the London Borough of Lambeth and the South Bank Employers Group on potential schemes at Waterloo station, Waterloo Road and the Imax roundabout. This approach will ensure that proposals brought forward for consideration offer balanced solutions that address the access needs of a wide range of users while improving the urban realm. * Orbital express coach services [Woolwich-Croydon] Question No: 274 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon TfL Stakeholder Engagement Ref MH/T269/Stage 3/PAN/0109 contains the comment “Stakeholders also requested that an express bus route be examined between Woolwich and Croydon. An express service would also duplicate the existing links and cannot be justified.” Of course an express service duplicates the link: to encourage modal shift from car to public transport, it provides a much faster, more direct and comfortable service between key destinations. Can you encourage TfL to grasp this concept? Answer from the Mayor: As you know, the frequency of express route X26 was doubled for most of the day (from Monday to Sunday) on the 22 November 2008. TfL is undertaking before and after passenger research to assess the reaction to the change. This will help in assessing the benefits of potential enhancements to other services such as the one you highlighted above.

However, any new services users would need to be justified by setting the cost against an assessment of potential benefits. For a possible express route this would include.

- new direct links created; - frequency increases on sections of routing shared by the new route and existing services; - faster journey times. *

30 Orbital light rail system: North West London Question No: 275 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon As part of your long term plans for London, will you investigate proposals for a North West London Light Railway centred on the planned Brent Cross/Cricklewood development, and largely making use of existing Network Rail, Tube lines, and abandoned track bed, to provide potential branches to Mill Hill East, Wembley Stadium, Park Royal, Ealing Broadway and Finchley Road? Answer from the Mayor: As stated in Way to Go, I am interested in ideas to improve orbital transport in outer London. It clearly makes sense to examine the benefits of using existing or previously developed rail infrastructure for such purposes where this is possible.

Such schemes will be considered as part of the development of my transport strategy. * Termination of Sutton loop rail services at Blackfriars Question No: 276 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What representations have you made recently to persuade Network Rail to reverse its decision to stop all Thameslink “Sutton Loop Line” trains at Blackfriars from 2015, given that this was not included and consulted on in the South London Rail Utilisation Study; that it will cause significant problems for South London commuters working in central and north London; and that it will make it more difficult for all South London residents and business people wanting to access Eurostar services from St Pancras, the planned Crossrail at Farringdon, Kentish Town and Luton Airport Parkway? Answer from the Mayor: The proposal to double the frequency of Sutton loop services to 4 trains per hour and to terminate them at Blackfriars was included in the South London Route Utilisation Strategy published in March 2008.

I support the proposal as it maximises the capacity provided by the Thameslink Programme, for the reasons given in previous MQT answers 1108/2008 and 2900/2008. Continuing through services from the Sutton Loop would mean reduced capacity for passengers from Denmark Hill, Catford and Bromley without offering any increase in frequency to Blackfriars from stations such as Tooting, Wimbledon and Sutton.

I believe that the doubled frequency offers real benefits for passengers on the Sutton Loop as it meets my “turn-up-and-go” service aspiration for National Rail services in London. The benefit more than offsets the need to change onto onward Thameslink services at London Bridge or Blackfriars, where passengers will have to wait a maximum of approximately 3 minutes for an onward connection to St Pancras and beyond. * Reporting graffiti on bus shelters Question No: 277 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you account for the situation that if, wishing to report graffiti on bus shelters, you ring the number displayed on most shelters (020 7222 1234), you are told you should have rung a different number? Answer from the Mayor: This should not be the case. Passengers who ring the TIC during 0800- 2000 (and report graffiti

31 to a bus shelter) are transferred to the Surface Transport call centre. Passengers who call outside of these hours have their details taken and a member of the Surface Transport call centre will action the complaint separately. If you have any cases where this action hasn’t been taken, please let me know. * Bus stop: Ladbroke Grove Question No: 278 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon The recently introduced 228 bus service has no stop between Ladbroke Grove Station and Holland Park Avenue on its southbound journey to Shepherds Bush. As the distance between these stops on foot (as advised by the TfL journey planner) is seventeen minutes for a person of average fitness, can you ask TfL to introduce at least one intermediate bus stop? Answer from the Mayor: TfL do wish to provide a stop for route 288 in this section and they have agreed with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea a site for a stop. The Borough however must first consult on a Traffic Order that would be necessary to prevent parking at the proposed site. The Borough’s consultation is ongoing and TfL must await the conclusion of this process before a stop can be installed. * Western extension to Congestion Charging Zone Question No: 279 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Transport for London has said it will be 2010 at the earliest before Mayor Livingstone’s western extension to the Congestion Charging Zone can be finally scrapped – for many businesses (not least those in Portobello Market) this is a delay they simply cannot afford. What is the minimum time within current legal constraints that you can confirm a variation to the Scheme Order putting an end to the western extension? Answer from the Mayor: Following informal consultation with the public and businesses last year, I have made it clear that I am minded to remove the Western Extension and have set out a timetable for formal public and stakeholder consultation.

I am obliged to follow the procedures set out in the GLA Act which exist to ensure that my decision on the matter is properly taken and neither made outside existing powers nor without considering all potential impacts. I am also required to consider my broader statutory obligations, and the need to develop wider measures to mitigate potential impacts from the removal of the western extension.

Removing the Western Extension first requires amendment of the Transport Strategy because the document currently specifies the presence of the scheme. The new Transport Strategy will be the subject of full public and stakeholder consultation later this year.

Removing the Western Extension also requires amendment of the Congestion Charging Scheme Order, which the GLA Act stipulates must also be subject to public and stakeholder consultation. This Scheme Order consultation cannot take place until after the revised Transport Strategy has been published and it is therefore unlikely to take place until early 2010.

These are clearly complex processes but I can assure you that I am committed to advancing proposals to remove the Western Extension as expeditiously as possible.

32 Dial-A-Ride: Customer Charter Question No: 280 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Page 6 of Dial-A-Ride’s Customer Charter contains the phrase “investigate all complaints where necessary”. What sort of complaints from service users do Dial-A-Ride think it unnecessary to investigate? Answer from the Mayor: Dial-a-Ride investigates all complaints it receives. I agree that the phrase ‘investigate all complaints where necessary’ is not appropriate and TfL will remove it next time it is updated. * Dial-A-Ride: Customer Feedback And Complaints Policy [1] Question No: 281 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Dial-A-Ride’s published policy defines a complaint as “any expression of dissatisfaction with TfL’s service, staff or policies”. Service users complain that staff are categorising complaints as “feedback” and not recording them in the complaints’ statistics. Can managers ensure that all complaints (including those made at forum meetings) are properly recorded as such? Answer from the Mayor: TfL state that all complaints received by Dial-a-Ride are logged and included in the relevant statistics; including individual complaints made at the quarterly Local Area Panels. Comments about Dial-a-Ride policy and other general matters are responded to as appropriate either during the panel or as a follow up action. If this is not happening, I would welcome any information you have which I can review and pass on to TfL. * Dial-A-Ride: Customer Feedback And Complaints Policy [2] Question No: 282 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Page 2 of Dial-A-Ride’s published policy states: “We will make access to our customer services teams as easy as possible, whether by written correspondence, e-mail, fax, telephone, web-form or other methods. We are committed to making communication with us as easy as possible.” The reality is that service users ringing in hear a recorded message telling them to ring back later with no facility for leaving messages. Are you not in breach of the terms of your policy? Answer from the Mayor: When the telephone line to the Dial-a-Ride Customer Liaison Unit is busy or outside of office hours, callers will hear a recorded message informing them of alternative TfL Customer Services numbers they can telephone. This ensures the caller can connect as soon as possible with an advisor to discuss their complaint. However, I will ask TfL to contact you to discuss this matter in more depth. * Bus travel by registered Dial-A-Ride service users Question No: 283 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon It is reported that some Dial-A-Ride service users believe that if they use ordinary London buses Dial-A-Ride will withdraw their membership. DAR’s offer of escorting members on London buses as a way of building up their confidence has been misinterpreted as a preliminary to withdrawing their DAR service. Can you ensure that these misconceptions are corrected?

33 Answer from the Mayor: This would not affect a customers’ eligibility for Dial-a-Ride. TfL provide a ‘Travel Assistance Scheme’ to enable disabled and elderly people to maximize their independent travel opportunities. The literature publicising the scheme makes clear that the service can be used in conjunction with the Dial-a-Ride service as a way of completing longer distance journeys. TfL will look to resolve any misconceptions relating to this issue. * Publicising JSA half-fare concession Question No: 284 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon When will TfL’s current one-page colour advertising campaign in local newspapers catch up with the Mayor’s announcement on 14 January that half price fares are now available to Londoners on Jobseekers’ Allowance? Answer from the Mayor: The ad to which you refer was designed to promote the re-introduction this January of the Bus & Tram discount scheme. Full page ads ran in local press and on tube and bus posters during the first three weeks of January.

Whilst I did announce the extension to Job seekers in January, this does not actually come into effect until April. A revised ad, will run on tube and bus posters and at Oyster Ticket Stops from the end of March.

TfL is working closely with Jobcentre Plus, who have agreed to support the extension of the scheme by issuing application forms to eligible JSA claimants during their 13 week interview. This is a very effective means of reaching those eligible for the concession. * Gritting at bus garages Question No: 285 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Why cannot TfL carry out their own gritting operations as appropriate in the area outside bus garages when extreme weather is forecast? Answer from the Mayor: On February 2 there was a heavy snowfall at a time when the snow became compacted, even on gritted roads. Although all the gritting equipment available was used it did not create circumstances in which buses could operate safely. The entire route to be taken by a bus must be safe, so it is not simply an issue of gritting outside bus garages.

Buses started to operate again during late morning and by the end of the afternoon when conditions improved there were roughly 1,700 buses in service. However, TfL will consider whether it is appropriate for them to grit access routes to bus garages as part of its review of what happened on February 2. * US Embassy re congestion charge [1] Question No: 286 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Now that President Obama has taken office, will you approach the US Embassy again to ask them to re-consider their refusal to pay the Congestion Charge on the vehicles they operate in central London?

34 Answer from the Mayor: It is my hope that we will see a more cooperative approach from the United States Embassy. TfL continues to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to persuade all embassies to meet their responsibilities and pay the Congestion Charge.

More than 70% of the diplomatic missions in the Capital do pay the Charge. TfL is actively seeking a positive resolution of this issue for all missions not currently paying the Charge, including the US. * US Embassy re congestion charge [2] Question No: 287 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What is the total sum now owed by the US Embassy in Congestion Charges since the scheme was introduced in 2003? Answer from the Mayor: As of 4 February 2009, the total amount owed by the US Embassy for unpaid Congestion Charges and Penalty Charge Notices was £2,941,500.

* Boroughs and Red Routes Question No: 288 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon In the spirit of devolving more power appropriately to Borough Councils, will you consider giving to boroughs more control of the decision making process in respect of TLRN Red Routes, including hours of operation, parking bays, and restrictions on side roads, so that decisions reflect local sensitivities and requirements? Answer from the Mayor: Red routes were introduced by the Government in 1992, in recognition of the need for a strategic road network to provide for the efficient movement of people and goods in London. They are designed to strike a balance between maintaining safe, efficient traffic operations for all road users whilst meeting servicing requirements of adjoining premises. Red routes have strategic importance to London since they represent only 5% of London’s roads but carry around a third of London’s traffic. I am committed to simplification of hours, rather than a proliferation of different times, which could be confusing to motorists.

TfL will be very pleased to work with boroughs to discuss concerns over Red Route controls on the Red Route Network, to achieve a workable balance between the competing demands of those who live, work and travel on the network. * Pedestrian and cycling bridge: Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf Question No: 289 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Although you have shelved the project to construct a pedestrian and cycling bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, which would increase the attractiveness of both modes in that area and reduce congestion on the Jubilee Line, will you join Southwark Council in pressing the Government to add this project to their list of public works to kickstart the economy?

35 Answer from the Mayor: As you are aware I have now set out my priorities for transport in London through a ten-year investment programme and one of the key elements of this is to lead a step change increase in the numbers of people walking and cycling.

I will ask TfL and my officers to review the business case for this scheme. * Lifts on the Jubilee Line Question No: 290 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Please outline the planned timetable, if any, for installing lifts at all stations along the Jubilee Line currently without lifts. Answer from the Mayor: Step free access between the street and the platform is currently available at 14 Jubilee line stations (see below). This is more than half of all stations on the line and a greater proportion than any other line.

The Transport for London 2009-2018 business plan includes step free access at three further stations:

- Kingsbury, as part of London Underground’s (LU) target to provide step free access at 25 per cent of all Tube stations by 2010. - Green Park, as part of LU’s agreement with the Olympic Delivery Authority on transport services for the London Games. - Bond Street, as part of the long-term re-development of the station which includes works associated with the Crossrail project.

Jubilee line stations that currently have free access: Bermondsey Canada Water Canary Wharf Canning Town Kilburn London Bridge North Greenwich Southwark Stanmore Stratford Waterloo Wembley Park West Ham Westminster * Signage to lifts at Underground stations Question No: 291 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Passengers with heavy or bulky luggage need to use lifts at Underground stations. Where these exist, they are not obvious, and signage is sometimes poor (for example, at King’s Cross and Tottenham Hale). Could a review of signage for lifts at Tube stations be carried out and improvements made? Answer from the Mayor:

36 London Underground conducted a review of signage for disabled people three years ago. As a result clearer pictograms relating to lifts are now used, including a wheelchair symbol, and a pushchair symbol (white pictogram on blue circle). When new lifts are installed this new signage is installed as part of the works, for example at Wood Lane, Golders Green, Acton Town and Pinner.

Where the old-style signage is in place, it will be reviewed incrementally as stations undergo modernisation or refurbishment and will be replaced where it is found to be inadequate.

King’s Cross signage is being updated with the forthcoming modernisation of the station redevelopment. I have asked TfL to look at the signs regarding Tottenham Hale and they will respond to you in due course.

463 bus service: Sunday operation Question No: 292 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon A number of constituents have contacted their local MP Tom Brake to request that TfL implement a Sunday service on the 463 route (Mitcham-Coulsdon). Can you ask TfL to look into this possibility and indicate what level of demand would need to be established? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is currently undertaking a business case assessment of introducing a Sunday service on the 463. When this is complete they will be happy to share with you their findings, and will contact you accordingly. * Security breaches at Tube depots [1] Question No: 294 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon I asked British Transport Police in a recent Freedom of Information request to provide a break down of the number of incidents in which security has been breached by intruders at each London Underground depot where Tube trains are parked overnight for each year since 2000 to 2007. For trespass in 2006 their figure was zero. For burglary it was 1. Yet the answer supplied to a Mayor’s Question 397/2007 stated “London Underground estimate that there were 150 unauthorised entries to LU depots in 2006”. How do you and TfL account for the discrepancy? Can you please provide a full set of figures since 2000? Answer from the Mayor: London Underground does not hold data on security breaches at depots. The source of data for unauthorised entries at depots is British Transport Police data and is based on records of graffiti vandalism provided by Metronet and Tube Lines.

The majority of graffiti vandalism takes place whilst trains are in service and often is not discovered or reported until the train reaches the depot. Hence any estimate of unauthorised entries at depots is no better than a rough approximation that has been extrapolated from BTP graffiti and other incident data.

For this reason it is not possible to provide more accurate information, and as the BTP reply implies, the answer to 397/2007 represents a high end of possible estimates. *

37 Security breaches at Tube depots [2] Question No: 295 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Does London Underground report all unauthorised entries to LU depots to the British Transport Police, and if not, why not? Answer from the Mayor: All unauthorised entries to depots are reported to the British Transport Police by the Infraco operating the depot concerned. This is still the case for Tube Lines. Now that Metronet is part of London Underground (LU), it is LU that reports incidents on its network. * Harmonisation of rail and Tube fares Question No: 296 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Can you guarantee that when Oyster PAYG is accepted by all national rail operators later this year, no passenger using an Oyster Card on the overground network (including TfL’s London Overground) will pay more than if they had made the same journey on the Underground network? Answer from the Mayor: I share the aspiration of the question for a single unified PAYG scale right across London, with all fares being set by the Mayor.

Currently fares on National Rail services in London are set by the Train Operators within the framework of the franchises they hold from the Department for Transport.

In line with this, it has been agreed with the Operators and the DfT that PAYG fares on National Rail will be set by the London Train Operators on a uniform zonal basis.

Prices will be no more than for National Rail standard singles and returns, but may not be identical to those on the Underground. * Thames Estuary airport proposal [1] Question No: 297 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon How many hours of GLA and TfL staff time have been spent in work on your proposal for an airport in the Thames Estuary? Please break down by organisation. Answer from the Mayor: Detailed records of the kind that would be needed to provide a complete response to this question (which would require an arrangement for charging staff time to particular projects) are not kept across the GLA Group. However, an estimate of the time dedicated by GLA staff has recently been made in response to a Freedom of Information Act request:

The work carried out to date consists of a desktop study that was undertaken in-house for the Mayor and was prepared by GLA officers and managers who spent approximately 25.0 days on the study all told.

TfL contributed to this desk top study approximately 1.5 days all told from several members of staff.

38 The Mayor announced on 11 November 2008 that he has asked the distinguished engineer and Executive Chair of Crossrail Doug Oakervee to lead a preliminary feasibility study of a new airport in the Thames Estuary, which he is carrying out in his own time. * Thames Estuary airport proposal [2] Question No: 298 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What is the total cost to date of London’s Council taxpayers’ money spent in work on your proposal for an airport in the Thames Estuary? Answer from the Mayor: Doug Oakervee has been contracted to undertake the work. Final costs will be available when this has been completed. I would be happy to share this with you then.

Thames Estuary airport proposal [3] Question No: 299 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Has work on your proposal for an airport in the Thames Estuary included establishing the possibility of private sector funding for the project and has any consortium been identified as being interested in undertaking development or construction? Answer from the Mayor: This information will be available once Doug Oakervee completes his report; expected around the end of March. * Thames Estuary airport proposal [4] Question No: 300 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Have you had discussions with BATA (the British Air Transport Association, whose members include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) to your proposal for an airport in the Thames Estuary, and if not, how do you propose to overcome the objections they voiced in November 2008? Answer from the Mayor: This information will be available once Doug Oakervee completes his report; expected around the end of March. * Thames Estuary airport proposal [5] Question No: 301 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Has TfL started work on scoping the public transport investment needed to support your Thames Estuary airport? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has provided initial input to the GLA with regards to surface access provision for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. This has highlighted some potential areas to cover in work associated with serving a new airport.

I have commissioned Doug Oakervee to undertake an initial feasibility study for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. This will look at the engineering feasibility as well as the impacts of the

39 airport including the implications for surface access. The latter is likely to consider the need for a spur to the High Speed 1 railway, the adequacy of interchange at St. Pancras with Crossrail and onward links to any future high speed links to Heathrow and/or the north of England and will involve collaborations with London Rail and TfL Planning. * Drink driving figures Question No: 302 / 2009 Dee Doocey Can you please provide the total number of arrests for drink driving for the following calendar years, broken down by borough, and showing number of arrests, charges and convictions: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008? Answer from the Mayor: Drink/Drive Arrests by Borough, for Calendar Years 2004 - 2008

Data encompasses all records where the first reason for arrest is listed as Positive Breath Test, Refused Breath Test, or Section 4 Unfit.

Calendar Year Borough 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Barking & Dagenham 496 425 381 408 366 Barnet 515 631 679 714 604 Bexley 379 313 377 415 426 Brent 746 731 762 982 794 Bromley 558 554 443 550 476 Camden 475 455 473 463 376 Croydon 727 652 677 603 556 Ealing 868 785 867 836 801 Enfield 486 426 437 472 462 Greenwich 539 515 559 401 416 Hackney 504 544 586 500 342 Hammersmith & Fulham 626 445 376 380 345 Haringey 831 886 834 645 541 Harrow 483 453 442 343 290 Havering 510 412 464 444 475 Heathrow 74 68 82 75 98 Hillingdon 659 635 642 581 502 Hounslow 605 626 637 679 666 Islington 576 525 463 496 357 Kensington & Chelsea 382 396 432 329 350 Kingston Upon Thames 426 403 451 396 413 Lambeth 954 792 758 659 563 Lewisham 715 713 725 552 507 Merton 447 374 427 373 315 Newham 873 815 813 641 620 Redbridge 565 493 581 631 640 Richmond Upon Thames 431 333 355 315 242 Southwark 687 888 833 792 824 Sutton 411 373 458 377 348 Tower Hamlets 490 588 647 499 465 Waltham Forest 454 443 436 369 371 Wandsworth 571 519 468 377 301 Westminster 1069 1008 1043 978 922 Grand Total 19132 18219 18608 17275 15774

40 Drink/Drive Charges by Borough, for Calendar Years 2004-2008

Data encompasses all records where the first reason for arrest is listed as Positive Breath Test, Refused Breath Test, or Section 4 Unfit, and the most serious disposal issued for that record is a charge.

Please Note: Due to a change in the way disposals were counted in April 2008, data previous to this is not directly comparable with current counting methods.

Calendar Year Borough 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (to 2008 (April - March 08) December) Barking & Dagenham 365 331 300 301 80 194 Barnet 377 417 456 484 102 336 Bexley 279 234 282 287 74 243 Brent 498 513 554 695 148 397 Bromley 438 423 313 368 100 247 Camden 329 306 283 272 64 176 Croydon 500 494 496 436 107 304 Ealing 634 560 577 583 139 460 Enfield 350 331 330 344 90 269 Greenwich 404 405 421 277 84 232 Hackney 333 362 420 340 65 184 Hammersmith & Fulham 392 297 243 255 62 188 Haringey 574 596 585 404 112 300 Harrow 326 309 323 249 56 160 Havering 362 307 332 306 93 230 Heathrow 46 40 66 55 12 50 Hillingdon 459 460 479 424 101 261 Hounslow 426 457 470 474 137 343 Islington 383 357 312 319 84 150 Kensington & Chelsea 248 279 289 227 54 185 Kingston Upon Thames 307 289 311 281 89 229 Lambeth 673 547 501 429 115 305 Lewisham 513 519 532 404 95 259 Merton 324 291 317 281 45 199 Newham 640 622 587 484 112 358 Redbridge 435 346 450 465 119 345 Richmond Upon Thames 292 248 247 202 38 133 Southwark 468 656 538 529 129 358 Sutton 311 295 342 281 58 201 Tower Hamlets 344 410 434 340 85 226 Waltham Forest 324 320 325 261 61 209 Wandsworth 389 357 324 272 60 173 Westminster 641 637 650 606 101 418 Grand Total 13384 13015 13089 11935 2871 8322

Please note: MPS cannot provide information on conviction data at this time. The format of the data is not appropriate for this information to be extracted without a large amount of time and effort. * Police drink driving Question No: 303 / 2009 Dee Doocey How many arrests, charges and convictions were there for drink driving in the calendar years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, where the offender was:

41 An MPS Officer A PCSO An MPS Staff Member Answer from the Mayor: a. MPS officers arrested/charged for ‘drink drive’

2003/2004 = 22 2004/2005 = 16 2005/2006 = 21 2006/2007 = 12 2007/2008 = 16 *2008/2009 (part) = 12

*2008/2009 (part) = 01 April 2008 to 31 January 2009 b. MPS Officers arrested/charged for “Drunk in charge of a motor vehicle”

2003/2004 = 0 2004/2005 = 0 2005/2006 = 2 2007/2008 = 1 *2008/2009 (part) = 0

*2008/2009 = 01 April 2008 to 31 January 2009 c. MPS officers convicted for ‘drink drive’

2003/2004 = 14 2004/2005 = 18 2005/2006 = 15 2006/2007 = 12 2007/2008 = 6 *2008/2009 (part) = 3

*2008/2009 (part) = 01 April 2008 to 31 January 2009 d. MPS officers convicted of being “drunk in charge of a motor vehicle”

2003/2004 = 0 2004/2005 = 0 2005/2006 = 0 2006/2007 = 2 2007/2008 = 0 *2008/2009(part) = 0

*2008/2009 (part) = 01 April 2008 to 31 January 2009 e. PCSOs convicted of ‘drink drive’

2003/2004 = 0 2004/2005 = 0 2005/2006 = 1 2006/2007 = 0 2007/2008 = 7 *2008/2009 (part)= 4 42

*2008/2009(part) = 01 April 2008 to 18 February 2009 f. MPS Staff (excluding PCSOs) convicted of ‘drink drive’

2003/2004 = 3 2004/2005 = 1 2005/2006 = 5 2006/2007 = 5 2007/2008 = 4 *2008/2009 (part) = 4

*2008/2009 (part) = 01 April 2008 to 18 February 2009

The MPS professional standards database (Tribune) makes no distinction between arrested and charged. We are unable to provide details of PCSOs or police staff arrested or charged with drink drive, it is only upon conviction that such matters are recorded. *

Summer/Winter of Sport Question No: 304 / 2009 Dee Doocey For each of the following LDA programmes can you please provide a breakdown showing the number of disabled people that participated and the number of able-bodied people that participated: Summer of Sport 2006 Summer of Sport 2007 Winter of Sport 2007/8 Summer of Sport 2008 Winter of Sport 2008/9 Answer from the Mayor: Summer of Sport 2006 – In 2006 approx 50,000 participants took part in the programme and very little data is available for disability analysis meaning worthwhile conclusions may be difficult to reach. 36% of events catered for disability whilst there was one event that was specifically for disabled people.

Summer of Sport 2007 – The total number of participants in 2007 was 77,126 and the total number of disabled was 788. 51% of the events had disabled participants.

It is important to note that Summer of Sport 2006 and 2007 were GLA (not LDA) run programmes, and unlike the LDA run programmes, the participant figures above include those in co-branded events such as London Freewheel.

Winter of Sport 2007/8 - The total number of participants for this programme was 2,872. Of these participants 44% (1,277) were disabled people. The programme supported 24 events that specifically targeted disabled people.

Summer of Sport 2008 - The total number of participants for this programme was 8,404. Of these participants 26% (2,174) were disabled people and more than half of these received six hours or more of sports coaching. The LDA have worked with the London Sports Forum for Disabled People this year to promote the initiative to disability organisations and encourage

43 inclusive sports participation opportunities at all funded events. This has been successful, as the programme has over-achieved on its 10% target.

Winter of Sport 2008/9 – this programme is currently being delivered and monitoring data will not be available until the end of April 2009. * Remote access to GLA IT systems Question No: 305 / 2009 Dee Doocey How many remote access licenses exist for the City Hall computer network, and therefore how many people can logon from home at any one time? What systems are in place to ensure that if a large number of staff are not able to come to work (e.g. because of snow) they will be able to work successfully from home? Answer from the Mayor: The Technology Group within the Resources Directorate offers remote access for all staff at the GLA. At anytime we maintain 370 possible connections via the internet to IT services at City Hall from anywhere in the world.

The Technology Group constantly monitors the number of connections in use and, during periods of high demand, have in place an ‘In Case of Emergency (ICE)’ service. This service enables us to increases our number of possible connections from 370 to up to 1000.

Mayoral Direction Question No: 306 / 2009 Dee Doocey Why was it necessary to issue a Mayoral direction to the LDA regarding funding for the Legacy Plan for Sport? Answer from the Mayor: This direction to the LDA to help fund Olympic Sports legacy programmes provides transparency and clarity as to the resources required to meet London’s Olympic legacy obligations. I made clear following the Beijing Olympics that significant resources would be needed for this purpose; and I believe the approach we are taking of seeking match funding is the right way to maximise the value for money obtained. The use of a direction will help secure this match funding by giving certainty to potential funding partners.

I believe sport can make a significant contribution to developing intellectual maturity and growth, leadership, teamwork and other qualities that increase people’s employability .So this allocation of a small proportion – around 1% - of LDA resources to encourage grassroots sports participation fits very well with the LDA’s focus on jobs, skills and growth.

I am absolutely committed to helping London through the economic downturn. Through my Economic Recovery Plan I have ensured a re-focus of the LDA’s resources across the piece to address this urgent priority and ensure early help is given to Londoners and London’s businesses. However, it would be wrong to cut all funding for longer term development and, in particular, to renege on London’s commitment to improve grass roots sports participation and the opportunity to maximise this aspect of the benefits from our huge Olympics investment. We must continue to ensure London is well placed for the medium and longer term as well as addressing the serious immediate problems arising from the downturn.

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to set the overall policy direction for the LDA, and I have done so on this matter in a clear and transparent way. *

44 Borough Commanders Question No: 307 / 2009 Dee Doocey For each borough can you tell me how long the current MPS Borough Commander has been in post, and how long each of the two previous Borough Commanders were in post? Answer from the Mayor: The table attached as Appendix A details the information requested.

Data for short-term cover provided by acting superintendents has not been included, which is why there are small gaps in dates. Where there are overlaps in dates, this is where a borough commander is for example retiring but has leave to take and the next post holder goes in before the actual retirement date. * London Fashion Week Question No: 308 / 2009 Dee Doocey 18 months after the Model Health Inquiry report recommended that health certificates be introduced for models at London Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council has done nothing to implement this. Why have you not instructed the LDA to cease funding London Fashion Week? Answer from the Mayor: I refer to your previous answer [MQ1705/2008]. There remains no intention to terminate the grant agreement The LDA’s agreement with the British Fashion Council allows us continued constructive engagement with the fashion industry on this issue and, importantly, supports the growth of this industry and its valuable contribution to London’s economy.

Following the completion of the Model Health Inquiry, a Model Health Action Plan was drawn up and formed part of the grant agreement between the LDA and the BFC. This required that the BFC undertake a feasibility study and pilot of model health certificates, which concluded that model health certificates in their proposed form should not be implemented for both practical reasons and issues of principle. The evidence presented suggests that Model Health Certificates would not protect models' health and could endanger those most at risk, a conclusion which is accepted by the LDA. * Eating disorders Question No: 309 / 2009 Dee Doocey You have stated that you are “not convinced” that there is any link between ‘skinny models’ and the increase in eating disorders amongst impressionable young girls. Will you agree to fund some academic research into this? Answer from the Mayor: I understand there has already been substantial academic work undertaken in this area, and I do not propose to use finite GLA resources to duplicate these efforts. * Government funding of childcare Question No: 310 / 2009 Dee Doocey The Government is increasing the amount of ‘free’ childcare available to 3 and 4 year olds from 12.5 hours per week to 15 hours per week. Many small independent nurseries who provide

45 excellent facilities, believe they will no longer be able to survive, as the government’s contribution for this ‘free’ childcare does not even come close to covering their costs. What are you doing to support these businesses? Answer from the Mayor: Access to good quality and affordable childcare is both a critical barrier to work for parents and central to children’s development and tackling child poverty.

Local authorities have a duty to secure sufficient early years provision under the 2006 Code of Practice. From September 2010 they must offer 15 hours of free early education to all 3 & 4 year olds over a minimum of 38 weeks. As a step towards that, from September 2009 local authorities will be required to make the offer available to 25% of their most disadvantaged 3 & 4 year olds. Additional funding for this will come through the DCSF Standards Fund, with extra capital available too.

However, the LDA has, jointly with the DSCF, invested £36m over the last 3 years in its Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP). This is currently supporting over 8,000 parents to find and stay in work. We are currently developing the next phase of CAP, which will test new and innovative ways of supporting Local Authorities and providers to offer the flexible and affordable childcare that London’s parents and children need.

I will ensure that the impact of this programme is effectively monitored and that is supports the best provision as shown by demand from parents and that the LDA’s Youth and Childcare team monitor the concerns regarding the early education grant funding. * Complaints against police officers Question No: 311 / 2009 Dee Doocey How many complaints on the grounds of 1) sexual harassment (Sexual Assault, Oppressive Conduct or Other Sexual Conduct), 2) racial discrimination, 3) sexual discrimination, and 4) corruption have been lodged against MPS police officers in each of the following years: 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/7 and 2007/8? Answer from the Mayor: The figures provided in response to each question represent each allegation made by the complainant. It should be noted that on average only 2 percent of public complaints made are, following investigation, found to be substantiated. This has consistently been the case from financial year 2004/05. Therefore the number of officers actually complained about will be less as many complainants will cover more than one area of concern.

1. The number of complaints of sexual harassment recorded against MPS police officers (Sexual Assault, Oppressive Conduct or Other Sexual Conduct)?

2003/2004 = 17 2004/2005 = 14 2005/2006 = 21 2006/2007 = 37 2007/2008 = 32

2. The number of complaints of racial discrimination recorded against MPS police officers?

2003/2004 = 236 2004/2005 = 306 2005/2006 = 315 2006/2007 = 331

46 2007/2008 = 343

3. The number of complaints of sexual discrimination on the basis of gender recorded against MPS police officers?

2003/2004 = 0 2004/2005 = 4 2005/2006 = 4 2006/2007 = 6 2007/2008 = 8

4. The number of complaints of corruption recorded against MPS police officers?

2003/2004 = 15 2004/2005 = 31 2005/2006 = 32 2006/2007 = 69 2007/2008 = 62

Police officer retirement Question No: 312 / 2009 Dee Doocey How many police officers are expected to retire in each of the following years, broken down by OCU: 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13? Answer from the Mayor: The chart (attached as Appendix B) sets out the requested information showing eligibility for retirement in the relevant years. * Visit London overseas promotions Question No: 313 / 2009 Dee Doocey Within Visit London’s overseas promotions, what percentage of coverage is devoted to outer London, and can you list which Boroughs are promoted? Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to provide a breakdown in the format requested for this or your two related questions (MQs 314 and 315).

Boroughs are generally promoted collectively through Visit London's domestic and international work.

Visit London has produced a guide called "We've got London Covered" which gave illustrations of the ways in which every London borough was promoted in Visit London activity for the financial year 2007/08.

Visit London also employs a Sub-Regional Marketing Manager specifically to work with all boroughs to ensure representation in Visit London promotions and act as a single point of contact. *

47 Visit London’s domestic promotions Question No: 314 / 2009 Dee Doocey Within Visit London’s domestic promotions, what percentage of coverage is devoted to outer London, and can you list which Boroughs are promoted? Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to provide a breakdown in the format requested.

I refer to my answer to (MQ 313) * Visit London budget Question No: 315 / 2009 Dee Doocey What percentage of Visit London’s budget for each of these years was used to promote outer London: 2003/4, 2004/5, 2005/6, 2006/7, 2007/8, 2008/9? Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to provide a breakdown in the format requested.

I refer to my answer to (MQ 313). * Olympic Inspire Mark Question No: 317 / 2009 Dee Doocey How many applications have been made by organisations across London to use the ‘Inspire’ mark, broken down by borough, and stating whether they are a local authority, private company, or charitable organisation? Answer from the Mayor: There have been a total of 26 Borough-based Inspire Mark applications to date. In addition, 9 applications have been received for pan-London or pan-UK (including London) projects. The number of applications received per Borough is below.

These projects represent the initial pilot phase of LOCOG’s Inspire Programme, which has focused on cultural projects. LOCOG expects the numbers to increase markedly over 2009.

LOCOG does not ask organisations to specify whether they are from the public, private or voluntary sector. Table 1 Borough No. of Applications Camden 3 City of Westminster 5 Ealing 1 Enfield 1 Greenwich 2 All Host Boroughs 1 Hackney 4 Havering 1 Hounslow 1

48 Kensington and Chelsea 1 Lambeth 1 Newham 1 Redbridge 1 Southwark 1 Tower Hamlets 2 Total 26

Table 2 Organisation Borough Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Camden Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Camden

Shape Camden Barbican centre City of Westminster London Symphony Orchestra Ltd City of Westminster NEW LONDON ORCHESTRA LIMITED City of Westminster

Royal Opera House City of Westminster Royal Opera House City of Westminster

West London Alliance Ealing Enfield Council Enfield

Greenwich Theatre Greenwich Hackney Museum & Hackney Archives Greenwich

Five Host Boroughs Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest Hackney Council Hackney Kinetica Museum Ltd Hackney Mazorca Projects Ltd trading as Hidden Art Hackney SPACE Hackney London Borough of Havering Havering The Hounslow Arts Trust Ltd Hounslow

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Kensington and Chelsea

Opera Group Lambeth Discover Newham Redbridge Carnival Association Redbridge

London Borough of Southwark Southwark

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Grand union Tower Hamlets

Kinetika Tower Hamlets

Public awareness campaigns Question No: 318 / 2009 Dee Doocey How much has been spent by the MPS on public awareness campaigns about burglary across London, broken down by borough, in the year 2007/8? Can you also provide this information by ward/SNT if readily available. Answer from the Mayor: For 2007/8, the MPS spent £158k in total on a pan-London burglary prevention publicity campaign. As this campaign was London-wide, the MPS is unable to provide an expenditure breakdown by borough or ward/SNT. * S106 contributions towards Crossrail Question No: 319 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey The Mayor’s Report (15 January-11 February 2009) stated that you “would continue to seek financial contributions towards Crossrail…in accordance with the draft London Plan alterations and supplementary planning guidance which have recently been subject to consultation”. So far this consultation has only been open to the London Assembly and Functional Bodies. Is it right to be obtaining money when the public consultation and EIP have not yet been undertaken? Answer from the Mayor: Yes.

I have received approximately 30 responses on the Crossrail consultation, principally from boroughs and developers, not just the Assembly & Functional Bodies. So consultation has been wider than you suggest.

Once an alteration has been issued, it becomes a material consideration that I am entitled to take into account in determining planning applications. As the proposed alteration undergoes further consultation and moves closer to adoption I am entitled to place greater weight on it in my decision-making.

It would be for the courts to decide if I had erred in my judgement and placed too much weight on this policy. * Housing targets Question No: 320 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Would you agree that your announcement of “37,000 new affordable homes for London” on 9 February was premature given that only 14 London boroughs had provisionally agreed a total of 16,750 sites at that time, and that most of those have not had the necessary funding agreed? Answer from the Mayor: The figure of 37,000 affordable homes is the minimum I expect boroughs to be able to provide

50 based on the discussions held so far. I expect the total to rise further before negotiations are concluded. * Housing targets (2) Question No: 321 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey How many boroughs have cited the need for increased transport investment from TfL, or for TfL to show a more constructive approach to local transport improvements, as a factor in their not being able to agree to your housing targets? Answer from the Mayor: I have taken the decision not to reveal the detail of my discussions with boroughs, particularly as some of these negotiations are still ongoing.

Some boroughs have raised issues about infrastructure funding. But so far where the need for improved transport provision has been cited these relate to long-term investments that will not affect the 2008-11 delivery target. * Call for Sites Question No: 322 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Further to my previous question [0080/2009], have Transport for London now completed their assessment of the sites they own? If not, when do you expect them to? If so, how much land can they release for housing and in what timescale? Answer from the Mayor: TfL’s property development strategy aims to maximise the use and value of existing and future assets, including operational land as a constituent part of its published business plan. TfL is presently working with the London Development Agency and the GLA’s Development and Environment Directorate with the aim of producing a comprehensive review of all land owned by the GLA’s functional bodies. This work is ongoing and is subject to commercial sensitivity.

With these factors in mind it is not practicable to outline what land is available and when for pure housing needs. * Empty Homes Question No: 323 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey What steps will be taken in the short term to bring the 82,000 vacant homes in London, of which more than 28,000 have been empty for more than six months, back in to use? Answer from the Mayor: I will make £60 million available in 2008-11 for bringing empty homes back into use, and have made clear that successful bidders must take action to tackle long term empty properties as well as those that have been empty for shorter periods. Bids have been received for these resources and I have made recommendations on them to the Secretary of State and hope to be able to announce the funding allocations shortly. The GLA is also working with boroughs to undertake an audit of empty properties so that resources can be more effectively targeted.

51 Targeted Funding Stream Question No: 324 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey When can boroughs and others who applied to the Targeted Funding Stream for funding to tackle long-term empty homes, and other programmes to address some of the most pressing housing issues in London, expect to hear the outcome of their applications, given that these were expected in November? Answer from the Mayor: I am hopeful that the Minister for Housing and Planning will make an announcement by the end of this month.

The timetable for announcing these allocations was amended to February 2009 following the Autumn 2008 Cabinet reshuffle, and all the bidders were advised accordingly. * Fares calculator Question No: 325 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Your reply to my previous question [0030/2009] stated that “developing a general fares calculator would be complicated”. It is precisely because of the complexity of the current fares structure that Londoners need further help. Will you request that TfL put on their website a basic, interim, online tool to let people check discounts and concessions they may be eligible for whilst a more complete calculator for fares is developed? Answer from the Mayor: TfL are currently prioritising work to redesign their website, to recognise the extension of Oyster PAYG to Rail services in London.

This will remove many current complexities, for example between a One Day Travelcard and a One Day PAYG Cap. In addition, the Oyster system automatically charges the lowest fare available.

This is on target for late 2009. * Fares discounts Question No: 326 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey The TfL guide to fares from January 2009 states that “some National Rail Railcards can get discount Off-Peak daily price capping and Day Travelcards” but further details are only available online. Can you provide details of how many of the following Railcards have been loaded onto Oyster cards, and an estimate of how many holders of each of these National Rail Railcards there are in London: Disabled Persons HM Forces Senior 16-25 (Young Persons) Answer from the Mayor: The Railcard schemes are operated by National Rail and the holders will generally be National Rail oriented travellers.

52 TfL introduced a range of Oyster discounts on the buses and the Tube for Railcard holders in January 2008 as a gesture of goodwill towards the Operators, to promote the extension of PAYG to National Rail.

This scheme is likely to be developed and promoted more extensively once PAYG on National Rail has been launched.

To date some 33 thousand Oyster cards have had Railcard discounts loaded.

TfL does not hold residence details for holders of Railcards or details of the Railcards held by applicants for the Oyster discounts. * London Waste & Recycling Board chairing Question No: 327 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey How much did your non-appearance at the London Waste and Recycling Board on 12 February 2009 cost in terms of legal fees and any other costs? Answer from the Mayor: There was no financial implication from my non-appearance at the Board meeting of 12 February 2009. Rather than approving the papers at the Board meeting, items were discussed and recommended for approval under the Board's Urgency Procedure and formal approval was given yesterday. The Chief Operating Officer has been charged to review the Board's Standing Orders and this has and will require certain legal fees to be incurred. * London Overground upgrade (1) Question No: 328 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Have you included in the design specification for the upgrade of 44 overground stations, whose tender was published by London Overground on February 5, provision for waste recycling facilities? Answer from the Mayor: The design specification for the upgrade of the Overground stations does not include the requirement for re-cycling provision because there are plans to introduce recycling facilities under a separate contract. The provision of recycling facilities on London Overground stations is currently being assessed by LOROL, the operator of the services. Recycling facilities for paper are planned to be installed at all stations where there is sufficient space, and where permitted by security regulations, by May 2009. Beyond this LOROL will also investigate the feasibility of installing recycling facilities for other materials, such as plastics, at Overground stations.

London Overground upgrade (2) Question No: 329 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon Have you included in the design specification for the upgrade of 44 overground stations, whose tender was published by London Overground on February 5, provision for step-free access where possible? Answer from the Mayor: The design specifications for the upgrade of the Overground stations does not include the requirement for major step free access, i.e. lifts. However, any new facilities will be fully DDA compliant.

53

The DfT’s Access for All programme, the Stratford station upgrade and TfL’s East London Line investment will make 13 existing stations on the Overground network step-free by 2015, and create 5 new step-free stations. The net effect will be that the proportion of step-free stations on the Overground network will rise from 29% currently to 62% by 2015.

In addition, the upgrade will address any step free access issues that can be solved without resorting to large scale works such as the provision of lifts. i.e. providing ramps as an alternative to a small number of steps. * LEZ Phase 3 Question No: 331 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Can you provide estimates of the improvement in PM10 emissions that can be expected from the following measures by 2010 and 2012: Introducing 56 hybrid buses to the London fleet by the end of February 2009; 300 new hybrid buses will join the fleet by March 2011, all new buses entering service in London being hybrids from 2012. Delivering eight hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses in 2010. Funding of £1m to trial low carbon technology in London’s taxi fleet. Introduction of a fuel efficient driving campaign aimed at both taxi and private hire drivers. Smoothing traffic flow. Introducing schemes to encourage motorists to leave their car at home and use more sustainable methods of transport (include the introduction a bike hire scheme to London). Establishing an Electric Vehicle Partnership to support greater uptake of electric vehicles. Answer from the Mayor: TfL’s existing programme of measures to reduce vehicle emissions – including the first two phases of the Low Emission Zone, Congestion Charging, the Taxi Emissions Strategy, the natural vehicle replacement cycle, and the London bus retrofit programme – is expected to reduce PM10 emissions by some 425 tonnes in London. This represents a 25% reduction in PM10 emissions by 2010 compared to 2004.

Other schemes in TfL’s business plan are being assessed in more detail. At this stage it is anticipated that these could deliver a further reduction of 50 tonnes of PM10 by 2011 - though a more detailed estimate is being carried out and will be contained the information accompanying the public consultation on LEZ Phase 3.

I recently met with Lord Hunt to discuss Air Quality issues, and agreed that the GLA and Defra will now work jointly on a package of measures to address PM10 emissions in London. The range of measure you outline will be an important part of this package to improve air quality in London. * Hybrid Buses Question No: 332 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Could you clarify how many of London’s buses will be hybrid in 2012 and how many will be diesel? Answer from the Mayor: I expect at least 10 per cent of the London bus fleet to be operated by buses with hybrid

54 engines by 2012. However, from this date all new buses used in London will be hybrid. * Air Quality (2) Question No: 333 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Can you confirm that the ODA are currently fully complying with the London Best Practice Guidance regarding the control of dust and emissions from construction and demolition, and detail what monitoring is being undertaken and whether this monitoring is made available to the public? Answer from the Mayor: The ODA believes in adopting environmental best practice across the construction programme and has made a commitment in its Sustainable Development Strategy to follow the London Best Practice Guidance. As a result, it is implementing a number of measures across the site to control dust and emissions from its activities in accordance with the guidance. These measures include: • Hard surfacing and effective cleaning of haul routes and appropriate speed limits around site; • Effective vehicle cleaning and specific fixed wheel washing on leaving site and damping down of haul routes; • Spray systems around high risk activities such as concrete crushers; • On-road vehicles to comply with agreed emission standards; • Implementing a pilot scheme on the Park to test the performance of non road mobile machinery (NRMM) to meet the London Best Practice Guidance requirements.

In addition to these mitigation measures, the ODA is pro-actively monitoring air quality across the Olympic Park. Results from this monitoring are shared with Environmental Health Officers on a monthly basis and a summary is posted on the London 2012 website. * London Underground newspaper distribution contract Question No: 334 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey What measures to improve recycling rates will you include in the tender for the contract to distribute newspapers on the tube network? Answer from the Mayor: The tender for newspaper distribution on the Tube network will be in line with TfL’s responsible procurement policy which promotes greater environmental sustainability. The tender for the contract is likely to be announced in April this year. London Underground is unable to release specific details of criteria as that would compromise the competitiveness of the tender.

In the meantime, LU is working with the current contractor, Metro, on an exercise to trial newspaper recycling bins at six stations. This trial will assess the effectiveness of the bins in improving recycling rates. LU will review results in April.

Mayor’s fund Question No: 335 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey When can we expect you to launch the Mayor’s fund and further to MD 197 when will it be “fully operational”?

55 Answer from the Mayor: The Mayor's Fund will launch in the next months. When it is launched there will be an explanation of the development of the Fund to date and the intended plan going forward. The Trustees of the Fund (as it is an independent charity) agreed their Action Plan just before Christmas. * DEFRA Consultation Question No: 336 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey What response will you be making to the DEFRA’s “Consultation on the draft UK notification to the European Commission to secure additional time to meet the limit values for particulate matter for certain zones/agglomerations in accordance with the Council Directive 2008/50/EC on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe”, given your responsibilities under section 362 of the GLA Act 1999, and the fact that DEFRA’s “baseline” for the prediction of future air quality included the effects of The London Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone? Answer from the Mayor: I met with Lord Hunt on 22 January 2009 to discuss Air Quality, in particular PM10 exceedences.

We agreed that Defra and GLA officials would work together over the coming months to look at potential measures that could be taken at the local, regional and national level to further reduce PM10 emissions in London.

As part of that process, officers are working with Defra to update the baseline. * Air Quality (3) Question No: 337 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey Given that London breaches national and European limit values for particulates (PM10) and currently seems certain to do so for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from 2010, as well as being over World Health Organisation air quality guidelines; will you consider best practices and other lessons learned from the many existing and planned low emission zones across Europe when you weigh up the merits of one or more additional inner low emission zones in London? Answer from the Mayor: I believe that by 2012 real improvements can be made in terms of cutting pollution through a variety of measures. I recently met with Lord Hunt to discuss Air Quality issues, and agreed that the GLA and Defra will now work jointly on a package of measures, both national and regional, which will address PM10 emissions in London.

In addition, Transport for London is delivering a range of initiatives focused on improving air quality. These include the introduction of further hybrid buses to the London fleet, delivering eight hydrogen buses, funding a trial of low carbon technology in London’s taxi fleet, smoothing traffic flow, and establishing an Electric Vehicle Partnership to support greater uptake of electric vehicles.

These and other measures are informed by best practice and lessons learned from air quality policy across Europe. If a need for further action becomes apparent then I will review the options again.

*

56 Interest rate cuts Question No: 338 / 2009 Mike Tuffrey The Local Government Association recently stated that the recent cuts in interest rates could cost local authorities across the UK in excess of £100m in lost income. Given the impact that this will have on boroughs in London, which are already struggling to balance budgets following a poor three-year grant settlement, will you write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government urging her to consider a one-off grant to help London local authorities to absorb this loss of income? Answer from the Mayor: The recent cuts in interest rates have had an adverse effect on the interest receipts of local authorities, however, they will have taken this into account when planning and considering their budgets for the coming year. Local authorities also borrow money for capital expenditure and there is likely to be a beneficial impact from the lower cost of borrowing on capital financing costs.

Extending the Bakerloo line Question No: 339 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon The recently completed extension of the DLR to Woolwich Arsenal followed a study commissioned by DLR Ltd to look at what extensions to the DLR would be viable. Given this successful outcome, will you commission a review of the Bakerloo Line – the only line in London with capacity – to look at the viability of an extension beyond Elephant and Castle, tunnelling south? Answer from the Mayor: Preliminary work to look at the feasibility of extending the Bakerloo line south from Elephant & Castle has been undertaken. However, much more detailed analysis would need to be carried out before any firm proposals could be developed and this would require significant additional funding to that currently available.

Millwall FC Question No: 340 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon What meetings have you, your advisor on transport or TfL officers had with Millwall FC about the East London Line phase 2 extension? Answer from the Mayor: TfL London Rail have not had any meetings with Millwall FC in relation to ELLX Phase 2b. They have however recently approached Millwall FC to obtain a better understanding of the case for Surrey Canal Road station. * Additional transport capacity in Canada Water Question No: 341 / 2009 Caroline Pidgeon The London borough of Southwark is currently consulting on an area action plan for Canada Water and plans to construct a significant number of new homes in the area, which already suffers from road congestion and lack of capacity on local bus services. Will you direct TfL to begin planning now for investment in both the network and bus capacity to meet this future need, rather than dealing with it on a reactive basis? 57 Answer from the Mayor: TfL aims to work closely with boroughs and developers at an early stage of development proposals to allow an assessment to be made of the transport implications. This in turn allows funding to be agreed and any transport improvements to be delivered in a timely fashion. This does depend on early action by the relevant boroughs or developers, as they initiate development plans and proposals.

The local bus network in Canada Water has been expanded in recent years and its capacity and reliability are kept under regular review. This will continue with the area action plan taken fully into account. * A&E Departments Question No: 343 / 2009 James Cleverly In the Healthcare Commission’s recent patient survey of A&E departments, 7 out of the 10 worst trusts in the country were in London. Does the Mayor believe that poor A&E departments are contributing to health inequalities in the capital, and if so, how will he address this problem in his Health Inequalities Strategy? Answer from the Mayor: I believe the situation in our A&E departments is both a cause and a symptom of health inequalities in London. Poor health services are among the main factors which contribute to unequal health outcomes for those Londoners unable to access the treatment they need. Some of the demands on London’s A&E services reflect the variable access primary care and early interventions which some disadvantaged groups experience.

My forthcoming strategy will include a clear focus on working with partners to improve the quality, accessibility and accountability of health services. In addition, it will recognise the importance of investing in workplace well-being which matters directly to frontline NHS staff, often working in challenging circumstances, and indirectly to the patients whose needs they seek to meet. * Anti-gang restrictions added to the Policing and Crime Bill Question No: 344 / 2009 James Cleverly Does the Mayor agree that dictating to young people the clothes they can and cannot wear in a bid to reduce gang related crime, is one step too far? Answer from the Mayor: The provisions of the Policing and Crime Bill include the power to prevent individuals from wearing gang colours or items such as balaclavas that prevent identification. Those provisions on clothing appear to be intended only to be used against individuals who have been identified, arrested, charged and brought to court and are part of a range of tools the police, courts and support agencies could use to reduce gang violence.

I agree that arbitrarily telling young people what they can and can’t wear would be entirely wrong. Careful assessment would be needed to ensure that innocent associations are not wrongly criminalized.

However, in individual circumstances, where there is solid evidence (to the satisfaction of the courts) that limited restrictions would help to prevent violence and other criminal activity then the protection of other vulnerable young people may need to take precedence. *

58

Anti-social behaviour Question No: 345 / 2009 James Cleverly Recent figures estimate that 35 million acts of anti-social behaviour took place in 2008, that’s 96,000 per day. Do you have any specific plans to address this unacceptable level of anti-social behaviour and bring order back to the streets and communities of London? Answer from the Mayor: Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is undoubtedly one of the concerns that Londoners have about life in the capital.

There were 387,862 incidents of ASB recorded by the Metropolitan Police in 2007/08. The British Crime Survey estimates that, nationally, three-quarters of ASB is not reported to the police. As Safer Neighbourhood Teams in London have been in place in all wards since 2006 and as the majority have worked with local communities in identifying ASB as a key issue to be addressed, the level of unreporting in London is likely to be lower than the national figure quoted.

Much of what is deemed to be "anti-social behaviour" is, in fact criminal activity (such as vandalism of bus-stops or graffiti of personal property). I am determined to make a difference by addressing this sort of criminal activity. Across the 630 Safer Neighbourhood Teams, addressing ASB is already a top priority of the Safer Neighbourhood Panels. In addition, I have increased the number of Safer Transport Teams, created a series of transport policing hubs and continue to support the deployment of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All of these officers work with local residents, business owners and local authorities to put an end to these unacceptable acts of criminal behaviour.

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Question No: 346 / 2009 James Cleverly Will the Mayor congratulate the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, together with its Chairman and Commissioner, on moving to become an excellent authority, as rated by the Audit Commission in its latest performance review? Answer from the Mayor: I was very pleased to see the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority withstand the scrutiny of the Audit Commission. That is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the officers and leadership.

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Question No: 347 / 2009 James Cleverly Does the Mayor agree with the Audit Commission that Brian Coleman is an “effective ambassador” and provides “excellent, influential leadership at a pan-London level”? Answer from the Mayor: I am pleased to see the Chairman met with the Audit Commission’s approval. *

59 Bus Cancellations Question No: 348 / 2009 Brian Coleman Would the Mayor accept that a key reason why all the buses in London were cancelled on Monday 2nd February was that, in line with TfL’s policy, many bus routes now travel down residential roads that were not designed for buses? Will the Mayor look at reversing this policy? Answer from the Mayor: Bus services were unable to operate fully on 2 February due to the extreme weather conditions.

Prior to introducing a bus to a residential road for the first time TfL undertakes a test of the route with a bus, to identify any works that would be necessary for the route to operate safely and reliably. * Congestion Charge Question No: 349 / 2009 Brian Coleman Under your predecessor it was TfL policy to consider special dispensation to offer an exemption from the Congestion Charge for NHS cancer patients but not for those cancer patients using private healthcare. Can you instruct TfL to abolish this double standard? Answer from the Mayor: I am of the view that such a concession should be available to all individuals undertaking such treatment, regardless of the hospital they attend.

However, I am aware there may be a number of issues that need to be considered and I have asked TfL to look into this issue and report back to me. * Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals Question No: 350 / 2009 Brian Coleman Does the Mayor consider the 91 closures of the maternity departments at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals in 2008 as indicative of the vast health inequalities in the capital? Answer from the Mayor: Variable access to high quality health services is one of the many factors that cause different groups of Londoners to experience unequal health outcomes. Retaining and improving health services to be accessible to communities and designed to meet their needs is a key part of tackling health inequalities in London and will be reflected in my forthcoming health inequalities strategy.

I am concerned at news of any of our NHS providers having to close their doors because they do not have the capacity to meet demand – albeit temporarily in this case. That said, I recognise that health services can not compromise on safety and welcome the focus in the Healthcare for London strategy on ensuring all maternity services are adequately staffed to provide safe, clinically sound services. * Food Ambassador Question No: 351 / 2009 Brian Coleman What resources have been deployed to support Rosie Boycott since her appointment as “Food

60 Ambassador”? Answer from the Mayor: Since her appointment as Chair of London Food, Rosie Boycott has received secretariat and policy support from the LDA’s existing business development team.

Food Ambassador Question No: 352 / 2009 Brian Coleman On what issues has Rosie Boycott advised you on since her appointment? Answer from the Mayor: Since her appointment as Chair of London Food, Rosie Boycott has advised me on many food- related issues and has brought real dynamism to London’s sustainable food agenda. She has been particularly energetic in championing the Capital Growth project, which she and I launched together in November 2008 and which is creating 2,012 new growing spaces in London by 2012. She is also passionate about the amount of locally and regionally-produced food in London and on ensuring that the food at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games is as sustainable as possible. * Human Rights in China Question No: 353 / 2009 Brian Coleman In the light of continuing torture and human abuses in the Peoples Republic of China particularly against democracy campaigners, free Tibet activists, Roman Catholics and Falun Gong practitioners will you review future sponsorship arrangements involving organs of the Chinese State. In particular will you ensure unelected Municipal Officials whom I consider have blood on their hands, such as Song Chao, General Director of Shanghai Municipality, are not made welcome again in London? Answer from the Mayor: Events such as the exhibition of Chinese antiquities at the British Museum opened by Deputy Mayor Ian Clement, which I note you attended, and the celebration of Chinese New Year in China Town and Trafalgar Square are events for the communities in London and, as such, I will continue to support them. The contribution of acts from China, arranged with the assistance of our contacts in the Chinese authorities, greatly enhances these events and is widely appreciated by the community.

Whilst I am concerned with the on-going questions of human rights in China I believe that continuing a constructive dialogue with the authorities is far more beneficial than ostracising them. * Outer London Commission Question No: 354 / 2009 Brian Coleman Will you list the Boroughs in which the members of your Outer London Commission live? Answer from the Mayor: I do not think it is appropriate to give private details of this kind. In any event, the members of the Commission were selected primarily because of their background and expertise in the issues under consideration. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that three outer London borough leaders are members.

61 Outer London Commission Question No: 355 / 2009 Brian Coleman Do you consider Waltham Forest a Suburban Outer London Borough? Answer from the Mayor: As a working definition of outer London the Commission has used that employed by Government for grant distribution purposes. This includes Waltham Forest.

The Commission is mindful that parts of inner boroughs have some ‘outer’ characteristics and, conversely, parts of outer boroughs have some ‘inner’ characteristics. It has made this clear in seeking responses from a wide range of stakeholders unconstrained by borough boundaries. * Outer London Commission Question No: 356 / 2009 Brian Coleman What genuine consultation with Outer London Borough Leaders is planned by the Outer London Commission? Answer from the Mayor: All the Commission’s consultation is genuine. The Secretariat is currently consulting with London Councils and sub regional partnerships on the most effective way of engaging with borough leaders. * Outer London Commission Question No: 357 / 2009 Brian Coleman What consultation is planned with County and District Councils that border Greater London by the Outer London Commission? Answer from the Mayor: The Commission secretariat is exploring the most effective way of engaging with authorities bordering London. * Outer London Commission Question No: 358 / 2009 Brian Coleman Will the Outer London Commission examine the issue of County or Borough boundaries? Answer from the Mayor: No. Examination of the issue of county and borough boundaries was not specified in the Terms of Reference for the Commission and the Commission itself has not raised it as having strategic bearing on addressing those Terms of Reference. * Outer London Commission Question No: 359 / 2009 Brian Coleman What public consultation is planned by the Outer London Commission?

62 Answer from the Mayor: The Commission held its first formal meeting in public at City Hall and intends to hold four other similar meetings in the different quadrants of outer London and another, final meeting in public in City Hall. These will be advertised on the Commission’s website and through sub regional partnerships. The Commission’s papers are available to the public through its website http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/olc/ and it can be contacted through [email protected].

To enable stakeholders to make comments effectively it has posted on its website a series of key questions about the London economy to which it invites responses. These do not preclude stakeholders addressing other issues when making representations to the Commission.

Outer London Commission Question No: 361 / 2009 Brian Coleman How will the Outer London Commission consult the Assembly? Answer from the Mayor: The Commission has already had informal contact with the Planning & Housing Committee, which intends to invite the Commission Chair to make a more formal presentation to one of its future meetings.

Outer London Commission Question No: 362 / 2009 Brian Coleman How will the Outer London Commission consult the Functional Bodies? Answer from the Mayor: The LDA and TfL are represented on the Commission and their staff are contributing to its work. The Commission’s secretariat within the GLA London Plan team will ensure the other functional bodies are consulted as appropriate during the Commission’s work. * Primrose Hill Station Question No: 363 / 2009 Brian Coleman Would the Mayor support a feasibility study into the possibility of re-opening Primrose Hill overground station, which could serve as a useful link between Watford and Stratford during the Olympics? Answer from the Mayor: TfL considered this opportunity last year, but decided it would be too difficult to slot the additional passenger services in between the existing frequent freight services. I will ask TfL to keep this opportunity under review should circumstances change in the future. * Evening Standard Question No: 364 / 2009 Brian Coleman Does the Mayor think the quality of journalism provided by the Evening Standard in its City Hall coverage is adequate?

63 Answer from the Mayor: I am sure the new owners will strive to provide the best coverage of City Hall, and outperform their competitors. * Brent Cross Cricklewood Question No: 365 / 2009 Brian Coleman Will the Mayor ask TfL to revisit their outrageous demands in regards to the planning application for Brent Cross Cricklewood that threaten to derail this vital regeneration project for North West London? Answer from the Mayor: I welcome the application for Brent Cross Cricklewood and support the principle of the proposed development and the benefits it will deliver, however there a number of outstanding issues including transport that need to be resolved.

The planning application is one of the largest development proposals in recent years. The site is situated in one of the most congested parts of London’s highway network. In addition, the site is currently poorly served by public transport with inadequate walking and cycling links to the surrounding area.

I have asked for further information on a range of issues to be submitted by the developer. This includes requests for a commitment to improve the public transport network at an early stage in the development and to reconsider the proposed parking provision. * Affordable Housing Question No: 367 / 2009 Steve O’Connell What progress is being made in your negotiations with the boroughs on the development of local affordable housing targets? Answer from the Mayor: As I announced on 9 February, I have reached a provisional agreement with 14 London boroughs to deliver over 16,750 homes. The remaining 19 boroughs have already identified a further 20,500 affordable homes, and I expect to reach agreements with these boroughs in the coming months. * Affordable Housing Question No: 368 / 2009 Steve O’Connell Does the Mayor agree that to return to his predecessor’s failed 50% affordable housing target, as suggested by the Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, would be extremely damaging for London’s fragile housing market, while doing little to provide the affordable homes that London desperately needs? Answer from the Mayor: In the current housing market it is even more important that we agree affordable housing delivery targets appropriate to the circumstances of each borough rather than attempting to enforce the same target across London. *

64 Affordable Housing Question No: 369 / 2009 Steve O’Connell Will the Mayor confirm that he will not be deterred from his plans to increase home ownership in London, despite remarks by the Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee in her response to the draft Housing Strategy? Answer from the Mayor: I remain fully committed to my aim of providing more low cost home ownership homes and through my First Steps programme to give Londoners on middle incomes the opportunity to own their own homes.

I will be responding formally to the Assembly’s comments on my draft London Housing Strategy shortly. * Waste and Recycling Question No: 370 / 2009 Gareth Bacon What plans does the Mayor have to turn waste into an economic resource? Answer from the Mayor: London Waste and Recycling Board has recently approved the 2009/10 Business Plan that sets out the Board’s priorities for increasing and promoting waste reduction, recycling and the beneficial use of non recyclable waste using its £84m fund. The development of the Business Plan was approached from both and economic and carbon perspective therefore taking into account both the greenhouse gas impact of various resource recovery and waste treatment options but also identifying which material have significant economic opportunity for example high value materials with low capture rates.

At the February meeting of the Board it was also agreed that a business development team would be established to broker the most efficient and effective proposals through targeting and encouraging waste producers, technology providers, heat and material customers and land owners etc to express an interest, matching them up with the most appropriate partners and assisting in the development of the project bid.

Food waste is a big challenge and opportunity for London right now and I am keen to look at the feasibility of converting some of the estimated 1 million tonnes of food waste, currently going to landfill, into fuel. My officers are in the process of developing a project scope and identifying potential partners.

On a more individual basis I am keen to see the US programme RecycleBank operating in London. This innovative programme rewards householders in vouchers for what they recycle. RecycleBank forms partnerships with local and national retailers and enables the householder to choose the type of reward it wants to receive. The programme has been running for a few years in the US and not only provides households with a contribution towards their grocery bill but has helped direct some consumers back to the high street and independent stores. * Environment Budget Question No: 372 / 2009 Gareth Bacon Will the Mayor confirm that the budget for environmental programmes across the GLA Group will benefit from an overall increase of £56.7 million in 2009/10 from the previous year?

65 Answer from the Mayor:

Yes, I can confirm the budget for environmental programmes across the GLA Group will increase by £56.7 million between 2008/09 and 2009/10.

Some of the key programmes which will benefit are: • The LDA’s decentralised energy budget will be approximately £7m next financial year. This will help to deliver the additional CHP capacity the city needs • £24m of funding from the LDA over the next three years to support the work of the London Waste and Recycling Board in bringing about the additional waste infrastructure London requires • £10m of funding will be diverted from the Londoner publication to the parks and trees programme over the course of this Mayoral term which will make a significant difference to the local environment in this city • Major new cycling initiatives from TfL on cycle hire, highways and hubs with the TfL cycling budget more than doubling from 2008/09 to 2009/10 so as the cycle hire scheme can go live in May 2010 • An increase in the cleaner buses budget from £8m this year to £9m next financial year • £7m for the TfL Climate Change Fund next financial year • An increase in the Metropolitan Police budget allocated to climate change and carbon reduction from £3m to £5m next financial year. * Environment Budget Question No: 373 / 2009 Gareth Bacon Which environmental programmes in the GLA Group will benefit from the budget increase of £56.7 million in 2009/10? Answer from the Mayor: Please see the answer to 372 / 2009. * London Waste and Recycling Board Question No: 374 / 2009 Gareth Bacon Would the Mayor work with other members of the London Waste and Recycling Board to ensure that the requirement for “partnership” working, as set out in its Business Plan, is suitably worded so as not to preclude support for the valuable waste and recycling work of individual boroughs? Answer from the Mayor: The draft 2009/10 Business Plan, a Priorities Plan for the London Waste and Recycling Board, was presented to the Board on 12 February for their approval and authorised adoption subject to amendments. The requirement for partnership working was discussed at some length and it was agreed that this would be relaxed to allow the consideration of a broader range of bids.

The 2009/10 Business Plan has now been approved with the following amendment;

‘Organisations seeking funding will be strongly encouraged to develop cross-boundary and cross-sectoral delivery partnerships and demonstrate how these partnerships deliver: - Collaboration benefits

66 - Economies and efficiencies of scale - Value for money, and - Shared risk

The development of partnerships is likely to increase the chance of a project receiving funding.’

Furthermore, the Board is setting up a ‘dating agency’ that will broker partnership bids and look to match the most appropriate bidders taking the onus solely off the project bidder.

For the avoidance of doubt – cross-boundary does not necessarily require cross-borough working. * Recycle for London Question No: 375 / 2009 Gareth Bacon Would the Mayor work with other members of the London Waste and Recycling Board to ensure that a thorough assessment is made of the tangible benefits of the Recycle for London campaign before any decision is made on the long-term future of this campaign? Answer from the Mayor: The London Waste and Recycling Board awarded £1.5m to the Recycle for London campaign to deliver an effective pan-London awareness raising campaign aimed at getting low and medium recyclers to recycle more materials more of the time.

The 2007/08 campaign tracker results showed a high level of prompted recognition for the campaign at 57 per cent, a good proportion, 47 per cent, who claimed to take some action as a result of the campaign and saw 34 per cent claim it made them change their personal recycling behaviour.

However words do not always reflect action and therefore for the 2008/09 campaign the Recycle for London team will be evaluating the success of the campaign both through public perception surveys and the analysis of household recycling data. A letter, supported by the London Waste and Recycling Board, has been sent to all London Boroughs and the City requesting tonnage data over time. I fully appreciate that not all increases in recycling can be attributed to the Recycle for London campaign and Recycle for London will therefore verify and agree all increases in borough data with the individual boroughs.

Early indications show that there is considerably more interest in the 2008/09 campaign compared to the 2007/08 campaign with seven boroughs requesting collection vehicle livery (up from one), two authorities outside of London asking permission to use the ‘Evil Bin’ character and Maudsley Hospital keen to get involved. In addition over 13,000 posters have been set to schools, youth clubs, leisure centres, libraries and community centres across London

We are evaluating future possible behavioural campaigns and we are submitting a paper on this to the London Waste and Recycling Board for May. * PCSO misconduct Question No: 376 / 2009 Richard Tracey It has recently come to the public’s attention that PCSOs were responsible for most cases of gross misconduct among Metropolitan Police staff in 2008, despite making up only 20% of the workforce. This was put down to lack of motivation. In light of this, are there any specific plans to improve the situation? 67 Answer from the Mayor: Discipline information relating to PCSOs on Westminster Borough Government Security Zone (GSZ) was contained in an MPS report discussed recently at the MPA’s Strategic and Operational Policing Committee. The report outlined plans for development of the GSZ PSCO role and members commented on these at the time.

Overall, PCSO strength currently stands at 4,483, which is distinct to Police Staff strength, currently 14138. If we also include Police Officer strength, currently 31798, then PCSO’s make up 8.16% of the total workforce.

The reported cases of gross misconduct in 2008 (22) amongst the 4483 PCSO’s cover a range of issues and are not all attributed to lack of motivation. However, what the above report did highlight was that some PCSOs employed in those routine Security roles (of which there were 5 cases of gross misconduct) felt reduced motivation and it was suggested this might be a factor in terms of performance. There are approximately 250 PCSOs employed in that role.

The MPS has therefore undertaken measures to address this problem. In January 2008, this role was reviewed to establish development opportunities. As a result, a dedicated security office was established staffed by an Inspector and Sergeant. A number of measures and tailor development needs for individual PCSOs were introduced. The security patrols now have a menu of options for deployment of PCSOs to provide a more interesting and varied role as well as countering the terrorism threat.

Pan London, the review and continued professional development of the PCSO role to ensure they receive the best available training and are well motivated is the responsibility of Safer Neighbourhoods Policing within Territorial Policing and their work is ongoing to achieve that.

Outer London Commission Question No: 377 / 2009 Richard Tracey Can the Mayor reassure us that the Outer London Commission will not be, as South London Business worries, just a talking shop, but will deliver real help and support to Outer London? Answer from the Mayor: The Commission will certainly not be a talking shop. It has been designed to secure the most authoritative advice to achieve the Mayors objectives through its own membership, through the key stakeholders with which it will engage and through independent research. The timetable for its work has been set so it can inform the development of policy in the revision of the London Plan, the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and the Economic Development Strategy. * Traffic Smoothing Question No: 379 / 2009 Richard Tracey As vans complete four times more mileage in Central London than buses, can consolidating retail deliveries help deliver your commitment in Way to Go! to smooth traffic? Answer from the Mayor: Yes, this approach can offer sustainable long-term positive benefits, although this will depend on where the retail focused consolidation centre is located and the need to take the potential increase in traffic activity in the environs into account.

By consolidating loads the timing of deliveries can be better managed, including increasing the number undertaken outside of normal shop hours. This measure will reduce the number of vehicles on the roads during peak traffic hours which in turn will lead to less fuel consumption 68 and lower emissions. A reduction in kerbside deliveries during peak hours will be also benefit road users.

Nevertheless, the business case to add this extra stage into the retail supply chain must be sound. It must ensure that getting the goods from a locally based consolidation centre will not ostensibly increase costs to the retailers. * Transport Investment Question No: 380 / 2009 Richard Tracey What is the Mayor doing to bring forward investment in transport infrastructure, including critical investment in the tube, to ensure that the capital is well placed to compete internationally once the UK economy recovers? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is undergoing a massive investment programme in transport infrastructure, including Crossrail, upgrades to the Underground lines and the completion of the final phase of the inner London orbital railway. This investment will provide vitally needed capacity to support the long term growth of London’s economy and our international competitiveness.

Revisions to the London Plan and my Transport Strategy are also underway. The latter will consider high level policies and options for further infrastructure development needed to support growth in London. I will continue to seek further investment from Government into London’s transport networks.

My Economic Recovery Action Plan, published in December, sets out over 50 specific actions that the GLA group is undertaking; these include lobbying Government to bring forward TfL’s funding in order to accelerate essential transport infrastructure projects. * Transport Investment Question No: 381 / 2009 Richard Tracey Can the Mayor detail any response he has received from the Prime Minister regarding his formal request for accelerated and additional transport funding? Answer from the Mayor: I am in ongoing discussions with Government to ensure that we continue to invest in London's transport infrastructure. It is vital to maintain this investment and I will let you know as soon as we have reached a formal agreement on funding. * Rail Capacity Question No: 382 / 2009 Richard Tracey What increases in rail capacity will London require post-2014 beyond Crossrail, Thameslink, the East London line and the planned upgrades of major termini? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is currently looking at what changes in rail capacity will be required from 2014 to 2026. The first stage of this is to estimate demand, before moving on to see where on the network there are consequential crowding problems and then find potential value for money solutions. It will cover not just train capacity but also station capacity issues. This work is at a very early stage, so there are no results as yet.

69

TfL also intend to work with the Boroughs and regional partnerships to determine the requirements for Control Period 5 [2014-2019]. * Jubilee Line Question No: 383 / 2009 Richard Tracey Is the re-signalling, testing and commissioning of the Jubilee Line on time? Answer from the Mayor: The Jubilee line upgrade is a key part of LU’s programme to transform the Tube. Tube Lines (TLL) have the responsibility, under the PPP, for delivering this work and they are obliged to deliver the improvements by December 2009.

TLL remain confident that they will be able to deliver all of the required work by the end of this year. Under the PPP, we must rely on TLL’s management of this project, although LU are aware of significant challenges still to be overcome and LU continue to demand reassurance of timely delivery.

London Underground is continuing to do everything it can to ensure that Tube Lines have every opportunity to deliver this project on time. This includes an unprecedented level of access to the line outside of engineering hours – with closures on part or parts of the line every weekend this year. * Northern Line Question No: 384 / 2009 Richard Tracey Is there any threat that the Northern Line re-signalling will not be completed before the Olympics? Answer from the Mayor: Under Tube Lines’ current programme the Northern line re-signalling will be completed at the beginning of 2012. I am not aware of any change to this programme.

Metronet Savings Question No: 385 / 2009 Richard Tracey Does the extra flexibility gained by London Underground directly managing Metronet work facilitate less expensive approaches to increasing capacity to be considered, such as re- signalling rather than buying new trains on some of the later line upgrades? Answer from the Mayor: The management of Metronet will provide opportunities for LU to make cost savings but only in the long-term as in the short to medium-term LU has had to absorb the costs associated with the collapse of Metronet.

The sub-surface signalling upgrade is one example of where LU has already identified cost savings. Since taking Metronet over it has started the process of re-tendering for a more cost- effective contract.

This does not affect the need to replace old rolling stock on the lines where this is necessary. *

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Sub Surface Lines Signalling Upgrade Question No: 386 / 2009 Richard Tracey What is the current timescale for re-tendering the Sub Surface Lines re-signalling contract and can the Mayor outline what steps he is taking to ensure that this upgrade work is completed in time for the London Olympics in 2012? Answer from the Mayor: LU is expecting to issue an invitation to tender for the new contract in July 2009 and a contractor is expected to be appointed by December 2010.

As you know London Underground (LU) decided to re-tender the contract for upgrading signalling on the Sub-Surface (District, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City) lines. This was because the original contract signed by Metronet did not provide the best technical solution or the best value for money.

Despite the process of re-tendering, the signalling upgrade will still be complete by the original target date of 2018. Upgraded signalling on these lines has never been part of LU’s plans for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, although new trains with air conditioning and improved accessibility features will be in place on the Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines by 2012, with the first trains to be introduced on the Metropolitan line from next year. * Kennington Underground Station Question No: 387 / 2009 Richard Tracey What platform enhancement and widening will happen at Kennington Underground Station with Northern Line operational changes? Answer from the Mayor: LU does not anticipate that any options being considered would require changes to be made to the platforms at Kennington station.

Kennington station does not currently experience significant levels of crowding and, for example under the proposal to increase service on the branch through the City, an empty train would arrive at the station almost every two minutes to serve the Charing Cross branch. Trains serving the City branch, though not empty, would be even more frequent – with less than two minutes between each train in the peak direction.

In capacity terms this equates to almost 20 per cent more capacity on the Charing Cross branch in the peaks and 33 per cent on the Bank branch – over and above that delivered by the upgrade. * Mainline Oyster Cards Question No: 388 / 2009 Richard Tracey Can the Mayor provide specific dates by which time each of the Train Operating Companies in London should have introduced PAYG Oyster Cards? Answer from the Mayor: Not as yet.

The likely launch date remains towards the end of 2009.

71 Potholes Question No: 389 / 2009 Richard Tracey Can the Mayor provide an estimate of the total cost of repairing all the potholes in London? Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to estimate the costs of repairing all the potholes across London as each borough will have their own arrangements, depending on the nature of the road.

In the case of the Transport for London Road Network, localised defects such as potholes, damaged paving slabs, street lighting outtages and other hazardous defects are dealt with under a lump sum arrangements so it is not possible to separate out the costs attributable to repairs.

In addition, when sections of the highway have reached an optimal time for renewal, any potholes will be automatically repaired as part of the general improvement to the whole road and/or footway. * Traffic Light Rephasing Question No: 390 / 2009 Richard Tracey Can the Mayor provide an update on the rephasing of traffic lights throughout London? How many traffic lights have been rephased thus far and how many does TfL anticipate rephasing in total? Answer from the Mayor: 713 traffic signal timing reviews were completed between 1 May 2008 and 16 February 2009. TfL will be reviewing all 6000 traffic signals in London over the next six years, at 1000 sites per year. * London Resilience Local Authority Panel Question No: 391 / 2009 Richard Tracey When does the Mayor expect to receive the results of the review on the London Resilience Local Authority Panel and how it stood up to the challenge of the snow on 2nd February? Answer from the Mayor: The London Regional Resilience Forum has commissioned a de- brief to identify any lessons learnt and recommendations for the future, following the extreme weather event on 2nd February 2009.

The report will be discussed at the next meeting of the London Regional Resilience Forum on 20 May 2009. * Dangerous Dogs Question No: 393 / 2009 Richard Tracey In light of the tragic death of three month old Jaden Mack attacked by two pet dogs, the savage mauling of nine-year old Niamh Webster-Guy, which resulted in 100 stitches to the face and the attack of 6 members of the public by an Alsatian in Bristol, will the Mayor update Assembly Members on his plans to tackle the rise in status and dangerous dogs?

72 Answer from the Mayor: I recognise the very real problem posed by dangerous dogs. The MPA has approved the establishment of an MPS specialist status dog unit, consisting of a sergeant, five constables and a member of police staff. This unit will commence operation on 2 March 2009. The unit will provide a single point of contact internally and for partners, an enforcement role through intelligence led deployments/tasking, and a source of expertise to support the criminal justice processes. The RSPCA is actively supporting the unit.

The London Dangerous Dog Forum (LDDF), chaired by the MPS, brings together animal welfare, local authority and other partners to address London-wide concerns. The LDDF will promulgate good practice, and develop problem-solving approaches. The GLA is working with the LDDF to bring together data from a range of agencies to develop targeted work in the areas of London with the greatest problems.

Road Works Question No: 396 / 2009 Victoria Borwick Further to your answer to question 9/2009, can you provide statistics for the number of road works on the Strategic Road Network caused by utility companies in 2007? How much of the total disruption caused on the network in that period was due to road works? Answer from the Mayor: London’s strategic road network comprises the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) and the Strategic Road Network (SRN). The TLRN, London’s “Red Routes”, is managed directly by TfL. While TfL has strategic interest in the SRN, these roads are managed by the local highway authorities.

The total number of recorded roadwork’s on the TLRN in 2007 undertaken by utilities is 22,493. Statistics for the SRN are not available, but as a comparison, the TLRN measures approximately 580 km and the SRN approximately 520 km.

In 2007/08, the total number of hours of disruption recorded by TfL’s London Traffic Control Centre (LTCC) was 665,000 hours. Of these, the majority was recorded as minimal and moderate disruption (86,200 hours and 576,000 hours respectively), with 2,000 hours categorized as serious or severe.

The disruption due to utility companies in the same year was 286,000 hours in total, of which 23,200 hours were of minimal severity, 263,000 hours moderate and 240 hours serious or severe. Therefore 43% of total disruption recorded by LTCC is caused by utility companies.

Before Christmas, I met with the Chief Executives of the major utility companies, asking them to implement a series of measures to reduce the impact of utility works in the capital. This included the rolling out of a permit scheme and agreeing to implement measures to minimise the disruption caused by road works in the capital.

Illegal Minicabs Question No: 398 / 2009 Victoria Borwick Is it true that the there are mini cab drivers on London roads who have not had CRB checks because the information cannot be obtained by the Public Carriage Office from overseas?

73 Answer from the Mayor: All applicants for a London private hire driver licence have to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check as part of the application process.

In addition, applicants who indicate that they have been in a country other than the UK for three months or more within the last three years are required to complete a 'Living and Working Abroad Details' form as part of the application. They would also be required to produce a 'Certificate of Good Conduct' from the respective country that can be obtained through the respective Embassy together with a translation of that document.

Applicants who have difficulty in obtaining a 'Certificate of Good Conduct' are required to explain why this is the case and to provide references from individuals and/or bodies (not family members) who can confirm their conduct for their time in that country. * Minicab Satellite Offices Question No: 399 / 2009 Victoria Borwick Has the removal of the need for planning permission for minicab satellite offices resulted in an increase in minicabs? Answer from the Mayor: There is no evidence to suggest that this is the case.

The requirement for private hire operators to demonstrate to TfL that they complied with any planning requirements for their premises was removed in March 2007. The grant or refusal of planning permission is a matter for the local planning authority rather than the private hire licensing authority.

In March 2007, there were 45,000 licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs). In January 2009, there were 49,000 licensed private hire vehicles. This is consistent with the steady growth in the number licensed PHVs since licensing of them started in 2004. * Olympic Homes Question No: 400 / 2009 Andrew Boff Notwithstanding the fact that the projected 10,000 Olympic homes will be divided into six different villages, would it be possible to make all the data for these homes accessible in one place? Answer from the Mayor: The LDA has recently published for consultation the legacy plans entitled ‘People and Places - A Framework for Consultation’ on its legacy website (please see www.legacy-now.co.uk). The detail of the preferred Legacy Framework is described and explained in a suite of documents. The summary report provides a table containing top line figures about the homes, social infrastructure and other land uses across the whole site. In addition each of the proposed six neighbourhoods has its own area brief, which covers the detail of what is expected to be included in each neighbourhood.

The website will be kept updated to provide this data in a single source. *

74 City Airport Question No: 401 / 2009 Andrew Boff What action does the Mayor believe should be taken to ensure that London City Airport reduces its particulate emissions to comply with limits which will come into force in 2010? Answer from the Mayor: London City Airport should improve the extent and availability of air quality data, and develop an action plan, the impact and performance of which should be reviewed annually with the London Borough of Newham. Newham are currently in discussions with City Airport on this issue. * Legacy Now Question No: 402 / 2009 Andrew Boff By a margin of more than four to one, Newham respondents to the Legacy Now consultation exercise wanted family homes rather than apartments to be part of the Olympic Legacy. How will the legacy plan take that local need into account? Answer from the Mayor: A key finding of the LDA’s consultation to date with local communities has been the desire for family housing. Family housing is a vital component of the Legacy Masterplan Framework (LMF) housing offer, encouraging stability and longevity of neighbourhoods. The LMF proposals are for between 10,000 – 12,000 homes of which 42% (around 4,236 homes – 5,040) will be family accommodation (3 bedrooms or larger). * Olympic Housing Question No: 403 / 2009 Andrew Boff Of the new socially rented properties proposed for the Olympic Park, how many will be family homes with Gardens? Answer from the Mayor: The planning assumptions on which the draft Legacy Masterplan Framework (LMF) is based are that of the 10,000 to 12,000 new homes which will be developed on the Olympic Park (excluding the conversion of the Athlete’s Village), 65% will be for market sale and 35% affordable homes, and the latter will be split equally between low cost home ownership and social rent. This would give a total for social rent homes of between 1750 and 2100 units. It is also assumed that at least 42% of the total new housing development will be family homes, defined as three bedrooms or more. However, there is no presumption that the new family sized units will be split in the same proportions in tenure terms as the overall development. We expect this to be refined further through the current public consultation exercise and the more detailed planning of each of the six character areas which will follow publication of the LMF this summer.

The ambition is to ensure that all family homes have access to private external space, be that a courtyard, roof top garden or standard type garden as well as large balconies, terraces and so on. *

75 Regional Housing Grant Question No: 404 / 2009 Andrew Boff What cash figure of the £5billion regional housing pot will be allocated to 1 and 2 bedroom properties? Answer from the Mayor: Information about allocations made under the 2008-11 funding programmes will not be available until the end of this financial period, that is April 2011, when all the funding has been distributed.

There are no predetermined targets for allocations from the Regional Housing Pot for 1 and 2 bedroomed homes. The only bedroom size targets relate to three bedroom and larger homes. * Newham Housing Needs Question No: 405 / 2009 Andrew Boff How can LDA know the local need for the Barrier Park development if they don’t have a breakdown of Newham’s waiting list? Answer from the Mayor: A local authority’s housing waiting list provides a snapshot of demand for social housing at a specific point in time. It would not therefore be appropriate to base the planning of developments that will be delivered in 3-4 years' time on the basis of this list. The relevant guidance on appropriate unit sizes and tenures comes from the Mayor’s and Newham’s planning policies which in turn are based upon a Londonwide Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Newham’s local housing needs survey. These go beyond looking at the existing situation and factor in the needs and requirements of all sections of the community, taking appropriate account of demographic trends.

The proposals for this particular site and the mix of unit sizes have been drawn up with reference to Newham’s UDP and the GLA’s Housing Supplementary Planning Document (2005), in consultation with the GLA and LB Newham. The provision of family-sized units meets the requirements of the Mayor’s Housing Strategy.

The GLA’s publication ‘Planning for a Better London’ acknowledges that three quarters of projected household growth will be one-person households with the remainder split between lone parents and other multi-adult, non-family households. It is therefore evident that there is a large range of other households emerging which do not require family-sized dwellings. * Chadwell Heath underpass Question No: 406 / 2009 Andrew Boff Will the Mayor look into the possibility of providing a pedestrian crossing to replace the underpasses at Somerville Road and East Road in Chadwell Heath? Answer from the Mayor: Given the nature of the road, the speed of traffic using the A12 is relatively high and introducing a surface-level crossing could put pedestrians at undue risk.

However at Whalebone Lane (approximately 350m east of the East Road subway), there is already a well established signalised junction. Subject to traffic modelling and finance, it could be possible to implement a crossing at this location. TfL is exploring this option.

76 Chadwell Heath CCTV Question No: 407 / 2009 Andrew Boff Will the Mayor congratulate the SNT’s of Chadwell Heath and Chadwell wards for the reduction in crime that has resulted from their work on the A12 underpass at East Road. Will he also take up the request of Cllr Terry Justice, which has the support of the local community, to provide permanent CCTV in and around the underpass to replace the temporary facilities installed as a part of the recent police operation? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is aware of concerns from residents about this subway. TfL has provided fluorescent tube light outputs to improve the lighting within the subway. TfL has also increased the frequency of cleaning within the subway to ensure any graffiti is removed quickly. TfL is unable to fix any cameras within the subway as the ceiling is low; and any cameras provided could be subject to vandalism. CCTV cameras provided outside the subway could not ‘see’ the entirety of the subway and so would be ineffectual.

There is currently temporary CCTV for a three month period at the south side of the subway which was installed by the police to evaluate local circumstances. While this camera can only view the exit/entrance to the subway, this has still proved to be popular with residents. The police will subsequently make their own decision as to what further action might be required after the end of this period. * Mainline Oyster Cards Question No: 409 / 2009 Andrew Boff How soon can users of Chadwell Heath Station and Romford Station expect to be able to use Oyster Cards to get to work? Answer from the Mayor: Towards the end of 2009, which is when I expect Oyster to go live across the National Rail network.

Surrey Docks Question No: 410 / 2009 Andrew Boff What is the Mayor’s view of Barratt’s wilful destruction of the environment of the Downtown site in Rotherhithe, including the removal of 20 mature trees, despite there being no start date for development and no finally agreed plan. Answer from the Mayor: Whilst I mourn the unnecessary loss of any trees in London, the trees within the site have no Tree Preservation Orders attached and the site is not located within a Conservation Area, so the landowner is free to manage the trees as they wish. However, I understand that when the development starts, a substantial amount of new native tree planting will be provided to replace those lost. * London City Airport Question No: 411 / 2009 Andrew Boff In light of the incident at London City Airport on 13th February, how have plans by LFEPA been amended to cope with the increased likelihood of such events when the numbers of flights 77 increase? Answer from the Mayor: National guidance sets the framework for the response by fire and rescue services to aircraft incidents on the basis of aircraft size rather than the number of flights. The London Fire Brigade’s response plans are kept under review, but an increased number of flights would not in itself provide a basis to amend operational plans. * London City Airport Question No: 412 / 2009 Andrew Boff In light of the incident at London City Airport on 13th February, what plans are in place by the GLA group to cope with the increased likelihood of such events when the numbers of flights increase? Answer from the Mayor: As stated in response to MQ 411, LFEPA emergency planning for London City Airport is based on aircraft size rather than the nature or scale of the specific incidents.

The London Fire Brigade’s response plans are kept under review, but an increased number of flights would not in itself provide a basis to amend operational plans. * Richmond Council FOI Question No: 414 / 2009 Andrew Boff Is the Mayor’s commitment to the freedom of information greater than that of Richmond Council, who have refused to satisfy a FOI request on the basis that the response may be used to ridicule them, and Hackney Council who have attempted to ban opinions from its libraries that have not been approved by the Council? Answer from the Mayor: I strongly believe in open and accountable government and I am committed to meeting the GLA’s FOI obligations. I am not in a position to comment on the approach of other authorities to this legislation. * Illegal Minicabs Question No: 416 / 2009 Roger Evans Will you ensure that more is done by the police and the Public Carriage Office to crack down on illegal minicabs operating at Gants Hill? Answer from the Mayor: TfL works very closely with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and City of London Police to tackle taxi touting and illegal cabs across London.

The Metropolitan Police Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU), funded by TfL, has a dedicated pan-London Cab Enforcement Unit (CEU) responsible for enforcing the law relating to taxis and private hire vehicles in London. The police use a broad menu of tactical options to tackle illegal cab issues including covert and high visibility activities deployed to priority areas and issues across London.

78 The TOCU regularly deploy to the Gants Hill area, working in partnership with local policing teams to carry out routine patrols and enquiries in response to intelligence received. In addition to these patrols, the CEU has undertaken three plain clothes operations working alongside the Gants Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team focussing on the Faces Nightclub. These activities have led to a number of arrests.

TfL has also introduced tougher penalties for any licensed driver convicted of taxi touting to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. From 1 August 2008, licensed drivers convicted of taxi touting will lose their licence for a minimum of one year. Over 50 PHV licenses have already been revoked since August 2008.

Illegal Minicabs Question No: 417 / 2009 Roger Evans Will you ensure that more is done by the police and the Public Carriage Office to crack down on illegal minicabs operating at Wanstead High Street? Answer from the Mayor: TfL works very closely with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and City of London Police to tackle taxi touting and illegal cabs across London.

The Metropolitan Police Transport Operational Command Unit, funded by TfL, has a dedicated pan-London Cab Enforcement Unit (CEU) responsible for enforcing the law relating to taxis and private hire vehicles in London. The police use a broad menu of tactical options to tackle illegal cab issues including covert and high visibility activities deploying to priority areas and issues across London.

The CEU has worked with Redbridge Borough and local policing teams in dealing with illegal cab activity. A planned operation working with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team targeting Wanstead High Street was planned in 2008 but ultimately relocated to target Gants Hill due to more specific intelligence received. Touting issues at this location are kept under review and will be considered as part of their future tasking decisions.

TfL has also introduced tougher penalties for any licensed driver convicted of taxi touting to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. From 1 August 2008, licensed drivers convicted of taxi touting will lose their licence for a minimum of one year. Over 50 PHV licenses have already been revoked since August 2008.

I will ask TfL to discuss this with you further.

Illegal Minicabs Question No: 418 / 2009 Roger Evans Will you ensure that more is done by the police and the Public Carriage Office to crack down on illegal minicabs operating in the vicinity of Mojo’s in South Woodford? Answer from the Mayor: TfL works very closely with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and City of London Police to tackle taxi touting and illegal cabs across London.

The Metropolitan Police Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU), funded by TfL, has a dedicated pan-London Cab Enforcement Unit (CEU) responsible for enforcing the law relating to taxis and private hire vehicles in London. The police use a broad menu of tactical options to

79 tackle illegal cab issues including covert and high visibility activities deploying to priority areas and issues across London.

The TOCU regularly deploy to South Woodford Area carrying out routine patrols and enquiries in response to intelligence received. In addition to these patrols, the CEU has undertaken a number of joint plain clothes operations with local policing teams including the Churchfield’s Safer Neighbourhood Team - two of these operations have focussed on Mojo’s and led to a number of arrests.

TfL has also introduced tougher penalties for any licensed driver convicted of taxi touting to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. From 1 August 2008, licensed drivers convicted of taxi touting will lose their licence for a minimum of one year. Over 50 PHV licenses have already been revoked since August 2008.

Snaresbrook Station Question No: 419 / 2009 Roger Evans Will the Mayor pass on to London Underground the congratulations of my constituents for the great improvement in the standard of cleanliness of Snaresbrook Station? Answer from the Mayor: I am happy to do that, and I am pleased that we were able to take the action that your constituents wanted. * Bus Timetables Question No: 420 / 2009 Roger Evans Will the Mayor instruct TfL to ensure that when they are notified about missing bus timetables, such as those at the bus stops by William Torbit School and the Silverdale Parade on the Eastern Avenue within my constituency, they replace them without delay? Answer from the Mayor: Yes. * London’s Living Wage - Question No: 421 / 2009 Joanne McCartney When will the Mayor be declaring the 2009 figure for the London Living Wage? Answer from the Mayor: The Annual Living Wage Report, which contains the updated living wage figure, is due for publication in April 2009. * PQT in Hillingdon Question No: 424 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Given that there is strong cross-party opposition to the Heathrow expansion, which includes Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green Assembly Members and local Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, why was it that all three panel members speaking against the expansion of Heathrow at the PQT in Hillingdon were members of the Conservative Party? In the interests of transparency will you tell me the names of all the people you invited formally to attend and to speak at the 80 event, and how each would have contributed to producing a balanced debate? Answer from the Mayor: The following were approached to participate:

Jim Fitzpatrick MP - Aviation Minister Baroness Jo Valentine and John Dickie- London First Prime Minister, Gordon Brown Lord Clive Soley, Campaign Director, Future Heathrow and former Labour PM Cllr Ray Puddifoot , Leader, Hillingdon Council Frank Wingate, Chief Executive, West London Business Zac Goldsmith, Director, The Ecologist Richard Barnes, Assembly Member, Ealing & Hillingdon

We asked Ray Puddifoot to suggest any Hillingdon Councillor in support of expansion to speak but none did. * Value of a life Question No: 425 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Can you account for your Low Emissions Zone decision? Answer from the Mayor: I announced my intention to suspend the third phase of the Low Emission Zone because of the very significant impact it would have on London’s small businesses at a time when many of them are going under or struggling to survive. I am totally committed to improving air quality, and I believe the same or greater improvements can be achieved through a package of other measures. We are considering the full range of possible measures to tackle air quality problems through our joint work with Defra. The first two phases of the Low Emission Zone have been successful in tackling the worst polluters, and will continue to play an important role. It is not the right time to press ahead with extending it to include smaller vehicles like vans and minibuses.

Phases one and two of the Low Emission Zone will continue to reduce emissions from the most individually polluting vehicles in London. The scheme standards will rise again for these vehicles in January 2012 when vehicles affected by phases one and two will have to meet the Euro IV standard for particulate matter to continue to drive within Greater London without charge. * Private Vehicles on 2nd February Question No: 426 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How many private vehicles went into central London on 2nd February? Answer from the Mayor: From the time of the decision to suspend the Congestion Charge on Monday 2 February, there was no operational reason to retain the vehicle data. To avoid spending money processing data that would not be used for charging, TfL switched off the Congestion Charging cameras and deleted the vehicle data that had been received. This also ensured compliance with the Data Protection Act. The Congestion Charging systems cannot therefore be used to measure the private vehicles entering the zone on that day.

Based on the data from the permanent monitoring cameras on the boundary of the zone, which are located only on the main roads, total traffic entering the zone was down by 53%. It is not possible to categorise this traffic by type.

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Given the snowy conditions, it is reasonable to suspect that the traffic that did enter the charging zone preferentially used the more major roads. The 53% reduction therefore almost certainly understates the true degree of reduction in total traffic on that day.

393 Bus Route Question No: 427 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Are there any plans to consult local residents over possible changes to the 393 bus route? Answer from the Mayor: Route 393 was extended from Holloway to Chalk Farm in July 2007, following a public consultation during 2006. The extension is well used and has met TfL’s passenger usage forecasts. However, there were local concerns with buses running along some of the newly- served roads.

Therefore TfL will be re-consulting those originally consulted, in order to better understand the views of users, residents, the Councils, London TravelWatch and other stakeholders. This will commence in March. Consultees will be made aware of the suggested alternative so that they can consider this option in their responses.

Taxi bill from PQT Question No: 428 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Given that the PQT event in Hillingdon was over by 8.30pm, why was the GLA taxi bill a full £1,000 that evening? Who wasn’t able to get home by public transport, and why? Answer from the Mayor: Long after the audience left, staff stayed to organise media interviews, clear up the hall and deal with enquiries. 17 taxis were booked through the GLA account to take GLA staff and panel speakers home.

Most cabs had two or three staff in them sharing the ride - this included the Mayor who shared a taxi with three advisors.

Staff safety is paramount, not least following an incident in March 2002 where an employee was hurt in a mugging on their way home from PQT. The venue is at least a 15 minute bus ride away from the nearest Tube or mainline Overground station. * Maintenance of Pavements Question No: 429 / 2009 Murad Qureshi I have noticed recently the poor state of repair on the Edgware Road and the Marylebone Road and would like to know when they will be properly repaired. How much will TfL spend on road and pavement maintenance on its network in the current financial year? How much will TfL spend on road and pavement maintenance on its network in the next financial year? Answer from the Mayor: TfL undertakes a combination of frequent safety inspections and regular condition surveys to ensure that its carriageways and footways are in good repair, and that treatment or renewal takes place at the optimum juncture taking into account costs and traffic disruption.

82 Routine and reactive repairs of defects are funded by TfL’s revenue budget. The revenue expenditure for Transport for London Network (TLRN) carriageways and footways is £6.4m in 08/09 and £6.2m in 09/10.

Capital expenditure on the TLRN in 2008/09 is expected to be £22.9m on carriageways and £6.2m on footways. For 2009/10, the budget figures are £16.1m and £5.7m respectively. The condition of the network has been improving over recent years, thus the reduction in expenditure in 2009/10 which will still enable maintaining the TLRN carriageways and footways in a state of good repair. * PQTs Question No: 430 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Of the 13 ad hoc informal People’s Question Times your administration has scheduled between 2009 and 2012, nine are in Conservative-held Assembly seats. Four are in Labour-held Assembly seats, but each of these is in the outer part of the constituency, where the Conservative vote is concentrated. It appears to me that taxpayers’ money is being spent on events whose central purpose is to consolidate the Tory vote and boost your electoral prospects for 2012. Can you explain what criteria you have used to decide where the question times will be held? Answer from the Mayor: The selection criteria for all the People’s Question Time events (statutory and non-statutory) were planned as one project.

The selection criteria for venues for the events was to try and visit as many boroughs and Assembly Member constituencies as possible within the term of this Mayoralty.

Because we (GLA) are now re-visiting constituencies, wherever possible (subject to identifying a venue of suitable audience size and availability) our aim was to hold the event in a different borough to any previous PQT. * Fares in Manchester Question No: 431 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Why is it that Manchester commuters have been given a fares freeze for 2009 on their trams, for example, while we in London have been burdened with an average 6 per cent rise on our fares in 2009? Answer from the Mayor: It is true that season tickets for tram use were frozen in January 2009. However, other tram fares and all bus and rail fares increased significantly (by up to 16%) in Manchester last January. Our increase is in line with the TfL business plan, as agreed with Government to increase by RPI 1 percent. * Circle Line closed Question No: 432 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Why was the circle line closed on the 2nd of February 2009, when almost all the line is underground?

83 Answer from the Mayor: Because of the difficulty getting drivers in to work on 2 February, London Underground (LU) put in place a simplified service pattern to more efficiently manage its use of drivers. For example, Metropolitan line trains reversed at Baker Street so they didn’t become trapped in the City; Hammersmith & City trains handled traffic across the top of the Circle; and District line trains handled the load out to Barking and beyond. This strategy allowed LU to maintain service across approximately 80 percent of the network.

As users of the Circle line know, its service is often curtailed in times of emergency because it shares track with other lines and its passengers can be served by those other lines, albeit with additional transfers.

If this had not been done, service on the Hammersmith branch, District line and Metropolitan line would have suffered to the detriment of a far greater number of passengers. * Jubliee Line Service Question No: 433 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Given that the Jubilee line is the newest on the Tube I am shocked at the appalling service it has been providing in recent weeks. How can these repeated closures possibly be justified and what are you doing to ensure Tubelines achieves its service agreement with regards to the level of disruption? Answer from the Mayor: The Jubilee line is one of the first major line upgrades and the planned weekend closures on the line are to allow Tube Lines to undertake the critical work required.

When it is completed the upgrade will increase capacity by a third, reduce customer journey time by over 20 per cent and enhance reliability.

The upgrade involves completely re-signalling the line and fitting trains and stations with state of the art equipment that will allow trains to be driven automatically. As a result trains will be faster and more frequent, with passengers waiting less time on platforms.

Line upgrades are complex engineering projects and installing new signalling across a whole line requires extensive work at track level and therefore significant access to the line outside of normal engineering hours. Closing parts of the line on some weekends is essential to facilitate the work. As work has intensified on the upgrade, London Underground has agreed closures to enable Tube Lines to carry out this work and complete it on time.

London Underground regrets any inconvenience caused to our customers as a result of these improvement works, but emphasises that this work is essential and without it, late running, delay and crowding will get worse. * Earls Court Gyratory Question No: 434 / 2009 Murad Qureshi The one-way system at the Earls Court Gyratory is effectively splitting the local community, preventing residents from moving freely around their local area. Will you instruct TfL to look at this gyratory with a view to replacing the one way system with two-way traffic, as has been agreed for the Tottenham gyratory? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has previously considered the impacts of restoring the Earls Court Gyratory to two way 84 working. There are a number of kerb-side parking and loading bays in this area which would need to be removed to allow for two way operation as much of the Gyratory is too narrow. Providing only one lane in each direction would not provide sufficient traffic capacity and would create congestion. Removing the loading and parking bays would clearly also have a negative impact on local businesses and severely limit parking opportunities for local residents. TfL has no plans therefore to remove the Earls Court gyratory. * Farms in Hillingdon Question No: 435 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How many farms are there in the London Borough of Hillingdon? How many are given over to arable farming, how many have livestock, and how many of each will be lost due to the planned expansion of Heathrow? Answer from the Mayor: Information about farm numbers and types are not collected by borough, but according to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 2007 Agricultural and Horticultural Survey there were 148 agricultural or horticultural holdings in the western and north-western part of Outer London. Of these, 20 were used for grazing livestock, 13 for horticulture, 5 were mixed and 94 described as “other”. The numbers in other categories were so small that the data was not included in the survey results to prevent disclosure of information about individual holdings. It is not known how many holdings might be affected by the proposed third runway at Heathrow. * London Schools’ Environment Awards Question No: 436 / 2009 Murad Qureshi To recap on my previous questions (2629/2008 and 2841/2008), which you declined to answer properly, regarding the demise of the London Schools’ Environment Awards. Your previous answer volunteered information on various projects which are available to schools in the UK but failed specifically to mention the involvement of any London schools in any of those schemes. Will you please now tell me how many London schools are actively involved in each of the schemes you listed in your previous answer? Answer from the Mayor: As of Wednesday 18 February registrations of London schools in the previously mentioned environmental schemes were as follows:

Eco Schools 464 of London’s primary and secondary schools have registered an interest in this programme.

Generation Green 422 London schools (330 primary, 95 secondary, 17 special needs) registered an interest in taking part in this annual award.

Green School Awards To date 3 London primary schools have registered for this award in 2009.

Water Wise Schools Programme No details available as schools do not have to register.

The Pod 324 London schools (246 primary, 78 secondary) registered an interest in this programme. 85

Appetite for Action This scheme was launched in January 2009 and to date 70 primary schools in London have registered for this programme. * Green Man Phasing on the Edgware Road Question No: 437 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How long is the green man crossing phase on each of the crossings on the Edgware Road? How do they compare with DfT guidance on crossing times? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has supplied a list of the pedestrian crossing times for each traffic signal site on Edgware Road (Marble Arch to Clifton Gardens) and this attached as Appendix C. Pedestrian crossing timings are dependant upon the width of the crossing. All sites on the attached list are compliant with SQA0064; the traffic signal design standard for London, which is aligned with Department for Transport guidance and has been in place since 1995. * Green Man Phasing on the Marylebone Road Question No: 438 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How long is the green man crossing phase on each of the crossings on the Marylebone Road? How do they compare with DfT guidance on crossing times? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has supplied a list of the pedestrian crossing times for each traffic signal site on Marylebone Road (Old Marylebone Road to Great Portland Street), and this is attached as Appendix D. Pedestrian crossing timings are dependant upon the width of the crossing. All sites on the attached list are compliant with SQA0064; the traffic signal design standard for London, which is aligned with Department for Transport guidance and has been in place since 1995. * Numbers of Vehicles in London Question No: 440 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How many motorised vehicles are there in London? How many are lorries, buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles and how many privately owned cars and P2Ws are there in London? What proportion of those vehicles are powered by diesel, petrol and electricity? Answer from the Mayor: Vehicles licensed (in thousand vehicles) in the London region in 2007 (source Department for Transport) are as follows:

Cars Motor Light Heavy Buses and Other Total cycles Goods Goods Coaches Vehicles1 2,588 123 223 25 21 30 3,010

1 Includes rear diggers, lift trucks, rollers, ambulances, taxis, three wheelers and agricultural vehicles

The percentages of licensed vehicles in London by body type and propulsion type as at 31.12.07

86 (source DfT) are: % % % % Body Type Diesel Electricity Petrol Other Cars 14.8% 0.0% 84.7% 0.5% Motorcycles 0.1% 0.1% 99.9% 0.0% Goods - Light 88.8% 0.2% 10.0% 1.0% Goods - Heavy 98.9% 0.3% 0.7% 0.0% Buses and Coaches 92.4% 0.1% 7.3% 0.2% Other 86.3% 3.5% 9.5% 0.7%

In terms of traffic on the roads, the average daily vehicle flows on major roads in London by vehicle type are shown below (in thousand vehicles per day). The source is again the Department for Transport.

Cars Motor Light Heavy Buses and Other Total cycles Goods Goods Coaches Vehicles 24.8 0.8 3.8 1.4 0.7 - 31.4

Cost of Life Lost in Road Accidents Question No: 441 / 2009 Murad Qureshi What is the financial cost of each life lost in road accidents? What are the totals for London each year? Answer from the Mayor: A valuation of road accidents and casualties is given annually in the Department for Transport’s ‘Road Casualties Great Britain’ publication. The latest version covers 2007 and values a fatality at £1.65M at 2007 prices. This valuation includes the human costs, the direct economic costs (loss of output) and medical costs. Of course, this pales in significance when one considers the emotional cost to the families who have lost loved ones, which is incalculable.

Cost of Hospital Admissions due to Poor Air Quality Question No: 442 / 2009 Murad Qureshi There are over a thousand hospital admissions in London each year as a result of our poor air quality. What is the financial cost of this to London? - please include the cost to the NHS, and the cost of working hours lost. Answer from the Mayor: The GLA does not hold such information.

Without a detailed breakdown of the nature and length of treatment required for each hospital admission related to air quality, it is not possible to calculate accurately the cost. The NHS has calculated that the cost of treating respiratory conditions ranges from approximately £790 to approximately £3375 per episode so the total cost to our health services is considerable.

87 Similarly, it is not possible to calculate the cost of working hours lost without more detailed information.

However, with or without more detailed identification of the specific costs, I am concerned about the impact of poor air quality on public health and am determined to ensure relevant strategies and programmes focus on action to improve the situation. * Cost of Lives Cut Short Due to Poor Air Quality Question No: 443 / 2009 Murad Qureshi At least 1,000 lives a year are cut short in London because of our poor air quality. How much does this cost London’s economy? Answer from the Mayor: I refer you to my reply to MQ 442. In addition, far more worrying than straightforward economic considerations are the personal costs borne by individuals and families affected by long-term illness and premature death. * Borough Market Under Threat Question No: 444 / 2009 Murad Qureshi In your new-found role as champion of London’s markets, will you look into the rent increases currently being imposed at Borough Market and join with me in urging Network Rail to maintain the current ethos of the market and its surrounding shops by keeping independent traders there and resisting the urge to put rents up to exclude all but the big chain brands. Answer from the Mayor: I have great sympathy with the concerns expressed by traders and aficionados of Borough market alike. I have the great pleasure of working a stone’s throw away.

I think everyone involved in the project is all too aware of the need to balance the demands of upgrading the infrastructure and protecting and preserving the heritage and atmosphere of the market. I am sure Network Rail appreciate how important this market is to Londoners, and that it retains its unique selling point as a place for unique independent traders.

I will make sure this point is raised in our dialogue with Network Rail. * Removing the WEZ Question No: 445 / 2009 Murad Qureshi What impact does TfL advise that removing the WEZ will have on traffic numbers in the area? Will vehicle numbers be monitored specifically in the zone and will you publish these figures? If numbers are predicted or shown to rise, what will you do to mitigate for this? Answer from the Mayor: If the performance of the road network remains at current levels, TfL estimates that removing the western extension to the Central London congestion charging scheme would increase traffic entering the extension area during charging hours by 10-15% over current levels. Traffic circulating within the area would rise by some 7-12%.

It is important to state that the congestion rate did not change following the introduction of the WEZ.

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TfL intends to monitor key traffic volume indicators to assess the impacts of the removal of the scheme and will publish the results in due course.

As I have previously described, I am already working with TfL on a range of measures to:

- Reviewing traffic signals - Working with utility providers to manage roadworks more effectively - Allowing motorcycles to use red route bus lanes on a trial basis from Jauary 2009 - Improving procedures to respond more efficiently to incidents which cause congestion - Reviewing schemes that could reduce the capacity of the road network - Promoting walking and cycling * Charging P2Ws for Parking Question No: 446 / 2009 Murad Qureshi Do you agree with Westminster Council’s policy to charge powered two wheelers (P2Ws)for parking? Answer from the Mayor: As you will be aware I have stated that, where possible, I do not want to dictate to the boroughs in areas where the remit for action lies with them.

However, I am keen to encourage the use of motorcycles in London, as evidenced by my recent announcement to allow motorcycles in bus lanes on the TLRN. I will ask TfL to discuss with Westminster as to whether the introduction of this payment has led to a reduction in the number of people using motorcycles in central London.

* Electric Charging Points Question No: 447 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How energy intensive are the electric charging points for cars in London? What guarantees do you have from edf that they are using electricity from sustainable sources? Answer from the Mayor: Electric Vehicles are more energy efficient than internal combustion vehicles- even when taking into account the existing UK power generation mix, especially if we can ensure more people recharge overnight.

In addition, my officers are in regular contact with EDF and other energy providers to discuss how we further develop the recharging of EV’s using renewable energy. * Black Cab Fare Rises Question No: 448 / 2009 Murad Qureshi How is the 3.4 per cent fares increase going to help the cab trade when we already have very long queues of taxis going around the block at taxi ranks outside rail stations at peak times? This when TfL anticipate that inflation will be minus 3 per cent by the summer.

89 Answer from the Mayor: It is not possible to say whether a smaller increase would have any material effect on the long queues of taxis, which are the result of general economic conditions, however drivers' organisations were in favour of the rise.

Taxi fares are based on a cost index in use since 1981 and agreed with the taxi trade. It combines changes in operating costs and national average earnings to produce a change in average fares. Increases in taxi fares are retrospective and, this year, reflect changes in taxi operating costs over the year to December 2008.

The current low levels of price inflation and changes in average earnings will be reflected in the fare revision likely to take place in early April 2010. * Russian Winter Festival Question No: 449 / 2009 Murad Qureshi The Russian Winter Festival in Trafalgar Square, which was launched under your predecessor, did not take place this year. Given the popularity of this event among London’s Russian community in particular, and the importance to London’s economy of close relations with the BRICs, can you explain why it was cancelled? Answer from the Mayor: It was not that the Russian Winter Festival event was cancelled, but that we did not receive a proposal from the previous organisers to stage an event that we could support.

However, we did receive an alternative proposal, which was supported by the Moscow City Government, Russian Embassy, Pushkin House and Russian Speaking Community Council, to support an event that celebrates ‘Maslenitsa’. Funding of £40,000 (LDA event funding) has been made available to support this event, which is being held on Potters Fields Park on 1 March.

Maslenitsa is a pre-Lent festival, akin to a week-long version of Shrove Tuesday and is a Russian celebration that has survived the Soviet period and has recently experienced a strong revival in Russia.

Maslenitsa will celebrate the contribution made by the Russian community to the capital’s cultural and commercial life and provide a unique opportunity for the wider community to share in and enjoy the richness and diversity of Russian culture. The event, through the profile it will have in Russia, will aid in the promotion of London to Russia for inward investment. * Cricket Facilities in East London Question No: 450 / 2009 John Biggs There is a huge demand for Cricket facilities in East London. Will the Mayor consider this demand in studies for the use of the Olympic Park after the Games? Answer from the Mayor: As you are aware we recently announced plans for the legacy of the Olympic Park after the 2012 Games. At the heart of the Olympic Park will be a world-class athletics stadium capable of hosting major international athletics championships and other potential sporting and leisure events. Other sporting venues will include the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome which will be complemented by a range of new facilities for sports in and around the Park, such as football, hockey, tennis and mountain biking.

90 In delivering the legacy from the 2012 Games I remain open to exploring additional ideas for maximising sporting usage of the main stadium and the Olympic Park. * Dial a Ride Question No: 452 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Why is TfL performing 16% below target on this service? Answer from the Mayor: When setting this target, TfL anticipated that a new computerised scheduling system would be fully operational in 2007/08. TfL anticipated that by deriving operational efficiencies from using the new system, the number of journeys made by customers would rise to 1.4million in 2008/09. There were technical problems with the system however and it did not become fully operational throughout London until 1 September 2008.

In 2008 /09 Dial-a-Ride forecasts to complete 1.2m trips by year end.

However, having fully completed the rollout of the new system, in 2009/10 TfL is planning to provide 1.4million trips. * Blackwall Tunnel (1) Question No: 453 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What is the timetable for the works to take place, which would ensure the restoration of the tidal flow at the Blackwall tunnel? Answer from the Mayor: I have asked TfL to examine the options that would permit reinstatement of tidal flow at Blackwall Tunnel without putting lives and the continued operation of the tunnels at undue risk. This will include a review of the technical and legislative requirements to safely improve traffic flows there. I am expecting the findings to be reported in the next few weeks. However, I am aware that the legal processes and control infrastructure required, provided a safety case can be established, are complicated and time consuming. I cannot therefore currently give you a timescale. * Blackwall Tunnel (2) Question No: 454 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What has been the response of the private sector to the invitation to tender for works at the Blackwall Tunnel? Answer from the Mayor: Tenders for the Blackwall Tunnel Northbound Refurbishment contract have been returned and are currently being evaluated by TfL for quality and cost.

This process will be completed by June 2009. Unfortunately, we cannot say how many tenders have been received for commercial reasons and in the mean time it is necessary to apply strict confidentiality during the procurement process.

91 Vauxhall Underground Station Question No: 455 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross This station interfaces with a major bus station, why is it not considered to be a core priority for disability access works? Answer from the Mayor: Vauxhall Tube station has been identified as a priority for a congestion relief and step-free access scheme, however funding to start this work is not available until the later years of the current TfL business plan. * Traffic Lights Question No: 456 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross 1. How many traffic lights have been rephased since May 2008? 2. Of these on how many will pedestrians now have to wait longer between pedestrian light phases? 3. How many have lengthened the total time available to cars on the green light? 4. How many have lengthened the total time available to pedestrians on the green light for pedestrians? Answer from the Mayor: I have asked TfL to brief you on these detailed issues. They will contact you to arrange this. * TfL Operational Costs Review Question No: 457 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross 1. Which departments and budget heads are being examined to find potential cost savings under the OCR? 2. Which departments and budget heads have been exempted from budget savings under OCR? 3. What % of TfL’s total revenue expenditure is not being subjected to OCR? Answer from the Mayor: 1. The review focused on operating costs associated with TfL's non-frontline services. The review was undertaken on a functional basis, i.e. examining aspects such as finance, procurement, HR rather than taking a department by department perspective.

2. The principal areas of expenditure excluded from the review are capital expenditure, PPP and PFI contracts, LU and Bus operations and policing expenditure.

3. Approximately 69% of operating expenditure (based on the 2008/9 forecast) is excluded from the review and is associated with the activities listed in 2. However, there are separate activities underway to establish the potential for cost reductions in the areas excluded from the OCR. This links to work within the OCR to develop a culture of continuous cost reduction across all areas of expenditure. *

92 Cycling Question No: 458 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Do you thinks that the creating of more bus lanes and the congestion charging zone have contributed to the increase in cycling in London since 2000 and why do you not mention these in your answer to question 75/2009? Answer from the Mayor: The list of measures referred to in my answer to question 75/2009 focused on cycling specific initiatives and was not intended to be either definitive or comprehensive. There is no doubt that measures designed to constrain growth in motor traffic, such as the introduction of congestion charging and increased provision of bus lanes, have also contributed to the development of cycling in London, particularly where this has raised awareness of cycling as a practical choice, increased cycling priority or in some other way improved the cycling experience. * Barking/Gospel Oak Line Question No: 459 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Will you be including plans to electrify this line in your transport strategy So that it can enjoy the benefits of the new “electric” rolling stock being used elsewhere in London? Answer from the Mayor: My transport strategy will include ways in which we can improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the transport network, which will include electrification of transport modes. I strongly support the electrification of this route which would bring substantial benefits. This brings benefits to passenger services, but there are also great benefits in terms of air quality and reduction in carbon emissions from having the growing freight traffic on this route hauled electrically. TfL are pressing the case for this with Network Rail as part of the Network route utilisation strategy. The freight operator EWS has also previously identified this route as one where in-fill electrification would be particularly worthwhile. * Bus Driver Pay Question No: 460 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Please list the current rates of pay per hour for drivers on each bus route in London. Please give the Operators’ name for each route. Answer from the Mayor: TfL continuously assesses whether drivers’ rates of pay are competitive in the labour market. Bus companies generally have different pay scales dependant on length of service. A high proportion of drivers are allocated to garage rotas that involve working on more than one route.

While there is not a wide variation in the value of packages for staff across the companies in the same areas, how this is made up, and how pay is structured will vary substantially. Agreements will vary, to some degree, in every area, including starter rates and progression scales, holidays, pensions, unsocial hours and overtime rates and sick pay provisions.

TfL therefore assesses the average earnings of drivers, together with their overall employment conditions. As a guide, established drivers, usually those with over one year’s service would be paid typically in the range of £500 per week.

TfL officers would be pleased to meet with you to discuss this in more detail, if required. *

93 Traffic Congestion in West London Question No: 461 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross I am unclear from your answer to question 88/2009 exactly what mechanisms TfL are considering using to reduce traffic congestion after the planned removal of the Western Extension. Please list the approaches and changes being considered? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is considering using, or has already started to implement, a range of mechanisms to tackle congestion (details in Appendix E). These are:

- Reviewing traffic signals - Working with utility providers to manage roadworks more effectively - Improving procedures to respond more efficiently to incidents which cause congestion - Reviewing schemes that could reduce the capacity of the road network - Promoting walking and cycling

TfL is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to review further ways in which traffic flows can be smoothed. Such measures will be important more broadly across the network and also in relation to the Western Extension zone terms of mitigating potential impacts of removing the Western Extension. Further to your question 456/2009 TfL intend to brief you on their work to smooth traffic flow. * New Routemaster buses (1) Question No: 462 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What is your estimated financial outlay between 2008- 2012 to bring prototype routemaster buses into use? What budget allocations have been made into TfL Business Plan? Answer from the Mayor: The estimated value of the contract to design, develop, trial and deliver the prototypes will be in the order of £3m as stated in the TfL Business Plan. The plan anticipates £1.5m being spent in 2010/11 and £1.5m in 2011/12.

The capital cost of manufacturing the new vehicles will be spread over a sufficient volume of vehicles to make the new bus for London competitive with comparable bus types. This process will be managed through the normal bus route contract process. * New Routemaster buses (2) Question No: 463 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Do you intend to make it a specification of your new Routemasters that they are capable of operating in four inches of snow, a feat that seems to be beyond London’s current fleet, although apparently quite normal in other cities? Answer from the Mayor: Snow clearance is best dealt with by specialist vehicles fitted with the appropriate equipment, and the new bus for London will be no less or more suitable to operate in the event of exceptionally heavy snowfall than the rest of London’s (and the Uk’s) buses.

In areas of the world where prolonged snow cover is a seasonal event, vehicles including buses might be fitted with snow chains or studded tyres. The Commissioner estimated during his session with the GLA Transport Committee recently that it could take up to 10 days to fit all

94 8,000 buses in the TfL fleet with snow chains. As you know buses started to operate again during late morning on February 2 and by the end of the afternoon when conditions improved there were roughly 1,700 buses in service. A near-normal service was operating the following day. * “Independent review” of Bus Services (1) Question No: 464 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Please explain the scope objectives of the review of bus services being led by Stephen Norris Answer from the Mayor: I have asked TfL to commission this review as part of ensuring that the network continues to meet the needs of Londoners while delivering value for money.

It will consider three key areas. Firstly it will look at how the bus network is planned and developed. Secondly it will consider the contracting system to assess whether changes could be made which would deliver better efficiency or lower costs. Thirdly it will assess the performance of London’s bus network against other systems, both nationally and internationally, in relation to areas such as service levels, subsidy, fares and passenger usage.

The scope of the review was agreed by the TfL Board. It will report to TfL’s Surface Transport Panel, chaired by Steve Norris. It is envisaged that the work will be complete by the end of June 2009. * “Independent review” of Bus Services (2) Question No: 465 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Please list the technical studies being carried out in pursuance of this review Answer from the Mayor: Please refer to my answer to 464/2008, which confirmed the three key areas that would be reviewed as part of the review. * Bombardier (1) Question No: 466 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross How are delays in carriage construction at Bombardier affecting TfL and what are you doing to help resolve this situation? Answer from the Mayor: The delay is not impacting on the current London Overground service, although the existing trains are old.

TfL has ordered a new fleet of 20 brand new Class 378 electric trains, which are due to come in public service in spring 2009. These will address overcrowding on certain sections of the network in the peak periods.

TfL meets regularly with Bombardier and has worked with them to implement measures in the production process that will address the late delivery of the trains. The late delivery is due to Bombardier and it’s subcontractor having difficulty in obtaining parts for CCTV, passenger displays and some software.

95 We expect all trains of the fleet for the existing London Overground network to be delivered this year.

Bombardier (2) Question No: 467 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What penalties will Bombardier suffer as a result in the delays on delivering of DLR Rail Cars? Answer from the Mayor: The contract between DLR and Bombardier provides for the payment of liquidated damages in respect of late deliveries of vehicles. Liquidated damages have been levied on vehicles so far delivered late and are available should there be future late deliveries. * TfL Board – conflicts of interest Question No: 468 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Has Peter Anderson personally supervised any negotiations involving Canary Wharf Group and Crossrail? Answer from the Mayor: Peter Anderson is the Managing Director, Finance of the Canary Wharf Group and is a member of the executive team that did negotiate, on behalf of Canary Wharf Group, with Cross London Rail Links, TfL and the Department for Transport in relation to the Crossrail Canary Wharf Station development agreement and related contracts. However, he does not participate in any TfL Board or Committee discussions or negotiations on behalf of TfL in which he has a direct or indirect, pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest.

TravelWatch Casework Question No: 469 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What is TfL’s target for responding to TravelWatch casework? What is TfL’s latest performance against this target? Answer from the Mayor: TfL takes very seriously the need to deal with casework in a prompt and efficient manner. It is working collaboratively with London TravelWatch to arrive at clear targets and reporting arrangements as part of London TravelWatch’s own review of its case handling procedures.

TfL aims to close all straightforward cases within twenty working days. However, it is not possible to close all cases within this period because a number require further investigation and follow-up after an initial investigation has taken place. This often involves obtaining additional information from third parties.

Following the introduction of new working arrangements TfL has improved the closure rate within twenty working days compared to last year. In January, 75 per cent of cases were closed within twenty working days and in February 100% were closed within twenty working days.

Elephant & Castle (1) Question No: 471 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross In answer to my question 107/2009 you said that “initial qualified cost information” would 96 become available in January. Has that information been provided to Southwark Council? Answer from the Mayor: Yes – the information has been provided to Southwark Council as agreed. * Elephant & Castle (2) Question No: 472 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What progress has been made on agreeing a new plan for the southern roundabout at Elephant & Castle? When can my constituents expect to see work starting to replace the deeply unpopular pedestrian tunnels with safe surface level crossing points? Answer from the Mayor: The layout for the latest revision proposed at the southern roundabout has been agreed in principle with the London Borough of Southwark, pending the traffic modelling study that is currently being undertaken by TfL. Numerous safety checks of the design are also being progressed and TfL will undertake an assessment of the operational validity of the scheme towards the end of Spring 2009. Following approval, TfL would then proceed to detailed design. The aim is to be on site in early 2010 with a completion of the construction works towards the end of the summer 2010. A more detailed delivery programme will be provided during the detailed design stage. * Emergency Rail Summit (1) Question No: 473 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross We are now almost 10 months into your term. Have you set a date, agenda and invitation list for your “Emergency Public Rail Summit”? If so, what are they? Answer from the Mayor: Considerable progress had been made in working with the train operating companies. Earlier this year we announced improvement to passenger safety, which included an additional 50 BTP officers. Furthermore, I am confident that a resolution to Oyster ticketing on National Rail will be agreed shortly.

There are still many issues that we need to address that I will want to discuss with the Train Operating Companies and a rail summit would provide a useful focus for doing so. However, I have instructed TfL to work to continue with discussions to progress these issues. * Emergency Rail Summit (2) Question No: 474 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Please outline the “on-going work to support the summit” referred to in answer to my question 103/2009? Answer from the Mayor: Considerable progress had been made in working with the train operating companies. Earlier this year we announced improvement to passenger safety, which included an additional 50 BTP officers. Furthermore, I am confident that a resolution to Oyster ticketing on National Rail will be agreed shortly.

97 There are still many issues that we need to address that I will want to discuss with the Train Operating Companies and a rail summit would provide a useful focus for doing so. However, I have instructed TfL to work to continue with discussions to progress these issues. * East London Line Phase 2b (1) Question No: 475 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross How much will the project cost to deliver? How much is being funded by TfL and how much by DfT? Answer from the Mayor: The extension will cost approximately £75 million.

The DfT is providing £60 million and TfL are contributing £15 million. * East London Line Phase 2b (2) Question No: 476 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Please could you outline your current position on Surrey Canal Road Station? When will the Value for Money Assessment be completed? Answer from the Mayor: The cost of a new station at Surrey Canal Road (SCR) is not provided within the current funding allocation.

Construction of the station will be considered as part of the regeneration scheme for the area and will be dependent on a value for money assessment that TfL is carrying out over the next six months.

Cross River Tram Question No: 477 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Will you provide the information referred to in answer to question 100/2009, particularly the technically preferred route, to the Cross River Partnership and the relevant boroughs so that they can consider whether it is feasible for them to take over the promotion of the scheme? Answer from the Mayor: Yes, I am happy to provide the relevant information to the boroughs and Cross River Partnership, and have asked TfL to do this. * Velib Question No: 478 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross The BBC have reported that more than half of the original fleet of bikes in the Parisian Velib scheme have been stolen or broken, putting the financial viability of the scheme at risk. What plans to do have to ensure that the scheme in London will be more robust? Answer from the Mayor: As part of the feasibility study TfL looked at several other Cycle Hire schemes to ensure that they learnt from other operators experiences.

98 The following additional measures will be taken to minimise theft of cycles in London:

Docking point design - docking points will be designed to facilitate the secure docking of bicycles and users will be encouraged to use docking points wherever possible. We are deliberately not providing locks with scheme bicycles to dissuade users from leaving bicycles where they might be at risk of theft or damage.

CCTV coverage - each docking station site will be assessed to determine whether it is covered by existing CCTV coverage. If there is no existing CCTV coverage, consideration will be given to installing additional equipment. * Bendy Buses and Cyclists Question No: 479 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Do you regret falsely claiming that bendy buses “wipe out cyclists, there are many cyclists killed every year by them”? Answer from the Mayor: I think it is odd that there are still defenders of a bus that is more polluting, more dangerous to cyclists and lost £12m in fare evasion last year. * First Capital Connect Ticket Office Cuts Question No: 480 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross Have TfL discussed this issue with the DfT as indicated in your answer to question 99/2009? If so please provide a brief summary of the discussion. Answer from the Mayor: TfL have made this point to the relevant DfT Rail officials both in the context of First Capital Connect (FCC) and also the South Central refranchise, where TfL will pay to ensure that there is station staffing for the whole traffic day. DfT’s officials note that there are some reductions in ticket office transactions, and that the matter will be dealt under the terms of their franchise agreement with FCC.

It is everyone’s right to travel safely and free from the fear of crime. This is also why I recently announced the funding of a further 50 British Transport Police officers to patrol train stations and transport hubs in outer London. London Overground stations are also staffed from the first to the last train.

East Thames Buses Question No: 481 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What do you consider to be the pros and cons of TfL ownership of East Thames Buses? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is undertaking market testing is to establish what the pros and cons of operating East Thames Buses in the private sector or in-house might be. The tender process will look at which option offers best value for money, taking into consideration matters like reliability and good- quality services. *

99 Bus service risk management Question No: 482 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What plans does TfL have in place to ensure that bus services can be maintained should any of London’s bus companies go into administration? Answer from the Mayor: TfL has a comprehensive programme of risk management for all of its activities. This includes continually monitoring key suppliers, including bus companies financial performance and assessing their viability as part of the ongoing tender evaluation process.

As part of the bus contracting arrangements, guarantees are obtained from the parent company under which they guarantee financial and operational performance for the duration of the contracts. The obligations on the parent are not discharged by the operator going into administration.

In the event of a company going into administration, and the support of a parent company was no longer available, TfL would work with the administrator, and where appropriate other operators, to ensure continued performance of the services to passengers. * 343 Bus Question No: 483 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross It is now more than a year since TfL came to meet with local residents around Southampton Way to discuss their complaints about the 343. TfL pledged to do some research into this issue and to take action to improve the service, however we are yet to see any tangible improvement in the service. We have also received further complaints about this route from residents of Ivydale Road, who complain that the buses regularly break the 20mph speed limit. Will you ensure that TfL provides an urgent action plan to address the problems affecting this vital route which serves areas with few alternative public transport options? Answer from the Mayor: Route 343 is scheduled to run every six to seven minutes at most times. Tfl consider that the scheduled capacity is sufficient, but are keeping this under regular review.

Changes were made to service control arrangements and the intervals between buses at peak times became more regular as a result, however this has deteriorated again recently. I have asked Tfl to ensure that service is improved immediately.

The operator will also monitor the speed of buses on Ivydale Road and will take appropriate action any bus driver found to have exceeded the speed limit here.

Bus service price benchmarking Question No: 484 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross How does TfL benchmark the cost of running bus services to ensure that Londoners are getting a value for money service from private bus companies? Answer from the Mayor: Over the past 25 years of competitive tendering, TfL has developed a comprehensive set of parameters for assessing, comparing and updating the costs associated with operating bus routes in London.

100 Benchmarks include the cost per mile, the cost per vehicle operated, together with an in-depth analysis of tendered labour costs, fuel, equipment, parts and general maintenance expenditure. Company/garage overheads are also taken into account as are supervision and cleaning costs.

Comparisons with TfL’s estimates are also made to ensure that good value for money is being obtained in the competitive market and in the negotiations with the bus companies. * Dangerous Dogs Question No: 485 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What steps have you taken since our meeting on 12 November towards addressing the problem of dangerous dogs in London? Answer from the Mayor: I recognise the very real problem posed by dangerous dogs. After discussion with my Deputy Mayor, the MPA has approved the establishment of an MPS specialist status dog unit, consisting of a sergeant, five constables and a member of police staff. This unit will commence operation on 2 March 2009. The unit will provide a single point of contact internally and for partners, an enforcement role through intelligence led deployments/tasking, and a source of expertise to support the criminal justice processes. The RSPCA is actively supporting the unit.

The London Dangerous Dog Forum (LDDF), chaired by the MPS, brings together animal welfare, local authority and other partners to address London-wide concerns. The LDDF will promulgate good practice, and develop problem-solving approaches. The GLA is working with the LDDF to bring together data from a range of agencies to develop targeted work in the areas of London with the greatest problems.

My Deputy Mayor has also met with RSPCA to discuss a coordinated effort with them to bring about legislative change. * Clapham Omnibus Question No: 486 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross The three Clapham Northern Line stations regularly have to be closed due to dangerous levels of congestion. Will you consider increasing bus capacity to link Clapham to the City at least until such time as the Northern Line capacity can be increased? Answer from the Mayor: Whilst there is no direct bus service from Clapham to the City, route 155 provides links to Elephant and Castle where easy interchange is available to all services to/from the City. The 155 has spare passenger capacity in the Clapham area northbound in the morning peak and southbound in the evening. There is no current need to increase capacity on this corridor.

I will ask TfL to increase the awareness of this bus service to underground users in the area. * Project slippage Question No: 487 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What action are you taking to address the large number of “red light” performance issues in TfL’s Q3 Investment Performance?

101 Answer from the Mayor: The majority of the large and complex infrastructure projects and programmes covered in the TfL Quarter 3 Investment Programme report continue to show good progress. A minority of them have suffered difficulties compared with the milestone target dates identified in the budget document; however in a number of such cases, this delay will not impact the final delivery of the planned improvement.

Performance of projects contained within the Investment Programme is reviewed every four weeks between the Commissioner and the relevant Managing Director in order to ensure close scrutiny of delivery at the highest level.

In July 2008, TfL implemented a process of Gateway reviews for investment project and programmes at key lifecycle stages to ensure that they are deliverable, value for money, affordable, and have reached the correct level of maturity, before they are allowed to progress to the next stage. This is recognised as industry best practice and should help to minimise future reported delays.

For each of the major suppliers to TfL ‘s investment programme, a senior manager has been appointed as a lead contact to ensure that where there are issues with an individual supplier’s performance, this is dealt with in a systematic manner though supplier action plans. * Bus Lanes Question No: 488 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What progress have you made on your pledge to seek greater synchronicity of bus lane enforcement? Answer from the Mayor: For many years, bus lanes have been tailored to the needs and circumstances of each location and hence there are different times when they are enforceable. I am aware that motorists can sometimes find this confusing and I have asked TfL to work closely with boroughs to investigate options for simplifying bus lane operating hours across the network.

No Strike Deal Question No: 489 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What progress have you made towards negotiating a no strike deal with Tube unions? Answer from the Mayor: I have asked London Underground to begin the process of leading discussions on a no-strike agreement and there have already been some discussions with the Trade Union General Secretaries on this matter. It is not appropriate to expect significant developments on this until the conclusion of next year’s bargaining round.

The important issue in all of this is to ensure that we jointly arrive at a solution which greatly reduces the inconvenience of industrial action to Tube customers, and we must be creative in how we achieve this. *

102 Thames Estuary Airport Question No: 490 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross When do you anticipate receiving Douglas Oakervee’s “preliminary scoping study” on the feasibility of a new airport in the Thames Estuary? Will you release his full report to Members of the Assembly and to the public? Answer from the Mayor: This information will be available once Doug Oakervee completes his report; expected around the end of March. * Extending the Bakerloo Line Question No: 491 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross What are your plans regarding possible future extension of the Bakerloo line into South London? Do you support the development of an extension to a) Camberwell and b) Catford and what plans have you to pursue these ideas? Answer from the Mayor: Preliminary work to look at the feasibility of extending the Bakerloo line south from Elephant & Castle has been undertaken. However, much more detailed analysis would need to be carried out before any firm proposals could be developed and this would require significant additional funding to that currently available. * Plastic Barriers Question No: 492 / 2009 Valerie Shawcross I have been contacted by a constituent who is a keen cyclist, who believes that in many cases the plastic barriers/railings used to mark out roadworks are not appropriate as they are quite lightweight, are often not secured to the pavement/road in any way and they fall over in high winds. Not only can this lead to obstructions on the pavements and roads for pedestrians and cyclists but my constituent believes there is potential for these barriers to fall onto cyclists which could cause serious injury. Having seen examples of this myself, what can you do to work with TfL and utility companies who use these barriers to improve this situation? Answer from the Mayor: Transport for London and utility company contractors use a variety of traffic management equipment to protect works sites, and each is considered to be the most appropriate to a given set of circumstances and site location. This includes traffic cones, temporary signing, plastic and concrete barriers. Cones and barriers must comply with current guidance and standards and TfL’s inspectors ensure that this is the case. Plastic barriers, when used, are generally either interlocking or water filled except where there is a need for barriers to be easily moved, for example, in the case of emergency access points.

There are occasions when footway barriers can become dislodged in high winds or displaced by vandals. TfL’s contractors are required to inspect all traffic management frequently and this is supplemented by TfL supervisor inspections.

I am keen to see the borough authorities and utility companies sign up to a code of conduct which will commit them to ensuring that barriers are suitable and that any damage is repaired quickly. *

103 London Plan Review Question No: 493 / 2009 Navin Shah Will the London Plan review include revised policy guidelines in regard to the listing of buildings of local interest by borough councils? Answer from the Mayor: I do not think that listing of buildings of local interest is a strategic issued which should be addressed in the London Plan.

However, the revised London Plan will support the boroughs by emphasising the need to preserve local character and heritage in development decisions. This will ensure that boroughs’ conservation objectives are given priority in the broader spatial planning and economic development process. * Move It Question No: 494 / 2009 Navin Shah Will the Mayor join me in commending the impact the Move It project has had on 4,000 young lives in North West London through the Brent North Youth Sports Pilot Project? Answer from the Mayor: I most certainly commend the impact that the Move It project has had on young lives in North West London. Move It is one of a large number of grass-roots initiatives that are helping to increase access to sport and physical activity for young Londoners. They are making a valuable contribution to their local communities and to the city as a whole. * Move It 2 Question No: 495 / 2009 Navin Shah Move It are attempting to stretch their reach to other parts of London and have been in discussion with the GLA since July, encouraged by your August announcement of an Olympic Sporting Legacy Fund. Agreed deadlines have been repeatedly put back, after first being told a decision would be made in late Summer. Does the Mayor support the efforts of Move It to expand to other areas of London? Answer from the Mayor: No deadlines have been put back. The announcement I made earlier this month of £15.5 million to support initiatives in the 2012 Legacy Plan for Sport was part of my commitment to meet the challenge to increase participation rates in sport in London.

The head of sport at the GLA has had regular contact with the chief executive of Move It and with many other organisations that have expressed an interest in the work we are doing on the Legacy Plan and how they might access the funding. Now that this funding has been announced, we will be looking to see if and how the various projects, including move IT, fit into the plan, which will be published in April. * Stanmore Station Question No: 496 / 2009 Navin Shah Stanmore station car park has become a park and ride base for Wembley stadium on match

104 days. Fans from the M1 park at Stanmore and take the Jubilee to Wembley Park. With Wembley as an Olympic venue, what ameliorative measures will the Mayor take to minimise inconvenience to the residents and other users of Stanmore station? Answer from the Mayor: London Underground (LU) is aware that Stanmore station car park experiences a high level of demand on Wembley Stadium event days.

Currently, in an effort to prevent customers from parking in residential streets around Stanmore, LU works with NCP and Wembley Stadium to provide secure parking spaces for events at a number of Metropolitan line car parks including at Watford, Croxley, Chorleywood, Ickenham, Hillingdon and Ruislip stations. This information is advertised as part of Wembley Stadium’s travel advice and customers are advised to book in advance via the NCP website at http://www.ncpwembleyparking.co.uk/.

During the Olympics Wembley Stadium will be used for six matches with kick off scheduled for 2100 at each (one at 2030). This is later than most events at Wembley and means that the impact on regular users of Stanmore station and car park will be lower than usual. Additionally the nature of these events means that more attendees than normal are likely to be travelling from central locations. Nonetheless LU will consider what measures may need to be implemented at Stanmore during the period of the Games.

LU is working with the Olympic Delivery Authority to put in place the best possible Tube services during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. * Traffic Implications on Dollis Hill Question No: 497 / 2009 Navin Shah Following the closure of the consultation, the developers of the Brent Cross Cricklewood development quickly uploaded a transport assessment to their website. Now we finally have this document, is the Mayor satisfied by its quality in examining the traffic impact on Dollis Hill and other areas of eastern Brent? Answer from the Mayor: I welcome the application for Brent Cross Cricklewood and support the principle of the proposed development and the benefits it will deliver, however there a number of outstanding issues including transport that need to be resolved.

LB Brent has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of traffic arising from the Brent Cross Cricklewood development on roads within Brent in its response to the LB Barnet consultation on the application.

TfL is considering the traffic impact of the proposed development on roads to the south and east of the site and has identified a need to encourage access by bus, cycle and foot from the Dollis Hill and Cricklewood areas. * Suburban Orbital Transport Question No: 498 / 2009 Navin Shah Is the Mayor pleased the Brent Cross Cricklewood developers plan a new Thameslink station, four train lengths between two existing Thameslink stations? The boroughs of Brent and Barnet are both signatories to the North West London to Luton Corridor agreement, which highlights the need to improve east-west connections. Does the Mayor therefore think this is an opportunity to improve suburban orbital transport in North London? Will he uphold this

105 manifesto aim in his response to Barnet and will he instruct Transport for London to meet with the Campaign for Better Transport to discuss undertaking a viability study for their Brent Light Rail scheme? Answer from the Mayor: I am pleased that the proposals for Brent Cross Cricklewood include the building of a new Thameslink station. This will be an essential part of a wider package of public transport improvements needed to cater for the increase in travel associated with this substantial development proposal.

The rail line which passes through the Cricklewood corridor is a radial link. TfL has discussed the future operation of this line with Network Rail who have provided assurances that there is no reason why, subject to the necessary timetable changes, that all three stations cannot function in the future. The orbital links to the east and west are proposed to be improved by significantly enhancing the bus network and through new and improved bus and rail interchange.

As stated in Way to Go, I am interested in ideas to improve orbital transport in outer London. It clearly makes sense to examine the benefits of using existing or previously developed rail infrastructure for such purposes where this is possible. Such schemes will be considered as part of the development of my transport strategy.

Rat Running Question No: 499 / 2009 Navin Shah In attempting to appease residents of Dollis Hill, the Brent Cross Cricklewood Transport Assessment informs them that any commercial waste coming to the new North London Waste Authority will be restricted to the North Circular and Edgware Road, yet no proposals for enforcing this are made. Does the Mayor have confidence in the power of words in preventing rat-running? Will he ask for assurance more is done in relation to this problem in his response to Barnet? Answer from the Mayor: TfL is pressing the developers of the Brent Cross Cricklewood scheme to develop a clear strategy for lorry routing to the waste facility and other parts of the site that relies on the use of the Transport for London Road Network (e.g. A406 North Circular Road) and Strategic Road Network (e.g. A5 Edgware Road). TfL would expect the local Boroughs would use their powers to restrict the use of inappropriate local roads by heavy goods vehicles, which could include weight or width restrictions, appropriate signage and enforcement measures. TfL would be supportive of such an approach and also seeks to promote good practice in partnership with the freight industry through the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). * London Plan/Borough Boundaries Question No: 500 / 2009 Navin Shah Will the Mayor be making any changes to the London Plan to ensure better practise in consultation across borough boundaries? Answer from the Mayor: Yes. I raised the issue of more effective inter-authority working in his report ‘Planning for a Better London’. Consultation responses strongly indicated that the current sub-regional arrangements were not fit for many purposes and that it would be more practical to take a more flexible approach to inter-authority working tailored to local circumstances and needs. These can include inter-borough consultation. The revisions to the London plan will take this into account. 106 * High Rise Developments Question No: 501 / 2009 Navin Shah Given your decisions on Crystal Palace, Croydon and Ealing, could the Mayor inform us of the Outer London town centres he doesn’t think are suitable for high-rise development? Is Harrow one of them? Answer from the Mayor: As part of my review of the London Plan I will work with the boroughs to seek ways of identifying, in a more strategic manner, locations where tall buildings could be developed. This work is at an early stage and at the moment it would be premature to nominate locations where tall buildings are and are not be suitable. Mayoral Direction Question No: 502 / 2009 John Biggs Given that the LDA believe that ‘while sports programmes are capable of being fully aligned with LDA objectives and outcomes, in the current budget context other programmes would represent a higher priority for any additional resources which are available’, can you explain to Londoners why money aimed to protect and strengthen London’s economy in the current economic downturn should be spent in this way, and why you have sougnht to overrule the LDA Board on this matter. Answer from the Mayor: This direction to the LDA to help fund Olympic Sports legacy programmes provides transparency and clarity as to the resources required to meet London’s Olympic legacy obligations. I made clear following the Beijing Olympics that significant resources would be needed for this purpose; and I believe the approach we are taking of seeking match funding is the right way to maximise the value for money obtained. The use of a direction will help secure this match funding by giving certainty to potential funding partners.

I believe sport can make a significant contribution to developing intellectual maturity and growth , leadership, teamwork and other qualities that increase people’s employability .So this allocation of a small proportion – around 1% - of LDA resources to encourage grassroots sports participation fits very well with the LDA’s focus on jobs, skills and growth.

I am absolutely committed to helping London through the economic downturn. Through my Economic Recovery Plan I have ensured a re-focus of the LDA’s resources across the piece to address this urgent priority and ensure early help is given to Londoners and London’s businesses. However, it would be wrong to cut all funding for longer term development and, in particular, to renege on London’s commitment to improve grass roots sports participation and the opportunity to maximise this aspect of the benefits from our huge Olympics investment. We must continue to ensure London is well placed for the medium and longer term as well as addressing the serious immediate problems arising from the downturn.

As Mayor, it is my responsibility to set the overall policy direction for the LDA, and I have done so on this matter in a clear and transparent way. * Olympic relocations – compensation Question No: 504 / 2009 John Biggs What progress is being made with resolving outstanding claims from relocated businesses and have you directed the LDA to act differently in this matter from your predecessor? 107 Answer from the Mayor: The LDA has and continues to follow a strict statutory process in resolving outstanding claims from businesses relocated from the Park. Under the Compensation Code, to date the LDA has paid out over £600 million in relocating businesses and facilities from the Park. Three quarters of businesses have received 90% of the LDA’s valuation for disturbance and loss of profits regardless of their final settlement which is based on information supplied by them. Over 60% of businesses have now settled their claims in full which is good progress since it can take some time for final claims to be settled. For the remaining businesses, they and their agents are in negotiation with the LDA,or have yet to submit a claim. * Olympic Grants Question No: 505 / 2009 John Biggs What training will Olympic hopeful athletes secure from your £1000 grants or was this merely a ruse to achieve media coverage? Answer from the Mayor: These grants were delivered to thirty of London’s finest young athletes through the charity SportsAid, to help with costs incurred through training and competing. Young elite athletes and their families are generally required to spend at least £5000 per year on their sport. Without the support of charities such as SportsAid, many would simply be unable to afford this. Previous beneficiaries of SportsAid’s support include Sir Steve Redgrave, Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Amir Khan and Victoria Pendelton. I am proud that we are able to support the young men and women who will be trying to emulate these stars at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in london. * Remutualisation Question No: 506 / 2009 John Biggs Do you recognise the strength mutuals bring to retail finance and mortgage lending and would you support remutualisation of collapsed banks which were formerly mutuals? Answer from the Mayor: I consider that no form of ownership should be ruled in or out when contemplating the future of collapsed banks that were formerly mutuals. * Queens Market Question No: 509 / 2009 John Biggs What positive outcome did you secure from your undercover visit to Queens Market? Answer from the Mayor: It was not an undercover visit as you describe. It was very productive, and it allowed me to spend time with ordinary traders and hear their concerns.

I understand the previous incumbent never visited the market during his entire 8 years as Mayor. *

108 Tax Exiles Question No: 510 / 2009 John Biggs Do you believe tax avoidance is a good or a bad thing? Answer from the Mayor: I believe we should avoid unreasonable tax increases for Londoners- that is why we have frozen the council tax.

Crossrail levy Question No: 511 / 2009 John Biggs Do you agree that the Crossrail levy is premature? Answer from the Mayor: No.

Raising part of the funding for the Crossrail project through the planning process is an important element of the Crossrail funding package agreed by the previous Mayor and the Government. The process for amending the London Plan is a lengthy one, requiring a number of opportunities for consultation and an examination in public before it can be adopted. The charge is required to raise resources through the 2010-2017 period. Consequently, I needed to begin consultation in late 2008 to have the Alteration in place by 2010.

Quantity of snow Question No: 512 / 2009 John Biggs What is the right quantity of snow for London? Answer from the Mayor: That is not a question for the Mayor, but for the Almighty. * Asthma Sufferers and elderly people with breathing problems Question No: 513 / 2009 John Biggs What is your message to such groups, and what thought did you give to them in your LEZ decision? Answer from the Mayor: I announced my intention to suspend the third phase of the Low Emission Zone because of the detrimental impact it would have on London’s small businesses. Whilst I am entirely committed to improving air quality I believe improvements can be achieved through other measures. Although the Low Emission Zone has been successful in tackling the worst polluters, and will continue to play an important role, it is not the right time to press ahead with extending it to include smaller vehicles like vans and minibuses.

Phases one and two of the Low Emission Zone will continue to reduce emissions from the most individually polluting vehicles in London. The scheme standards will rise again for these vehicles in January 2012 when vehicles affected by phases one and two will have to meet the Euro IV standard for particulate matter to continue to drive within Greater London without charge. * 109 Mayors Fund Question No: 514 / 2009 John Biggs Can you report progress with this initiative? Answer from the Mayor: The Mayor's Fund will launch in the next few months. At that launch there will be an explanation of the development of the Fund to date and the intended plan going forward. The Trustees of the Fund (as it is an independent charity) agreed their Action Plan just before Christmas. *

Woolwich DLR Question No: 515 / 2009 John Biggs Can you report on steps being taken to alleviate overcrowding on DLR trains for my constituents in Newham following the opening of the Woolwich extension? Answer from the Mayor: The opening of the station in January was a success, but TfL recognised early on that there were problems with passengers seeking to board trains at intermediate stations after London City Airport.

Both the Woolwich Arsenal and London City Airport extensions are equipped with three car stations, but other works need to be completed on the system before we can run three-car trains on these branches. The first three car train services will be operated on the Bank to Lewisham branch from 2010, with other three car services introduced as works are completed and new trains delivered.

In the meantime, TfL have sought to provide relief for the overcrowding by including a shuttle train between Woolwich Arsenal and Blackwall during the morning peak. Tower Gateway is also due to re-open in early March (some 7 weeks earlier than originally planned) and it is then intended to operate a five minute service from Woolwich Arsenal in the morning peak (i.e. doubling the current 10 minute frequency), with every other train terminating at Canning Town (with Bank as the other terminus). * Woolwich DLR Extension Question No: 516 / 2009 John Biggs What does the level of usage of the new extension tell you about travel demand across the Thames at this point? What hope can you give to those who need to drive to work including a Thames crossing somewhere between Blackwall and Dartford, bearing in mind that the Woolwich ferry can carry at most a few hundred vehicles an hour? What progress will you aim to have made with building a road crossing during your term of office and what timelines are you working to given the urgency of this task? Answer from the Mayor: I was delighted to open the new extension to Woolwich Arsenal last month, on budget and seven weeks early. It provides new opportunities for Londoners on both sides of the Thames to travel across the river by public transport on a frequent service. It demonstrates the importance of transport linkages in this area, and travel across the river by rail will be further transformed when Crossrail provides a cross-river railway with fast trains into central London from Woolwich and beyond in 2017.

110 I am aware of the limited capacity of the Woolwich Ferry and Blackwall Tunnel and I am also keen to improve the lot for those businesses and others who need to drive across the river.

As you know, I have asked TfL to consider alternatives to the Thames Gateway Bridge. TfL will review a wide range of options, including those at Silvertown, and are currently identifying the priorities for river crossings in the area, including transport and economic priorities. The next step will be to shortlist a number of possible options to consider in more detail. I intend to be in a position to consult with affected stakeholders on possible options later this year.

Stoke Newington Gyratory Question No: 517 / 2009 Jennette Arnold I was pleased to finally receive the feasibility report on the Stoke Newington Gyratory but was disappointed that the authors did not further explore the alternate possibility of providing a contra-flow cycling facility along Stoke Newington High Street. The current layout of the gyratory doesn’t allow cyclists to follow the most direct Southerly route and, as a result, many of them illegally cycle against the one-way flow not only putting themselves but also other road users in danger. Will you be investigating the possibility of providing a two-way cycling lane? Answer from the Mayor: Although TfL has not considered the facility you describe, they do intend to continue to identify opportunities to improve conditions in Stoke Newington for cyclists and pedestrians. TfL would do so in discussion with stakeholders locally. I will ask TfL to talk to you further with regard to this issue.

International Women’s Day Question No: 518 / 2009 Jennette Arnold Last year, the Capital Women’s Conference was held on the 8th of March to mark International Women’s day in London. What will you be doing this year to celebrate the event and the economic, political and social achievements of women? Answer from the Mayor: To show my commitment to addressing the concerns of London’s women, celebrate their contribution to this city and mark International Women’s Day, I will be making a statement outlining my policy priorities at People’s Question Time on 5 March and publishing a report on women in London.

I fully recognize the very serious issues of inequality that affect many women. Affordable childcare, education and skills, tackling violence against women, employment and community safety remain key priorities for me and I will ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to engage the views of women and all Londoners. * Drayton Park Ticket office Closure Question No: 519 / 2009 Jennette Arnold First capital connect is proposing to close the ticket office at Drayton park station. I support the anger expressed by my constituents about the removal of this valuable service and the lack of concern about their safety. Will you meet with First Capital Connect to express our concerns about the closure?

111 Answer from the Mayor: As you are aware, I am not responsible for the staffing of National Rail stations, but would urge First Capital Connect to maintain staffing hours at their stations.

I would be happy to ask my officers to arrange a meeting with them to express my concern at the closure. * Harold Pinter Memorial Cinema Question No: 520 / 2009 Jennette Arnold Harold Pinter, the Nobel Prize winning playwright, was born in Stoke Newington and grew up in Lower Clapton. Hackney residents are campaigning to turn the old Clapton Cinematograph Theatre, which has stood empty for two years, into a lasting memorial for the man who is considered one of the greatest post-war playwrights. Will you be supporting the campaign for a Pinter memorial? Answer from the Mayor: I am happy to support proposals that have the buy-in of local residents, and are sustainable. The restoration of the Clayton Cinematograph Theatre building into a cinema could help strengthen cultural provision in Hackney significantly and provide a positive focus for the community. It is also fitting that there should be a memorial to Pinter in the place he grew up. * 101 Number Question No: 521 / 2009 Jennette Arnold I am surprised at your answer to Question No:50/2009 about the 101 number which I helped launch in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and which has been so well received. If the 101 number in its current form is “undeliverable” is there not another model that could deliver a single non-emergency number such as that available to the citizens of New York, Kuala Lumpar, Chicago and Singapore to name but a few? Answer from the Mayor: I will be working with London Councils to bring forward a proposal for a single non-emergency number for London. This could possibly encompass the use of the GLA group as a catylst for delivery. * Cycling Hackney Question No: 522 / 2009 Jennette Arnold Will you confirm which five of the twenty-three original schemes to improve access to roads for cyclists in Hackney will now be funded by the London Cycle Networks Plus (LCN+) programme? Answer from the Mayor: The table below shows the five schemes that have been approved for funding by the London Cycle Network Plus programme for 2009/2010.

Location Description Link 68 - Lea Bridge Road j/w Lea Valley Introduce dedicated cycle crossing and upgrade path Walk alignment leading towards canal towpath.

112 Link 67 - Poole Street Upgrade existing segregated cycle lane, entry treatment at between New North junction, relocate parking, reconstruct segregated contraflow Road and Imber Street cycle lane, cycle logos and signage. Link 68 - Hackney Road j/w Goldsmith's Upgrade existing cycle crossing and cycle track on north side Row of Hackney Road. Outline design to consider road safety and priority Link 66 - East Bank / improvements for cyclists (CRISP recommendation from Link Amhurst Park 66 CRISP Study). Design & Implementation to follow in Junction. 2008/09 (traffic signals option to be considered). Link 250 - Eastway j/w Red Path Introduction of toucan crossing at entrance to Red Path.

City Hall Open Days Question No: 523 / 2009 Joanne McCartney I understand that the City Hall Occasional Open Weekends are to be scrapped in the next financial year with 7 & 8 March the last such weekend due to cuts being made to the relevant budget. (I also understand the Open Weekend involving a number of different venues all over London will, however, not be affected.) I would urge you to reconsider this decision and to look at keeping City Hall as open as possible to Londoners, it’s their building after all! I know how much Londoners as well as tourists relish the chance to take a closer look at the GLA (including the walk down the spiral staircase and the view from the 9th floor!) and I believe we should not miss the opportunity to bring City Hall closer to the people. Have you looked into better promotion of these Open Days or alternative arrangements eg every alternate month or late- evening openings? Answer from the Mayor: I have not yet confirmed that most weekend openings of City Hall to the generally public will cease in the new financial year. This would be subject to a decision taken in line with the Authority’s decision making framework.

For information, the cost of opening City Hall for occasional weekends is £44,000 per year and the average number of visitors over these weekends is around 850 people. This means that it costs the taxpayer around £4.50 for every visitor coming into the building at weekends.

We are still intending to take part in London Open House. This is a city-wide event, which encourages people to look at buildings, many of which are not generally open to the public, over a weekend in September. Last year City Hall attracted around 6,000 people over this weekend and this event is budgeted at £6,000 per annum.

City Hall is open to the public from Monday to Friday with many tourists and Londoners visiting on a daily basis. * Accessibility to Tube/ Rail Question No: 524 / 2009 Joanne McCartney Following on from your response from the last Plenary meeting, I gather that step-free access at Wood Green station has been deferred without any specifics as to when these works will take place in the future. I would like to know why this important project at Wood Green station has been deferred. This is a major transport interchange with the bus network and step-free access would greatly aid travel for those with impaired mobility. Can you please ensure that TfL presses on with this essential work asap?

113 Answer from the Mayor: Wood Green featured in the proposed network of step-free London Underground stations, as described in the "Towards an Accessible Tube" consultation in 2007. At that time, it was the previous Mayor’s aspiration to make one third of the Tube’s stations step-free by the end of 2013.

Unfortunately, as confirmed in the TfL Business Plan published in November 2008, there has never been funding in place to deliver such a programme. This means that LU are unable to progress the scheme to deliver step-free access at Wood Green, along with others for which funding was never secured.

However, LU remains committed to making the Tube more accessible and is on target to make 25% of the Tube network (68 stations) step-free by the end of 2010. Many other improvements are being made, for example more accessible trains, wide aisle gates, improved information systems and way-finding. * Cycle routes in Haringey/ Enfield Question No: 525 / 2009 Joanne McCartney Is it true that you are proposing to cut funding on 3/4 of Haringey’s cycling routes - thereby missing the opportunity to make cyclists’ lives safer - by rerouting expenditure from the London Cycle Network Plus project (LCN+) to other cycle-related schemes eg the Velib scheme? I would be grateful for exact details on what routes you are planning to fund/ drop in Haringey as well as Enfield. Answer from the Mayor: You will be aware of my view that efforts to provide for cycling should now be focused on my cycling revolution as I have set out in “Way To Go!”.

I envisage a shift towards more integrated and targeted interventions to make cycling safer, easier and more appealing. These include cycle highways along with bike hire and cycle hubs as the best way to grow and develop cycling in the Capital. That said, LCN+ funding has been confirmed to be made available to Boroughs. The details of the routes being funded in Enfield and Haringey in 2009/10 are as follows.

Enfield Two schemes are being funded in 2009/10. These are both located on Link 53 which runs across the borough from the borough boundary with Barnet on Cat Hill to the borough boundary with Waltham Forest on Lea Valley Road.

Link 53 – Cat Hill Roundabout (£50k) Link 53 – Enfield Town Centre (Church Street between Chase Side and The Town) (£115k)

Note that these two schemes are unlikely to progress as they do not have Council support so the borough is planning to reallocate funding elsewhere subject to TfL approval.

Haringey Three schemes are being funded in 2009/10. These are located on Link 79 (from Brownlow Road at the borough boundary with Enfield to Ferry Lane at the borough boundary with Waltham Forest), Link 81 (from the top of Muswell Hill Road in Highgate to Wood Green) and Link 83 (from Wood Green to Manor House at the borough boundary with Hackney). Link 79 - Bounds Green Road j/w Truro Road (£37k) Link 81 - A1 to Alexandra Palace (£164k) Link 83 - Green Lanes (£100k)

114 Domestic Violence Question No: 526 / 2009 Joanne McCartney One of your spokespeople stated last November that “funding to tackle violence against women will increase significantly from £139,000 in 2008/2009 to £285,000 for 2009/2010”. I would be grateful if you could provide me with the fully-costed breakdown of how you arrive at this figure and exactly on how the money is to be spent. Answer from the Mayor: In my draft budget for 2009/10 I have allocated £285k for the implementation of the Violence Against Women Strategy. This includes £233k for rape crisis provision and £52k for additional GLA staff. I am currently engaging with academics, statutory and voluntary sector partners to confirm priorities for the £233k allocated to rape crisis provision. * Blackwall tunnel Question No: 528 / 2009 Len Duvall Can you update me on the progress of your manifesto pledge to reintroduce tidal flow to the Blackwall tunnel? Answer from the Mayor: I have asked TfL to examine the options that would permit reinstatement of tidal flow at Blackwall Tunnel without putting lives and the continued operation of the tunnels at undue risk. This will include a review of the technical and legislative requirements to safely improve traffic flows there. I am expecting the findings to be reported in the next few weeks. However, I am aware that the legal processes and control infrastructure required, provided a safety case can be established, are complicated and time consuming. I cannot therefore currently give you a timescale. * Silvertown Link Question No: 529 / 2009 Len Duvall Can you provide me with an update on the work you have done (i.e. feasability studies etc) in relation to the Silvertown link? Answer from the Mayor: I have asked TfL to consider alternatives to the Thames Gateway Bridge. TfL will review a wide range of options, including those at Silvertown, and are currently identifying the priorities for river crossings in the area, including transport and economic priorities. The next step will be to shortlist a number of possible options to consider in more detail. I intend to be in a position to consult with affected stakeholders on possible options later this year.

London Development Agency Activities Question No: 530 / 2009 Len Duvall What London Development Agency activities have there been in Greenwich and Lewisham since your election? Answer from the Mayor: Residents and businesses based in Lewisham and Greenwich are benefitting from the London Development Agency’s activities in the area to deliver jobs, skills and growth. Whilst much of 115 the LDA’s activity is pan-London and therefore benefits individuals and businesses across London, including those in Greenwich & Lewisham, I have below outlined some of the activity that is taking place in these areas:

GLOBE - Greenwich The LDA is delivering this project with Hyde Housing Association which provides targeted and flexible employment support to 200 social housing residents in the boroughs of Lambeth and Greenwich. Participants receive intensive Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) and are referred (where appropriate) to partner agencies to improve their skills.

Royal Arsenal/The Warren - Greenwich The LDA have delivered a revised masterplan incorporating a Crossrail station, 3,700 residential units and 22,000m2 of town centre that gained planning consent at Greenwich Planning Committee in November 2008.

White Hart Triangle – Greenwich The LDA has recently completed the £17m 200,000 sq ft development that is the borough’s biggest industrial development.

Design for London - Greenwich Design for London is continuing to assist LB Greenwich with the Woolwich Squares public space project and has helped to complete a jointly funded study for the A206 Road Corridor and provided design advice and revenue funding on East London Green Grid projects in Maryon Park and Avery Hill.

Opening Doors - Lewisham The LDA is delivering Opening Doors with the LB Lewisham which aims to assist unemployed and economically inactive individuals in Lewisham by providing range of activities tailored to their individual needs, to increase their confidence and improve their employability.

Eco Street – Lewisham Lewisham Council launched an ‘Eco Street’ project in August 2008 in partnership with the LDA. Residents of The Rockbourne Triangle are having a make-over that will include:

- A free energy assessment for each home, delivered by London Development Agency’s Green Home Concierge Service - A free pack of environmentally friendly ‘goodies’ for each household - Financial support for measures to make each home more sustainable and reduce energy bills - Local clean-up events - A ‘sustainable living’ event for residents - Development of a car club for the street - Opportunities to support local wildlife and other biodiversity improvements

Design for London activity – Lewisham Design for London has worked with LB Lewisham and partners on a Design Charrette for the Deptford Creek area, helped progress design development of Kender Triangle in New Cross Gate and supported a successful bid for CLG funding of £2m for Waterlink Way.

Lewisham Gateway – Lewisham The CPO Inquiry held on 18th December 2008 and a S.106 agreement agreed by parties in December 2008.

Green Homes – Lewisham & Greenwich The Green Homes Concierge Service has a total of 26 customers in Greenwich and 138 in Lewisham.

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Green 500 – Lewisham The LDA have signed Lewisham Council up to be a member of their Green 500 scheme. The Agency has signed off their action plan which commits to save 14,900 tonnes of CO2 by 2011.*

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