Subject: Questions to the Mayor Report number: 4 Report to: London Assembly Date: 23/05/07 Report of: Director Of Secretariat

Renewable Energy at the Olympics Question No: 856 / 2007 Darren Johnson Is it correct to conclude from your answer to MQT 656/2007 that 20% of the energy demand during the Olympic Games in 2012 will be provided from on-site renewable energy, and that London Array and other off-site renewables will not count towards this 20%? Response from the Mayor The ODA Sustainable Development Strategy sets out the objective for providing 20 per cent of immediate post Games Park and Village energy demand from on-site renewable sources. This will be achieved through on-site renewable sources. The London Array and other off site renewable sources will not count towards that target. Annual CO2 Reduction Targets Question No: 857 / 2007 Darren Johnson Following your Climate Change Action Plan, will you set annual targets for CO2 reductions in London? Response from the Mayor My Climate Change Action Plan set an overall carbon reduction target of 60% by 2025. As I set out when launching the Plan, this implies a reduction of 4% a year. Clearly we will not achieve emissions reductions in a totally linear fashion, but we will aim to reach this leve of cuts each year. I have also undertaken to report annually on progress with the Plan, and will include within this information about CO2 emissions as well as details of implementation programmes. ODA Sustainability Policies Oral Question No: 858 / 2007 answer Darren Johnson In response to question 374/2007 you expressed concern regarding ODA sustainability policies “particularly on waste, water, timber and procurement issues”. Please outline the substance of your concern in each of these four areas. Carbon Footprint Question No: 859 / 2007 Darren Johnson What assessment have you conducted of the carbon footprints of different sectors of London’s population, as part of the background for your Climate Change Action Plan? Response from the Mayor The focus of the Climate Change Action Plan was on overall carbon reduction targets, and designing a programme of measures to meet them. The Plan contains some analysis of carbon emissions from aviation by different socio-economic groups (page 169 of the report), some analysis of social housing and the fuel poor (page 53) and of the linakages between London and other global communities (page 11). Additional work is ongoing to raise awareness of climate change issues amongst London’s diverse population. Carbon Accounting Question No: 860 / 2007 Darren Johnson Are all GLA Group organisations now using the carbon accounting software developed by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and London Climate Change Agency? Response from the Mayor The carbon accounting software tool has been issued to the GLA and the functional bodies. The LCCA purchased the software and gave each functional body, including the GLA, a copy, provided training and ran the software tool for the whole GLA Group in 2005. Loss of Nature Conservation Sites Question No: 861 / 2007 Darren Johnson Why has London suffered a net loss to development of protected nature conservation sites (according to information in the last two London Plan Monitoring Reports), given its rising population and your objective of protecting and enhancing biodiversity and access to it? Response from the Mayor While any loss of wildlife habitat is regrettable, small losses of protected sites are inevitable with the amount of new development required to meet the demands for housing and employment. The loss you refer to was less than two hectares, or 0.01 per cent of the total area of designated wildlife sites.

Monitoring through the London Development Database only gives part of the whole picture, as it more readily records losses than gains. Figures soon to be published in my State of the Environment Report indicate that my open space and habitat survey has identified around 1000 hectares of additional sites of importance for nature conservation since 2003. While some of this is land that has never been surveyed before, much of it reflects real improvements in London’s wildlife habitats. TfL Travel Demand Management budget Question No: 862 / 2007 Darren Johnson What was TfL’s budget for Travel Demand Management in 2004/05 and 2007/08? Response from the Mayor The Travel Demand Management budget in 2004/05 was £8.65m and has increased to £30m in 2007/08. This significant increase in resources has enabled a major uplift in the numbers of travel plans being delivered for workplaces, schools, colleges, hospitals and residents (through personalised travel planning), together with travel awareness campaigns and support for car clubs. TfL Cycling Budget Question No: 863 / 2007 Darren Johnson What was TfL’s budget for cycling in 2004/05 and 2007/08? Response from the Mayor This is set out in the table below, which contains figures for all cycling related activity; i.e. research, marketing, cycle training, cycle parking and local access improvement measures on borough roads and the Transport for London Road Network (all figures in £M).

Cycling 2004/05 2007/08

Borough schemes 8.5 20.4 TfL schemes 4.6 15.6

Total 13.1 36.0 TfL Walking Budget Question No: 864 / 2007 Darren Johnson What was TfL’s budget for walking in 2004/05 and 2007/08? Response from the Mayor This is set out in the table below, which contains figures covering all walking related activity; i.e. research, marketing, Strategic Walks Network, new and upgraded crossing facilities and local access improvement measures on borough roads and the Transport for London Road Network (all figures in £M). Walking 2004/05 2007/08

Borough schemes 3.5 9.2 TfL schemes 3.3 5.5

Total 6.8 14.7 LDA Climate Change Budget Question No: 865 / 2007 Darren Johnson What was the approximate total LDA budget for climate change work in 2004/05 and 2007/08? Response from the Mayor The budget identified for climate change work in 2004/05 financial year was £105 thousand. The LDA budget for climate change work in 2007/08 financial year is £12.1 million. Biofuels Question No: 866 / 2007 Darren Johnson Following rising concerns (including in a recent UN report) about the impact of biofuels on rainforests, climate change, biodiversity, food prices and food security, will you support a freeze on crop-based biofuels in TfL vehicles until a sustainable source can be identified? Response from the Mayor I share your concerns with some of the reports about some biofuels.

TfL must ensure that any ethanol purchased for its fleets comes from sustainable supplies, and has therefore urged the DfT to mandate that any fuels supplied through the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation from spring 2008 only come from sustainable sources.

My office, along with TfL, is continuing to develop our policy on biofuels. Used Cooking Oil Question No: 867 / 2007 Darren Johnson What proportion of used cooking oil in London is currently recycled into biodiesel, and what steps will your Business Waste Strategy take to increase this proportion? Response from the Mayor There is no accurate data on the quantity of used cooking oil currently recycled in London because very minimal data was reported by waste authorities (through WasteDataFlow) in 2005/06. Projects that collect commercial vegetable oil in London, such as BISTRO, fall outside the waste authority reporting requirements and are not required to report data elsewhere.

The Mayor’s draft Business Waste Strategy: * Promotes the collection of wastes that can be made into a range of transport fuels, such as bio-diesel, * Uses Transport for London’s Freight Plan to increase the take-up of waste- derived fuels amongst vehicle operators, creating a market for these alternative fuels, and * Puts pressure on Defra and the Environment Agency, through their data strategy, to improve business waste data. Housing Need Question No: 868 / 2007 Darren Johnson Given London’s current population and social make-up, how many (both existing and new) social rented, affordable, and market homes does the capital currently need? Please give separate figures for each category of housing. How will these figures have changed by 2016? Response from the Mayor I published in December 2004 the Greater London Housing Requirements Study, which is on the GLA website:

(http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/housing/docs/housing_reqs_2004.pdf)

The 2004 Housing Requirements Study did not cover the period as far as 2016, but I intend to publish within the next year a new report building on the 2004 study and meeting the requirements of the Government’s new guidance on carrying out Housing Market Assessments. This next study should cover the period up to 2016.

Of course the actual housing requirements in 2016 will depend on a range of factors, not least whether the supply of affordable housing has risen to meet the targets set out in the London Plan. In addition, setting targets for new housing has to take into account housing capacity and market conditions as well as theoretical requirements studies, not all of whose assumptions will fully correspond to reality. Low Emission Zone Question No: 869 / 2007 Darren Johnson Do you recall Roger Evans AM spending much of the first term calling on you to implement an LEZ rather than the congestion charge - urging you, for example, on 5/9/01 “the low emission zone actually has widespread support, certainly around the table here and amongst the public. Wouldn’t you be better doing that rather than wasting money on congestion charge?” Do you find it odd that Roger Evans is now pouring scorn on the idea of an LEZ, dismissing it in his 30/4/07 blog as a “stealth tax”? Response from the Mayor I am grateful to you for reminding me of this. While the Conservative leader is now ready to indulge in rhetoric on the environment, it is noticeable that the London Conservatives continue to oppose most of the major initiatives that I have taken, with Green Party support, to make London more green. London and the Prime Minister Question No: 870 / 2007 Darren Johnson Has Tony Blair been good for London? Response from the Mayor Tony Blair’s greatest gift to London has been the restoration of city-wide strategic government, helping the capital secure its place as a leading world city.

Londoners have also benefited from falling unemployment, investment in education, childcare and health, and the minimum wage along with increased rights to maternity and paternity leave. Londoners have welcomed the repealing of Section 28, the introduction of civil partnerships and other equalities legislation.

The important role that the Prime Minister played in securing the Olympics for London should be recognised, as should his efforts in promoting action on climate change globally, including his part in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol. Safety Cameras Question No: 871 / 2007 Jenny Jones What is the anticipated net surplus due to be raised from cameras operated by the London Safety Camera Partnership in the coming year and passed to the Treasury? How much of this money is the Government due to return to London for expenditure on safety cameras and how much on other road safety initiatives? Response from the Mayor There will be no net surplus for 2007/8. Under the new funding mechanism announced by the government in December 2005, Partnerships will no longer need to return a surplus to the Treasury (as has happened in the previous five years) from April 2007. Regardless of the number of fines issued in 2007/8 the London Safety Camera Partnership (LSCP) will receive a grant of £10.5M to fund the operation. 20 mph zones Question No: 872 / 2007 Jenny Jones Can you provide me with a breakdown by borough of the amount of money that has been allocated for 20mph zones since 2000/01? Response from the Mayor TfL’s London Road Safety Unit has managed the road safety budget since 2003/04. In that time at total of £37.068m has been allocated to the boroughs to support the implementation of 20mph zones. The attached spreadsheet (Appendix A) breaks this figure down by borough for the last five financial years. Tachograph Irregularities Question No: 873 / 2007 Jenny Jones What proportion of lorry stops by police uncover tachograph irregularities? Response from the Mayor The MPS has informed me that since January 2006 a total of 542 tachograph cases have been received within the Traffic Serious Casework Unit.

These cases have resulted in 1,639 tachograph offences being prosecuted at court.

It should be noted that when the above tachograph offences are added to other offences reported at the same time, for example, Operator's Licence, dangerous loads, no insurance, dangerous condition & driving licence offences, the total offences prosecuted increases from 1,639 to 2,894.)

These prosecutions have resulted in excess of £120K worth of fines being imposed and have resulted in excess of £20K of costs being awarded.

Car parking at the Olympics Question No: 874 / 2007 Jenny Jones How many car parking spaces are being created for the Olympics, at all Olympics venues in London? How many of these will be temporary and how many will be retained after the Games? Response from the Mayor The current Olympic and Legacy Transformation Planning Applications propose a total of 2500 parking spaces on the main Olympic site during Games time and the retention of these in legacy. Officers remain in discussion with the Olympic Delivery Authority regarding the applications, both of which are yet to be determined. Olympics Media Centre Question No: 875 / 2007 Jenny Jones Stratford is an area with high public transport accessibility, so why did the ODA decision on parking for the media centre ignore your own guidance within the London Plan which allows you to restrict car parking further than the maximum car parking standards? When are you going to revise the car parking standards in the London Plan to allow for refusal of car generating developments such as the Stratford media centre and King Cross? Response from the Mayor The Host City Contract places requirements on the Organising Committee during Games time. However, the numbers of car parking spaces at the IBC/MPC detailed in the Olympic planning applications are merely proposed. Officers remain in discussion with the Olympic Delivery Authority regarding the applications.

I have no plans revise my Policy 3C.22 Parking Strategy in the London Plan, other than the amendment to strengthen it on cycle parking which you will have noticed forms part of my Further Alterations. The policy’s main provision – that on-site parking is the minimum necessary and that there is no over-provision that could undermine the use of more sustainable non-car modes – has worked well and I have no plans to change it. Signalised Pedestrian Crossings Question No: 876 / 2007 Jenny Jones A number of junctions with traffic lights in London do not provide ‘green- man’ crossing signals for pedestrians. Does TfL have an obligation under the Disability Discrimination Act to make the `reasonable adjustment’ of providing pedestrian crossing signals at all arms of junctions with traffic lights, to ensure that people with a disability do not find it significantly harder to access everyday services? Response from the Mayor TfL does not have an obligation under the Act to provide pedestrian crossings at signalised junctions. The Act places a requirement on all service providers to make reasonable adjustments to provide a level of service that is accessible to disabled people. However, while the Act requires changes to service vehicles, it does not make the same requirement on highway facilities such as crossings.

Therefore, the requirement is to ensure that where crossings are installed these conform to appropriate guidance and standards, and include tactile paving, dropped kerbs and rotating cones.

In 2000, 75.69% of junctions had pedestrian facilities, compared to 85.43% in 2007. Community Land Trusts Question No: 877 / 2007 Jenny Jones Will you provide a detailed timetable for the delivery of a pilot Community Land Trust affordable housing project in London? Response from the Mayor The LDA has identified two sites for this project and is currently working on both in order to bring forward one of these sites for a Community Land Trust affordable housing project. The site should be in its construction phase, subject to planning approval during 2009. Borough Walking Officers Question No: 878 / 2007 Jenny Jones How many London Boroughs have a dedicated Walking Officer? Response from the Mayor A recent survey by the Strategic Walks Partnership amongst boroughs sought to ascertain the level of resource to promote walking. To date 20 boroughs have responded and further work is being undertaken to obtain a full picture. The results of this survey will be discussed at the Walking Advisory Panel. Borough Walking Policies Question No: 879 / 2007 Jenny Jones What has TfL done to encourage the take-up of walking issues by London’s borough councils and how successful have these efforts been? Response from the Mayor Within their Local Implementation Plans (LIPs), all London boroughs are required to provide a full local response to the Transport Strategy and the Walking Plan for London. LIPs are required to specifically address walking issues including personal safety and security, infrastructure improvements, completing the strategic walk network, local promotion, introduction of pedestrian signal phases and accessibility improvements. Borough Walking Maps Question No: 880 / 2007 Jenny Jones Who is responsible for producing definitive rights of way maps within Greater London? What work has TfL done to ensure that these maps are up to date, and will TfL include this right of way information in its pedestrian way-finding strategies? Response from the Mayor These maps are usually prepared by a surveying authority and are a legal record of the public's rights of way in one of four categories:

- footpath - bridleway - road used as a public path - byway open to all traffic

In London, each borough is the surveying authority. However, the twelve inner London borough councils and the City of London are not legally required to produce a definitive map.

Production of definitive maps and statements is a duty set out in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. TfL does not have a custodial role in the duty on boroughs. However data on the rights of way network in outer London is available and TfL is intending to make this available within Journey Planner. Air Conditioning at the Olympic Village Question No: 881 / 2007 Darren Johnson Your response to question 341 / 2007 states, “various options for cooling the accommodation in the Olympic Village will be investigated as part of the design of the residential development”. If air conditioning is to be installed in the Athletes’ Village, why does the Energy Statement in the Olympic Planning Application show an energy consumption of zero for cooling in the Athletes’ Village? Response from the Mayor The ODA have confirmed that there are no plans to include air conditioning in the residential units at the athletes’ village during Games or Legacy. Some related buildings, such as catering and laundry, may require air conditioning during Games time only. This is for operational and health and safety reasons. Mount Pleasant Sorting Office Question No: 882 / 2007 Darren Johnson What representations have you made to Royal Mail about their plans for developing the Mount Pleasant Sorting Office site - in particular with regard to traffic impact if mail has to travel longer distances for sorting and with regard to the supply of affordable housing if much of the site is to be sold off for housing? Response from the Mayor My Planning Decisions Unit has been involved in the development of a masterplan for the area, working closely with Royal Mail and Islington and Camden Councils to achieve a sustainable development. I have no powers over Royal Mail’s decision to centralise part of their mail sorting capacity in this location, or to base a planning decision on my view of that decision.

Transport issues will, as always, play an important part in any planning decision I take relating to this site. The majority of the mail handled in this location will continue to be to and from the nearby City. As with any strategic housing site, the delivery of the London Plan housing policies will be another priority, including those policies relating to affordable housing. Patients’ Forums Question No: 883 / 2007 Darren Johnson Will the Mayor seek guarantees from the Secretary of State for Health that the system of Patients’ Forums in London will not be abolished without clear indication regarding both funding and powers of the replacement bodies (i.e. LINks)? Response from the Mayor Yes, I will seek assurances from Government that Patients’ Forums will not be abolished without suitable and robust arrangements being in place for their replacement structures.

I have previously urged DH and NHS officials to ensure adequate resources and support are provided to public and patient involvement structures and have raised my concerns about the negative impact of ongoing change to arrangements – and will continue to do so.

In my view, LINks must be adequately funded and given clear and significant powers if they are to be credible as an effective way for individuals and communities to engage with the NHS. I also consider it essential that they are both required and appropriately skilled and supported to be socially inclusive in their approach and to actively consider health inequalities in their ongoing work. London Ambulance Service Forum Question No: 884 / 2007 Darren Johnson Will the Mayor report on the steps he will take to persuade the Secretary of State for Health that London’s only pan-London Patients’ Forum (LAS Forum) will be maintained, supported and fully funded? Response from the Mayor I shall continue to raise with NHS and DH colleagues my concerns about ongoing changes to patient involvement structures and the limited resource committed to supporting them. I recognise that the LAS Forum deserves particular attention in these discussions due to both its London-wide remit and the pivotal role that LAS plays in the provision of emergency services in London. I will be meeting with officials from LAS in July and will consider this with them, as well as continuing to seek to influence those with responsibility for these structures. Bees Question No: 885 / 2007 Darren Johnson What actions are you and your biodiversity team taking to help safeguard London’s bees following the recently reported threats to the bee population? Response from the Mayor I have publicised Buglife’s Big Bumblebee Hunt on Wildweb.

I will continue to seek the inclusion of suitable habitat for London’s two rare bumblebees in the landscaping of new developments and the construction of green roofs. Also my biodiversity team are seeking to ensure that the Olympic Park contains habitat for the rare bees. Butterflies Question No: 886 / 2007 Darren Johnson What actions will you and your biodiversity team be taking in respect of the recommendations in the ‘State of British Butterflies 2007’ report? Response from the Mayor I will continue to promote the protection and enhancement of important habitats, and ensure that the requirements of butterflies are considered in the landscaping of strategic developments, including the Olympic Park.

My biodiversity team will assist the London Biodiversity Partnership in assessing whether additional butterfly species, as proposed in the report, should be added to the list of London priority species, and what actions are required for their conservation.

They will also investigate with Butterfly Conservation whether the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme collects sufficient data in London to enable the compilation of a meaningful state of the environment indicator for London. Solid Wall housing Question No: 887 / 2007 Darren Johnson A significant proportion of London’s housing stock either has solid walls or are flats, and will be unable to benefit from the cavity wall insulation programme. What steps are you taking to investigate technical solutions to improve insulation in these types of properties? Will funding be made available from the Regional Housing Budget or affordable sources to address this issue? Will financial assistance be available to help with the high cost of heating faced by vulnerable Londoners who have to pay disproportional high heating bills due to poorly insulated homes? Response from the Mayor My Climate Change Action Plan identifies the number of homes in London with solid walls, and I am aware of the issues for occupiers of flats. I will be investigating options for improving the insulation of such homes as part of my Green Homes programme.

I am in the process of drafting my recommendation on the distribution of resources from the Regional Housing Pot, and these will be sent to the Secretary of State at the end of June 2007. Once the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review is known I will be issuing a prospectus setting out my policy objectives for the use of resources from this Pot.

I do not have the powers to assist Londoners to meet the cost of heating. I am working with the utility companies to ensure that they are meeting their commitment to help such households reduce their energy bills. Electric Vehicles Question No: 888 / 2007 Darren Johnson Can the use of electric vehicles be encouraged through the planning process by making charging points compulsory features of parking provision in new developments? Response from the Mayor I have already asked my planners to consider how this can be done, but I do not have their findings yet. It is unlikely that this can be made compulsory, unless through national legislation or policy guidance; but in London, much can and will be done through negotiation with developers, particularly at the pre-application stage. Trees on Clapham Park Estate Question No: 889 / 2007 Darren Johnson Will you and your biodiversity officers work to support tenants and residents on the Clapham Park Estate to safeguard the thousands of trees under potential threat from developers after the trees lost their TPOs following a controversial ‘stock transfer’, away from the local council to Clapham Park Homes? Response from the Mayor I am keen to see London’s trees are protected and cared for properly, as outlined in my London Tree and Woodland Framework.

I understand that the trees on the Clapham Park Estate have never had Tree Preservation Orders placed on them. However, no felling of trees has been permitted under the existing outline planning consent.

When Clapham Park Homes apply for full planning consent, Lambeth Council will be in a position to apply TPOs, as required, in accordance with current legislation and their own tree policies. London Living Wage Question No: 890 / 2007 Darren Johnson To recognise the positive work of employers who have adopted London Living Wage policies and to promote payment of a Living Wage more widely, will you produce: 1) an introductory guide to becoming a Living Wage organisation, for both public and private sectors, drawing upon the experiences of the GLA and other organisations; and 2) a Mayor-led Living Wage Charter, taking the model of the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code? Response from the Mayor I very much welcome the growing acceptance of the London Living Wage by organisations in London, and the Living Wage is now making a real difference to the lives on many Londoners. I will ask my officers to discuss your proposals with other organisations interested in this matter, such as trade unions, London citizens and those employers who have adopted the living wage, and report back to me on this Recycling on the Underground Question No: 891 / 2007 Darren Johnson What proportion of waste left on the Underground was recycled in 2006/07? What are you doing to ensure the greater provision of commuter recycling bins at London rail and tube stations? Response from the Mayor Approximately 30% of the waste collected on the Underground network (stations and trains) is recycled.

LU is working with the Infracos to consider options, where space allows, for commuter recycling facilities at surface Tube stations and is also talking to the Boroughs about provision outside of Tube stations. Bus Engine Noise Question No: 892 / 2007 Darren Johnson Since my last question in October what progress have you and TfL made on the issue of bus engine noise, following continued complaints to me that the new Volvo buses are noisier than their predecessors? Response from the Mayor There have been modifications to Volvo vehicles in the fleet, which are resulting in reduced bus noise compared to their previous operation. TfL has incorporated new noise requirements into its vehicle specifications to cover any new buses that enter the fleet. These more closely reflect conditions in London.

TfL is also piloting the rapid development of hybrid buses in the London’s bus fleet, and welcome the opportunity diesel-electric technology offers to lower noise as well as reduce harmful emissions across the bus network. Croydon and Recycling Question No: 893 / 2007 Darren Johnson Further to my question in December 2006 when you confirmed that Croydon Council does not appear to be achieving the minimum requirement of one recycling site per 500 households for residents in blocks of flats, can you update me on any progress your officers have made in working with Croydon officers to resolve this? Response from the Mayor GLA officers met with London Borough of Croydon officers in February 2007 to discuss all aspects of waste and recycling and are due to meet again shortly.

Croydon officers have confirmed that they intend to provide all flats with near entry recycling facilities and currently aim to achieve this by 2010. In 2006/07 a further 100 near entry sites were established in Croydon. For 2007/08 funding has been agreed to provide recycling services for all Council-managed flats and they intend to focus on private estates in subsequent years. GLA officers are awaiting confirmation as to whether this achieves my target of 1 site per 500 properties.

Croydon’s recycling rate for 2005/06 was a very disappointing 16 per cent, well short of its 30 per cent target and the London average of 21 per cent. Croydon’s plans to improve its recycling rate, including through expanding its flats recycling services, will feature prominently in the next officer meeting. Taxi Emissions Question No: 894 / 2007 Darren Johnson Can you outline the plans and timetable for reducing CO2 emissions from the London black cab fleet between now and 2012? How long will it be before black cab drivers will have a fuel-efficient low carbon, or zero carbon option? Response from the Mayor We are in the middle of a programme for reducing air pollutant emissions from taxis. The Public Carriage Office (PCO) is now developing a ‘Carbon Strategy.’ The short term measures are likely to focus on encouraging ‘Eco-Driving’, improved maintenance of vehicles and the introduction of mid licensing emission testing. Medium and long term objectives are likely to focus on introducing CO2 standards for taxis and private hire vehicles.

The PCO continues to work with vehicle manufacturers in encouraging the development of more fuel efficient and lower carbon vehicles. Underground Noise Question No: 895 / 2007 Darren Johnson As Network Rail have stopped the sounding of train horns as a matter of routine between 11pm and 7am, will London Underground do the same at those stations on the Northern Line where it can be heard in houses and flats in the surrounding area? Response from the Mayor The whistles on a London Underground (LU) train are quite different from the horns of an overground train - as are the regulations around their usage. LU trains may need to sound whistles when moving about in the depot as an alert to staff in the vicinity and when going in and out of tunnels when overground to alert anyone who may be on the track or in the tunnel.

Existing requirements are already in place at LU that limit the sounding of train whistles between 2300 and 0700 hours. Measures have been taken at key sites such as the overbridge south of West Finchley station to minimise unnecessary noise at other times. Guide Dogs Question No: 896 / 2007 Darren Johnson What can you do to improve public information so that people with guide dogs are not turned away from shops and other establishments? Response from the Mayor Disabled people using assistance dogs (including blind people using guide dogs, hearing dogs for the deaf and mental health companion dogs) have legal protection under the disability discrimination act and the Disability Rights Commission publish an information leaflet "know your rights" for assistance dog owners. However, I'm aware that many assistance dogs uses still experience discriminatory practice and my senior policy adviser on disability and Deaf issues has been working to raise awareness of the rights of assistance dog users. Plastic Bag Free City Question No: 897 / 2007 Darren Johnson Should the Mayor be following the example of the small town of Modbury in working with retailers to make London a plastic bag-free city? Response from the Mayor Whilst making London a plastic bag-free city is a laudable goal, it needs to be recognised that it is a significantly larger scale than Modbury with its 43 shopkeepers.

This year my waste officers will be producing a waste reduction and reuse plan to set out measures for reducing London's waste and increasing reuse. This will include identifying methods for reducing the use of plastic bags by retailers in London.

In addition, there are several proposals in my draft Business Waste Strategy that will address the reduction of plastic bags, such as: * the production of a retail sector action plan, * a conference of producers and grocery retailers to discuss the production and retail of materials that cannot be recycled or composted in London, and * negotiating with the Government to establish statutory measures to implement producer responsibility legislation rather than persisting with voluntary agreements. Air Quality and the Olympics Question No: 898 / 2007 Darren Johnson What are the nearest air quality monitoring stations for the Olympic site? What action is being taken to measure pollution levels from the construction work on the site and also to ensure that air quality levels are improving, as set out in the Olympic bid document? Response from the Mayor The nearest Local Authority air quality monitoring stations adjacent to the Olympic Park are at Cam Road and Dawlish Road.

The ODA will make arrangements within their Environmental Management Plan for dust monitoring. In addition contractors will use best practicable means to minimise dust and are required to follow the London Best Practice Guidance "The Control of Dust and Emissions from Construction and Demolition" published by the GLA and London Councils in November 2006 and adopt dust control measures for large sites of strategic importance.

The ODA will drive continual improvement in environmental performance, including in air quality. As well as minimising the impact of construction activities, the ODA’s Sustainable Development Strategy sets out a number of steps that will improve air quality. Initiatives include, prioritising walking and cycling and use of public transport to and within the Olympic Park and venues, enhancing plant life within the park. Electronic Tube Advertising Question No: 899 / 2007 Jenny Jones Paper posters on the escalators to and from the Bakerloo line at Paddington have been replaced with electronic screens showing a series of animated adverts. Are there plans to install such screens at other sites, and how do the energy implications of this fit with your Climate Change Action Plan? Response from the Mayor Digital escalator panels have been installed at Charing Cross and Tottenham Court Road stations as well as at Paddington. London Underground will be installing the panels at other locations although there are no plans to roll them out throughout the network. The advertising improvements will reduce the environmental impact from use of paper and paste, but I have, however, asked London Underground to brief my office on the energy use implications of these panels. Cage-free Eggs and Poultry Question No: 900 / 2007 Jenny Jones Does the GLA family have a cage-free poultry and egg catering policy? If not, will you take action on this? Response from the Mayor The GLA Group Sustainable Procurement Policy provides a framework within which each member of the group will seek to deliver positive sustainable outcomes through their procurement activity. Each member of the group is encouraged to promote sustainable food procurement. In City Hall all of the poultry and eggs supplied through our catering contractor are free range and do not come from caged poultry. LFEPA is due to renew its catering contract in October of this year and intends to include a requirement for eggs and poultry to be free range. I would be happy to suggest that other members of the group take a similar approach as their catering contracts come up for renewal. Safe Bus Driving Question No: 901 / 2007 Jenny Jones Will you support an ‘am I driving safely’ scheme for bus drivers? This would include posters on the inside and outside of busses inviting passengers and other road users to phone a dedicated number to report unsafe bus driving. Response from the Mayor TfL has considered this approach. However, they concluded that the existing extensive monitoring of driving standards of bus drivers through surveys conducted by the Driving Standards Agency provided the best approach.

In addition, posters already displayed inside buses provide passengers with the contact details of TfL Surface Transport Customer Services, so that passengers can report any difficulties or issues they have. Contact details are also available on TfL’s website and in the Yellow Pages Local Transport Guide. Maintenance of Cycle Lanes - Peckham Road Question No: 902 / 2007 Jenny Jones Do you share the disappointment of cyclists in Southwark that it took over a year to complete maintenance work on Peckham Road? How do you respond to cyclists’ fears that TfL are compromising cyclist safety by failing to deliver an effective and efficient road maintenance programme? Response from the Mayor The surface of Peckham Road was identified as needing resurfacing around two years ago. However, these works were postponed to enable Thames Water to undertake significant mains work in the vicinity. The Thames Water works are nearing completion and a scheme to resurface Peckham Road and also provide improved facilities for cyclists is planned later this year.

It was appropriate to undertake these utility works before the road was resurfaced, rather than resurface the road only for us to dig it up shortly afterwards. Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit Oral Question No: 903 / 2007 answer Jenny Jones Do you share my concerns that significant progress that has been made in combating the illegal trafficking, selling, and possession of endangered species will be undermined if the Metropolitan Police’s wildlife crime unit has to endure cuts or closure because of a lack of public funding? Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit Question No: 904 / 2007 Jenny Jones What level of sponsorship has the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit managed to achieve and how does this compare to the hoped for target of revenue to be raised this way? What will be the consequences of not raising further funds in terms of reducing staff numbers and workload within the unit? Response from the Mayor My officers are actively working with the relevant Units within the Metropolitan Police to explore opportunities for sponsorship and other alternative sources of funding. I am hopeful that this will help provide the level of resources required to secure the long-term future of the Unit and that the question of reducing staffing will not arise.

At this point in time I am not aware that the Metropolitan Police have secured any sponsorship or external funding.

The MPS has provided assurances that they have no plans to close the Unit, although a reduction in staff is likely to reduce their enforcement capability to fight wildlife crime in London. Right to Cycle on the Road Question No: 905 / 2007 Jenny Jones Will you add your voice to those objecting to the revised Highway Code wording which says that cyclists should “use cycle facilities where possible”? Are you concerned that this will create a further barrier to cycling as it provides an escape clause for insurance companies and opens the door to inappropriate police enforcement, as many cycling facilities around the country are below standard or blocked? Response from the Mayor

Whilst I have not received any legal advice on this matter, I consider that we should not support legislation that could make it more difficult to cycle. However, I have no doubt that the Police in London will continue to enforce road traffic regulations. Stoke Newington Gyratory Question No: 906 / 2007 Jenny Jones TfL expect to have completed the business case for converting Stoke Newington gyratory back to two-way working by the end of this calendar year. Will this be included in the TfL business planning process so that this scheme can be taken to the next stage? Response from the Mayor Once the business case has been prepared, the scheme will then be considered for funding as part of the business planning process. Covert Human Intelligence Sources Question No: 907 / 2007 Jenny Jones Please provide details of: 1) How much money the Metropolitan Police (including Anti-Terrorist Squad, Special Branch etc) has spent on Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS’s) every year for the past five years; 2) How many CHIS the Metropolitan Police had on its payroll for each of these years; 3) What was the largest amount any of them received; 4) Which section of the Metropolitan Police they were providing information for (eg Anti-Terrorist Squad, Flying Squad, Vice & Clubs, Operation Trident etc); and 5) How much money was spent on their security, giving them new identities and housing them in safe houses etc. Response from the Mayor The MPS has informed me that for operational and security reasons, they are not in a position to provide a response to the question posed. TfL Housing Question No: 908 / 2007 Jenny Jones At a recent Community Action Group meeting, the subject of squatters and the problems they bring to the empty homes along the A406 was raised. A TfL officer suggested that once squatters are removed the homes should be made untenable by pulling the roofs off. Is this TfL’s official answer to the problem? Response from the Mayor This is not TfL’s official answer to the problem. At a recent Community Action Group meeting a TfL representative was recorded in the official minutes as informing those present that that there is always a possibility of partial demolition e.g. the removal of the roof etc’ for a building that is ultimately going to be demolished.

TfL would only usually consider demolition of a roof if it was badly damaged and presented a hazard to safety if left in it’s current condition. Removal of a roof will often lead to further damage to other existing structures and is rarely taken forward as an option of choice.

Once a possession order has been made, TfL will arrange to meet at the premises with the court's sheriff or bailiffs and the local or community police, and once the squatters are evicted, immediately arrange for the property to be secured. Audit of Cycle Facilities Question No: 909 / 2007 Jenny Jones How many local authorities carry out an annual audit of cycling facilities and how many involve local people and cycling groups in identifying need? Will you aim to make this a requirement of future Local Implementation Plans? Response from the Mayor Every Local Authority within London undertakes asset management, including cycling facilities, and involve local people and cycling groups in identifying needs and improvements. Cycling facilities are included within routine highway maintenance and inspection. In addition, for cycle routes of strategic importance such as the London Cycling Network (LCN+), defects are addressed as part of that programme. Recently TfL completed a review of cycle facilities on all 4000km of routes recommended for cycling and shown on the London Cycle Guides. This information has been captured on the Geographic Information System (GIS) and will be made available to all London authorities. Bike hire Question No: 910 / 2007 Jenny Jones Why has London failed to set up a comprehensive bike hire scheme in time for the summer, whilst in contrast, Paris have now introduced a large scale scheme involving 1,420 hiring spots, with a total of 14,000 bicycles? Response from the Mayor London has focused its resources on removing, or mitigating barriers to the development of cycling and increasing the effectiveness of existing resources. Unlike Paris, there is limited scope for a scheme to be financed through on-street advertising in London, as this is a function of the boroughs and not TfL. The complexities of London’s governance and the competing demands for space add further to the need for careful planning and negotiation. TfL is working closely with Central London boroughs to explore the feasibility of such a scheme. I am advised that the Paris scheme has stalled following a complaint of procedural irregularity from an unsuccessful bidder. Bus Driver Training Question No: 911 / 2007 Jenny Jones What percentage of bus drivers have now seen and discussed TfL’s training video on cyclists? How long will it be before all drivers have seen it as part of a training course? Response from the Mayor As you are aware, all new bus drivers are required to gain a bus driver BTEC qualification within their first year of service. By the end of 2005, all existing drivers had gained the qualification.

The BTEC syllabus has always included awareness of other road users, including cyclists. The training video was introduced in 2006 as a support tool for BTEC and for on-going refresher training of BTEC qualified drivers. It is estimated that since its introduction approximately 10% of drivers have seen the video as part of a training course.

The level of refresher training for qualified drivers has been steadily increasing and is focused on drivers who have an identified training need. From September 2008, there will be a requirement for all bus drivers to receive a minimum of 7 hours refresher training each year. TfL is working with London’s bus operators to ensure that maximum benefit is gained from this training through the provision of high quality training support tools, such as the training video on cyclists. Bus Safety Question No: 912 / 2007 Jenny Jones What action has TfL taken to design buses to minimise the impact of a bus involved in a collision with a pedestrian or a cyclist? Has the fitting of crumple zones to the front of buses been considered, or modifying the shape of buses to prevent people being crushed underneath? Response from the Mayor All vehicles in the London Buses’ fleet meet the UK’s Construction and Use requirements, and are designed to minimise risk to pedestrians, passengers and drivers.

TfL take into consideration all research into new vehicle design that might further improve the safe operation of the bus fleet. New designs are incorporated into the vehicle specification, where appropriate. This specification sets out to operators TfL’s requirements when new buses are introduced. TfL is unaware of any current evidence to suggest that the devices such as crumple zones or other modifications would further improve safety. Blackwall Tunnel Tidal Flow Question No: 913 / 2007 Jenny Jones Have TfL or its consultants carried out any fresh calculations of the projected traffic figures for the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge based upon: the ending of the northbound Blackwell Tunnel tidal flow; a raised levy for the Dartford Crossing and a congestion charge for Greenwich? Response from the Mayor The Thames Gateway Bridge is essential to unlock regeneration on both sides of the river. It will improve local residents' access to jobs and education opportunities and make the area more attractive for businesses to locate and homes to be built. The issues you have raised do not materially affect the validity of the evidence given at the exhaustive public inquiry into the bridge, which considered all relevant evidence over 89 days and I continue to press the Government for a decision as soon as possible. Foreign-registered vehicles Question No: 914 / 2007 Jenny Jones How many congestion charging and bus lane infringement Penalty Charge Notices relate to foreign-registered vehicles each year in London? What percentage of the debts owed by these foreign-registered vehicles does TfL manage to collect? How many foreign-registered vehicles have been clamped in order to make them pay fines? Response from the Mayor Since April 2005 TfL has issued 14,900 Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to foreign registered vehicles (FRVs) observed in contravention of the red route controls through the offices of an agent specialising in recovery of European debt. Reciprocal arrangements are in place with some countries for the exchange of keeper details and as a result TfL is only able to recover a limited number of PCNs. 5.85% of all PCNs issued to FRVs have been paid and closed.

Owing to the diverse nature of European judiciary systems and the lack of suitable international agreements and arrangements, it is not possible to recover penalty charges incurred by FRV’s as effectively and in the same way as can be done in England and Wales.

On 1 January 2005, Congestion Charging appointed European Parking Collections (EPC) to collect outstanding debts from foreign-registered vehicles. Since that date, a total of 156,802 cases of foreign-registered vehicles incurring Congestion Charging Penalty Charge Notices have been referred to EPC (up to 30 April 2007).

The yearly Congestion Charging figures are:

2005 - 63,978 cases referred 2006 - 59,020 cases referred 2007 - 33,804 cases referred (until end of April)

The increase in the first quarter of 2007 is primarily as a result of the implementation of the western extension to the congestion charging zone.

Of these 156,802 cases, EPC were able to obtain registered keeper details and send Penalty Charge Notices for 47,121 cases (30%). Of the Penalty Charge Notices subsequently issued 17,868 (38%) have been collected to date. In addition, Congestion Charging’s On-Street Enforcement Service Provider, National Car Parks, has clamped or removed 138 vehicles in order to recover outstanding penalty charges. Of these, 128 have paid the outstanding charges, nine have been disposed of, and one remains in the pound awaiting collection. Parking Fines and Foreign-registered Vehicles Question No: 915 / 2007 Jenny Jones How many boroughs now use a European debt collection service to pursue unpaid parking fines by foreign-registered vehicles? Response from the Mayor Approximately 15 London local authorities use the services of a specialist recovery agents as well as TfL.

TfL is currently engaged in a project aimed at determining how penalty charges can be more efficiently recovered in other European Union countries ANPR and foreign-registered vehicles Question No: 916 / 2007 Jenny Jones Do Metropolitan Police ANPR operations target foreign-registered vehicles that have outstanding congestion charge or bus lane infringement fines? Response from the Mayor I have been informed that the MPS do not hold or use any data for congestion charge / bus lane offenders on ANPR. They do, however, regularly use databases on the ANPR that contain foreign vehicles sought for a wide variety of traffic related offences. The ANPR equipment can and will read ALL EU foreign plates. GOAL Question No: 917 / 2007 Jenny Jones Given that this year’s funding for green cycle/walking routes was still less than half the amount bid for, do you agree that a further increase in funding for a network of safe and pleasant routes, including the GOAL proposals put forward by Sustrans, would help to promote sustainable transport in London? Response from the Mayor Since 2004/5 funding for walking and cycling has increased from less than £20m to more than £50m today. This has enabled major improvements in the walking and cycling networks. TfL will continue to consider a range of measures necessary to make London a sustainable world city with significantly increased levels of walking and cycling. Thames cycle/pedestrian bridge Question No: 918 / 2007 Jenny Jones Thank you for the answer to my question 2783/2006 on the Thames cycle/pedestrian bridge. Now that a positive business case has been made for the bridge, what is the next stage in taking this project forward? Response from the Mayor TfL provided funds to Sustrans to evaluate both the engineering and economic feasibility of the bridge proposal. While this has produced an outline economic appraisal, I have yet to see a business case.

It seems unlikely that the bridge could justify its construction for the 2012 games traffic alone and would need therefore to prove a legacy value in terms of the strategic cycle and walking networks. Should a business case for the bridge prove its viability it would then have to compete against other priorities under TfL’s investment planning process. Road Works Question No: 919 / 2007 Jenny Jones Will you ask TfL to revise their risk assessment, design and signage policies for road works to take into account the needs and capabilities of cyclists, which are different to motorised road users? Response from the Mayor The Construction Design and Management regulations confer on TfL and its designers and works contractors a requirement to carry out risk assessments for all road user categories, including pedestrians and cyclists. TfL’s London Cycle Design Standards also require designers to consider cyclists at road works.

In addition, TfL's Network Assurance Team’s Notification process specifies minimum lane widths for cyclists and for general traffic whilst schemes are under construction.

Finally the National Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 is currently under review by TfL with a view to improving the national requirements for signage associated with cyclists at roadworks. Cycling Audits Question No: 920 / 2007 Jenny Jones The TIRA [TfL Infrastructure Review Actions] study carried out as a result of the Blackfriars Bridge deaths recommended in June 2006: i) “An audit based on outcomes should be carried out in twelve months time to determine whether in individual schemes, and on the central London bridges, conditions are improving for cyclists. RNP [Road Network Performance] should own the responsibility for this. It is recommended that the terms of this review and the associated methodology should be identified shortly to ensure that the necessary review data is captured.” ii) “The KPIs [Key Performance Indicators] for cycling arising from the NMP [Network Management Plan] process should be consulted on at the earliest opportunity.” What progress has been made on these two key recommendations? Response from the Mayor TfL continues to undertake monitoring of scheme outcomes, including recent scheme implementation audits on the A23 and A232.

The London Cycling Network (LCN+) programme of Cycle Route Implementation Stakeholder Plan (CRISP) includes central London bridges and will be completed by the end of this financial year (2007/8) The outputs from this process will identify the current conditions for cyclists and help inform potential improvements. An audit is now underway to review progress against the actions and recommendations arising from the TRL review, with draft findings available by the end of this June.

A package of Key Performance Indicators to benchmark and measure performance in relation to cycling has been developed. The efficacy of these measures is being trialled through the ongoing NMP pilot schemes. It is likely that the KPIs will be further refined as this work progresses. An NMP communication strategy is being developed and will include a timeframe for wider discussion of the KPIs for all modes. Cycling on A316 Question No: 921 / 2007 Jenny Jones Have TfL looked at the needs of cyclists using the A316 route beyond Apex Corner, travelling out of London? Response from the Mayor The A316 between Apex Corner and the TfL boundary is not part of the current London Cycling Network (LCN+) proposals. However, a route feasibility study - similar to a Cycle Route Implementation Stakeholder Plan (CRISP) study - is planned so that cyclists’ needs can be incorporated into the proposals for the A316 corridor. 2012 Olympics and Pensioners Question No: 922 / 2007 Jenny Jones What will the 2012 Games do for pensioners? Response from the Mayor Older people have an important role to play in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As volunteers, employees and entrepreneurs, older people will be able to contribute valuable experience and skills. In addition, the Cultural Olympiad will provide an opportunity to use creativity to build bridges between generations. There are also the obvious benefits of an improved public transport system with increased accessibility and security. Mayor’s Report Update Oral Question No: 923 / 2007 answer John Biggs Would the Mayor kindly update his report? Health Inequalities Oral Question No: 924 / 2007 answer Jennette Arnold The London Health Commission’s Health in London Report for 2007 reaffirms that overcrowded housing is a key driver of the health inequalities gap. How will you ensure that the appropriate links are made between your Health Inequalities Strategy and your Housing Strategy to address this? Response from the Mayor Congestion Charge Relief Question No: 925 / 2007 John Biggs Do you have plans to review those eligible for relief from congestion charge payments? Whilst the scheme offers the valuable 100% discount for blue badge holders, and procedures for reclaiming the charge for some hospital treatments, no relief is offered to carers. For example, a carer who daily assists a resident in the congestion zone is not eligible for a discount. Neither are close family members who need to visit relatives with terminal illnesses during palliative care. Will you endorse a full review of congestion charge relief so that, in these extreme times of worry and stress, poorer families are not faced with an uncomfortable choice of either an unaffordable charge or not being able to care for those closest to them? Response from the Mayor While I am very sympathetic to the needs of carers, I do not consider it is practical to offer an exemption or discount to carers. Such a discount would be extremely difficult to administer, with major problems in identifying whether the journey was being undertaken for a purpose relating to providing care. It would also set a precedent for other categories of drivers, which could lead to a significant erosion of the de-congestion benefits of the scheme.

TfL provides a comprehensive public transport network, and supports door-to-door services for those with specific mobility needs.

There are a number of discounts and exemptions available that may assist carers. For example, Blue Badge holders who have registered with TfL for the 100% discount are able to nominate up to two different vehicles per charging day for a 100% discount, neither of which have to be owned or driven by the discount holder. There is also a 100% reimbursement for eligible NHS patients, providing the patient who is eligible is in the vehicle.

Other discounts that may aid some carers include a 90% discount for the vehicle if the carer is resident in the zone. I am also proposing a 100% discount for very low CO2 emitting vehicles. Fixed Rate Payment for Legal Advice in London Oral Question No: 926 / 2007 answer Valerie Shawcross Given the recent decision of the Legal Services Commission to pay a nationwide fixed rate for advice cases, and given that costs for giving advice in London are greater than elsewhere because of the higher costs in the capital and the fact that there is a greater concentration of people with difficult and complex needs, what does the Mayor think needs to be done to ensure that advice provision in London can be sustained? Green Housing in London Question No: 927 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Withdrawn Toilet Provision by Boroughs Question No: 928 / 2007 Joanne McCartney What is the Mayor doing to encourage London Boroughs to provide more toilet provision for the general public, and for bus drivers and related staff? Response from the Mayor Unfortunately I have no powers to make the boroughs improve their provision of public toilet facilities. However, considerable progress has been made in recent years by TfL to provide facilities for drivers and we are working with the Transport and General Workers Union to address requirements on the remaining routes that have yet to be addressed. Lost Oyster Cards Question No: 929 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Further to question number 1131/2006, the situation remains that season ticket holders who lose their Oyster Cards have to pay again for their travel while they wait for a replacement card to arrive. Can you tell me what the launch date is for “Associate Replacement Cards” that will allow people to get immediate replacements for lost Oyster Cards? Response from the Mayor Associate Replacement Oyster cards can be obtained within 24 hours of loss or theft. They are available to adult Travelcard season and Pay As You Go customers if their Oyster card is lost or stolen. ESOL funding Question No: 930 / 2007 Murad Qureshi How will the £15 million funding package that you secured to enable colleges to continue funding English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) be distributed across the capital? Response from the Mayor I refer the member to 1078 from Andrew Pelling. Stoke Newington Gyratory Question No: 931 / 2007 Jennette Arnold In your answer to Question 1132/2006 regarding the Stoke Newington Gyratory situated in my constituency of Hackney, you confirmed a feasibility study into the removal of the one way gyratory would have started last summer. Will you share the findings as TfL embark on a new investigation into the reversion of the Stoke Newington gyratory to two- way operation? Response from the Mayor Yes. The initial part of the feasibility study was a Pedestrian Environment Review System (PERS) audit of the gyratory. This was undertaken last year and copies can be made available. I have asked TfL to provide you with a copy.

The results of this audit have provided valuable information that has previously been anecdotal, but is now quantified in a recognised way. This is essential information because any scheme will be heavily dependant on its softer attributes as removal of the gyratory is likely to have a significant impact on traffic. Use of Bus Lanes by Licensed Private Hire Vehicles Question No: 932 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Does the Mayor agree with me that it’s high time that licensed private hire vehicles were allowed to use bus lanes, given their important contribution to London’s transport? Would you advise us on progress with the previously reported review of this matter? Response from the Mayor In recent months TfL has been working to enable licensed private hire vehicles to set down and pick up passengers on red routes. It is anticipated that this exemption, previously only afforded to licensed taxis, will be extended to cover private hire vehicles later this year.

I have asked TfL to consider the issues around private hire vehicles using bus lanes, once this exemption to set down and pick up on red routes is up and running. Barking Riverside Question No: 933 / 2007 John Biggs Are you aware of the unfavourable reviews that Bellway Homes has received from CABE in respect of developments or proposed developments at, for example, Harrison’s Wharf (Purfleet, Essex) and Regency View (Tiverdale, West Midlands)? Can you offer your assurance that the proposed Barking Riverside development at Barking Reach - or any part thereof - will not receive your approval unless the design receives strong support from CABE? Are you are confident that the design work being done to date is helping to make this more likely? Response from the Mayor The Barking Riverside application was submitted in outline; under current legislation, I am therefore unable formally to consider future proposals at Barking Riverside if they remain within the parameters approved with the outline permission.

As a result, in my consideration of the Barking Riverside outline proposals, the inclusion of measures to ensure quality design during the lifetime of the development was paramount. My planning officers negotiated a series of design guidelines/codes at the outline planning stage, with which detailed applications will have to be in accordance. This is an established approach to outline masterplans, and is one supported by CABE.

To further ensure design quality, the creation of a design panel, including officers from Design for London, was included within the legal agreement under the instruction of my planning officers. I am therefore confident that my design officers will have a continuing role. Tube Delays Question No: 934 / 2007 John Biggs In view of the recent survey indicating some services on the tube are experiencing worse delays than ten years’ ago, what plans does the mayor have for improving the situation? Response from the Mayor The “survey” you are referring to was actually a selective use of statistics designed to give a misleading impression.

Far from being worse than 10 years ago, the Tube has improved since it was transferred to Transport for London (TfL) in July 2003. London Underground is now running 20 per cent more trains and carrying 30 per cent more passengers than 10 years ago. Reliability is also better, with both track and signal failures cut.

Improving the Tube and delivering increased capacity is essential for London’s future prosperity and growth. This investment, and the improvements delivered, must be maintained. Network Rail - Trains and Track Uniting Question No: 935 / 2007 John Biggs In view of reports that Network Rail are in discussion about the possible uniting of trains and track operation in Scotland, would a similar move in London be welcomed by the Mayor? Response from the Mayor The structure of the railways in Great Britain is governed by changes brought about by the 1993 Railways Act. There are no plans at present to change this structure and Network Rail currently has no powers to operate trains.

The Department for Transport, Network Rail and TfL are working closely together to enhance the capacity of London’s rail network. If a change in the structure of the rail industry was proposed, I would certainly consider the impact this might have for London. Euro 5 Limits Question No: 936 / 2007 John Biggs How confident is the Mayor that meeting ‘Euro 5’ limits on emissions by 2010 will not adversely affect his transport policy? Response from the Mayor Euro 5 limits are due to be introduced from 2009 and will apply to all new vehicles sold in Europe. The introduction of new, tighter euro standards complements my transport and environment policies because it leads to a reduction in overall fleet emissions and helps London move closer to meeting air quality targets for nitrogen dioxide and fine particles.

In regards to taxis however, there is no requirement for them to meet Euro 5 emission standards by 2010. Licensed London taxis have an extension under the new Euro 5 regulations until 2012. DNA Testing Kits Question No: 937 / 2007 John Biggs Will the mayor use his influence to ensure that transport staff and other public workers have access to DNA testing kits to deter incidents of spitting? Response from the Mayor TfL has ordered a supply of DNA kits and they will start to be available to Arriva bus drivers in June. The supply of the kits will be on a rolling programme so that all bus operating staff, including TfL Revenue Protection Inspectors and other operational staff, will have access to them in the future.

The issuing of these kits to bus staff as well as being a deterrent will also assist in identifying people who spit at bus staff and will aid in any prosecutions that follow. Commission for Integrated Transport Question No: 938 / 2007 John Biggs Will the recently published report by the Commission for Integrated Transport (`Are We There Yet? A Comparison of Transport in Europe’) change the emphasis of any of the Mayor’s transport policies? Response from the Mayor The Commission for Integrated Transport’s (CFIT’s) study of transport across all European states provides useful benchmarking information for the comparison of transport issues such as travel patterns, road safety, environmental performance, freight and aviation, at a national level.

TfL has considered the relevance of the report as part of its ongoing work in tracking international best practice to shape transport policy and practice for London. I have no immediate plans to change the emphasis of any of my transport policies as a direct result of this specific report. Memorial at Bethnal Green Tube Station Question No: 939 / 2007 John Biggs Do you support the proposals for the Stairway to Heaven Memorial at Bethnal Green Tube Station. Can you explain London Underground’s resistance to the proposals? Response from the Mayor I fully support the proposition that there should be a proper memorial to those who died at Bethnal Green on 3 March 1943.

London Underground does however, have substantial concerns over the current proposed design, which they have expressed to the Memorial Trust as well as London Borough of Tower Hamlets. I am aware that LU is in continuing dialogue with the Memorial Trust and other relevant agencies about these issues.

Such a large physical installation directly above the station entrance staircase could, in LU’s experience, have a significant impact on the behaviour of customers entering and exiting the station, particularly if they slowed or stopped as they passed under the memorial, leading to increased congestion and possibly also an increased risk of accidents.

I would welcome the local authority, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and Design for London working together to develop an appropriate design at an appropriate location. Just as the memorial to the victims of 7/7 is to be located in a park, this memorial may be better placed in the park adjacent to the station. Pickpockets on Bendy Buses Question No: 940 / 2007 John Biggs Should TfL put prominent notices to beware of pickpockets on bendy- buses? Response from the Mayor TfL has no plans to display notices on bendy buses warning of pickpockets, in part due to space constraints within the bus. Furthermore, analysis of available data shows that articulated buses are no less safe than other one person operated buses. Carbon Offsetting Programme Question No: 941 / 2007 Valerie Shawcross Currently many ‘carbon offsetting schemes’ are thought to be of poor quality. Is your Climate Change Agency looking at establishing a carbon offsetting scheme for London and could this be used to help fund work to help green London with a tree planting and care programme? Response from the Mayor All aviation emissions across the GLA family are currently offset using the Government Carbon Offset Fund (GCOF), which is verified to the highest available international standards. I would like to establish a London offsetting scheme as soon as possible and my officers have been in early negotiations with a range of relevant bodies about how such a scheme might operate, and the necessary verification standards. Recommendations will be taken to the Sustainable Development Policy Team in due course. Peckham Rye Station Square Proposal Question No: 942 / 2007 Valerie Shawcross On 15th November last year you supported a suggestion that TfL should look at the possibility of a Station Square project to improve this important entry point into Peckham. I recently showed an outline drawing for a station square scheme to Peckham Community Council and there was great enthusiasm for the idea from Councillors and the public alike. Will you adopt this project as one of your 100 public square proposals and work with me, the local Council, the Cross River partnership and Network Rail to bring it to fruition? Response from the Mayor My 100 Public Spaces Programme is designed to demonstrate the importance of well designed public space in achieving an urban renaissance. Many of the projects are focused on improving transport interchanges and exploring the potential of an improved public realm to encourage more sustainable forms of transport. There are 34 spaces announced to date, many of them in the most deprived areas of London. My officers in Design for London are working with Transport for London, the LDA and local boroughs to identify new projects of strategic significance to add to the programme. I would encourage you to provide details of the Peckham proposals to Design for London so the potential for including these in the programme can be explored. Licenced Minicabs Question No: 943 / 2007 Valerie Shawcross I am grateful that TfL have listened to lobbying from reputable minicab companies and are making arrangements to facilitate licence minicabs to pick up and drop down passengers on Red Routes. What steps are you taking to draw this to the attention of Minicabs companies and the public? Response from the Mayor I issued a press notice on 27 April, and shortly before that held a photo-call with key private hire trade and TfL representatives. The press notice is available on the TfL website. The story was picked up and published widely in all of the recent private hire papers and periodicals.

Following the outcome of the consultation on the necessary changes to Traffic Regulation Orders, the PCO will be in touch with operators and drivers to let them know the detail of the changes and what they need to do in respect of additional vehicle signage so that they can benefit from the right to pick up and set down on red routes. A PCO Notice will also be published explaining the changes and announcing the date on which they will take effect. A further press release will also be considered. Brunel Museum Rotherhithe Question No: 944 / 2007 Valerie Shawcross Have you decided whether TfL will arrange for the installation of a shelf across the tunnel shaft as we discussed at the last MQT? Response from the Mayor TfL London Rail is currently undertaking a feasibility study for this proposal. This study includes a number of key considerations including: what access may be required for the pump room situated at the bottom of the shaft; what means of ventilation is required for the pump room and tunnel; any heritage considerations ; and the timing and staging of any construction within the wider construction project for the extension of the East London Line. TfL will be presenting the findings of this study to representatives from the Museum in June. Newspaper Industry in London Question No: 945 / 2007 John Biggs Given the announcement that newspaper printing will be ceasing at both Wapping (News International) and the Isle of Dogs (Westferry Printers) do you have concerns for the future of this sector of the London economy and the future employment opportunities for those who would have entered the print business? Are you making any representations on this matter? Response from the Mayor The LDA and Gateway to London have been in touch with Westferry Printers. Westferry have indicated, that whilst they are downsizing, they are not exiting Isle of Dogs and will continue printing contracts with, among others, the Daily Telegraph. The LDA are working to ensure that opportunities for the up-skilling and re-training of employees affected are available to the Westferry workforce. Jobcentre Plus have offered similar support. LDA have also invited the company to apply for any appropriate help that LDA or its partners may be able to provide.

In addition, there are three initiatives currently funded through LDA’s Production Industries group that are supporting SMEs in print. These are designed to make better use of innovative methods to increase productivity and improve competitiveness, and to provide a support to employees within the sector. The British Print Industry Federation’s (BPIF) CEO is due to meet with Bill Wenman of Westferry Printers for a meeting to discuss ways the impact from this downsizing can be minimised. Illegal left turns off Old Kent Road into Peckham Hill Street Question No: 946 / 2007 Valerie Shawcross In your answer to question 2878/2006 you informed me that an enforcement camera had been installed at this junction in October 2006. However, users of the nearby Action for the Blind Centre have informed me that the problems are continuing. The effect of this is that cars are turning into Peckham Hill Street during the green man pedestrian crossing phase. This is particularly dangerous for visual impaired pedestrians, one of whom tells me he has nearly been hit by a car on three occasions in the last month. Please could you provide statistics for the number of PCNs issued in each month since the installation of the camera? Also will you reconsider your answer to question 0013/2007 and install “no left turn” signage which I believe would be more effective than the current “ahead only” signage? If this is not possible what alternative measures do you propose to deter drivers from making illegal left turns at this junction? Response from the Mayor TfL has been enforcing the banned left turn at this location since October 2006. Since commencement of enforcement 135 PCNs have been issued. This is split by month as follows:

October 06 7 November 06 65 December 06 27 January 07 13 February 07 3 March 07 13 April 07 1 May 07 6

The level of contravention has dropped significantly as a result of TfL’s initial enforcement activity. TfL will continue to monitor and enforce the location to ensure acceptable levels of compliance. TfL is considering the benefits of amending the signage at this location and will investigate the possibility of installing additional no left turn signs at this junction. Drayton Park Station Question No: 947 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Further to Question number 0460/2007, have you received a response to your letters to Network Rail and the train operating company about bringing Drayton Park into use as part of the transport package for the Arsenal stadium? Response from the Mayor I will be writing to you shortly about this. North London Railway Question No: 948 / 2007 Jennette Arnold In your answer to Question No: 695 / 2007, you say that twelve additional stations will be gated once the North London Line is transferred to TfL’s control in November. Can you tell me which stations will remain ungated and why? Response from the Mayor At the present time (and subject to Network Rail approval as the infrastructure owners), it is intended to install gates at a total of 22 existing stations on the Overground network, three of which are due to be transferred to London Underground management. The new station at Shepherd’s Bush on the West London Line will also be equipped with gates when it opens later this year. Of the remaining stations, nine on the Gospel Oak – Barking line, seven on the North London Line and six on the Euston – Watford local line are currently planned to remain ungated. Each station has been the subject of a detailed analysis to establish both the feasibility of installing gates within the existing structure and the level of revenue likely to be saved. Where stations are to remain ungated, this is because it has not been possible to demonstrate a sound business case due to low passenger volumes. Accessible Stations Question No: 949 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Further to Question No: 697 / 2007, based on the cost of the stations converted so far, how much does it cost on average to make an overground station accessible compared to an underground station? Response from the Mayor Costs for London Underground stations vary considerably depending on the location of the station and the complexity of the scheme required. A deep level Tube station in central London, for example could require multiple lifts and extensive civil engineering work; a simpler scheme could entail two lifts and an over-bridge at an above ground station. However, even these two general examples could vary enormously taking into account the location and particular needs or constraints of each station. Therefore, it is not possible to quote an 'average' station cost figure. Accessible Stations Question No: 950 / 2007 Jennette Arnold When is phase 2 of the Department for Transport’s `Access for All’ programme due to start and what stations will be included? Have stations been identified for the next phase? Response from the Mayor The next phase of the DfT’s ‘Access for All’ programme will form part of the 2009- 2014 spending period. The DfT is still developing a list of stations for this next phase and TfL will be fully involved in this process to ensure that the needs of London are taken into account. Facilities for Staff at London Overground Stations Question No: 951 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Further to Question No: 696 / 2007, if there is no “station house” at a London Overground station that has not previously been staffed, where will ticketing and staff facilities be accommodated? Response from the Mayor I have instructed TfL to ensure that all London Overground stations are staffed. In most cases, existing structures will be used to provide accommodation and on the East London Railway, new facilities will be provided as part of the new stations. At other locations, where no existing structures exist, temporary accommodation will be provided in the short term pending the construction of permanent facilities. Recycling Rainwater Question No: 952 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Would the Mayor support the idea that local councils should promote recycling the rainwater that falls off roofs, by installing water butts on council properties for residents to water their gardens? Response from the Mayor I strongly support the use of water butts by everyone who has a garden to water. There is nothing to gain, and much to loose, by using drinking water for garden watering when there is rainwater available. Its use reduces the carbon dioxide emissions that arise through treating and pumping water as well as the load on the sewer system. Local councils should certainly promote rainwater use. Water butts are covered in the Code for Sustainable Homes and should be regarded as a standard improvement to the whole of the housing stock, including council properties. 149 Bus Route Question No: 953 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Is the Mayor aware of the increase in the levels of pickpocketing on certain bus routes, especially the 149 from London Bridge to Ponders End which runs through my constituency? Will you support my call for extra visible policing on the 149 bus route? Response from the Mayor The number of bus-related pickpocketing offences recorded by the MPS on the bus corridor used by the route 149 has decreased over time comparing December 2005 – May 2006 to December 2006 – May 2007 and there is no evidence to suggest that pickpocketing is more likely to occur on route 149 than elsewhere.

The Metropolitan Police Service Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) routinely monitors all incidents on the bus network and deploys officers on an intelligence led basis. This includes monitoring specific types of ASB, such as pickpocketing.

Route 149 became a TOCU corridor in December 2002 and like all priority routes receives daily enforcement and proactive policing.

All priority locations and corridors are policed using a variety of tactics including regular high visibility patrols and bus hopping. Revenue Protection Inspection operations targeting fare evasion are also carried out by inspectors who are frequently supported by TOCU officers.

Intelligence gathered by TOCU builds a strong picture of where crimes occur and the correct response to deal with the particular problem. This may be through deploying extra resources or carrying out intelligence-led pro-active operations as necessary. Monitoring Bus Users’ Experiences Question No: 954 / 2007 Jennette Arnold The current increase in my postbag arises from complaints about the quality of service on a number of successful bus routes. Will the Mayor outline what measures are in force to monitor the quality of the experiences of users on London’s buses? Response from the Mayor The level of service provided is monitored in several ways:

• Monitoring the performance of bus routes against established targets, taking action with operators where operational difficulties lead to delays. • Mystery traveller & customer satisfaction surveys measure journey aspects such as the ease of boarding and smoothness of ride. • Direct contact with passengers. TfL’s London Buses Customer Services department responds to thousands of service suggestions and complaints from passengers every week. The details of all complaints are recorded and actioned. Forced Air Question No: 955 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Will the Mayor publish details about the ‘forced air’ system that is similar to air conditioning which I understand will form part of the new vehicle specifications for buses? And will you reassure the public that you are actively looking into keeping buses cooler in the ensuing summer months? Response from the Mayor During the past six months all double deck buses have been retro-fitted with additional upper-deck side windows above the front row of seats to improve ventilation on existing buses in line with commitments made last year.

All new double deck buses are required to have automatic heating and ventilation systems. Since the vehicle specifications were updated in October 2006, they were additionally required to deliver cooled air to reduce ambient temperature inside the upper saloon.

The vehicle specifications from autumn 2005 required, as standard, additional opening windows, tinted glass, white roofs and additional insulation in the body panels to keep heat in during cold days or prevent heat gain on hot days.

TfL continues to look at other opportunities to keep buses cool in summer. Removal of the Loading Bays in Phillip Lane, N15 Question No: 956 / 2007 Joanne McCartney Is the Mayor aware of the difficulties experienced by buses exiting the bus garage at the junction of Phillip Lane and Tottenham high Road, due to the position of 2 loading bays in Phillip Lane. Cars constantly use these bays to park, thereby causing an obstruction and reducing traffic capacity to one lane. Is he also aware that Haringey Council, Arriva Buses and local councillors have all made requests that they be removed? Will the Mayor use his influence to ensure that this is situation is remedied immediately and that local residents, bus passengers and drivers and other road users are not made to undergo an unnecessary further 6 months monitoring process to conclude what is already known by all concerned, that these bays should be removed. Response from the Mayor TfL is aware of the concerns at this location and made alterations to the loading bay restrictions in March, which are believed to have had a positive impact, as TfL has received no further concerns from the bus operator. Traffic warden enforcement is carried out on a regular basis at the location. Health Inequalities Question No: 957 / 2007 Joanne McCartney Will the Mayor ensure that the needs of blind and partially sighted Londoners are taken into account when developing your Health Inequalities Strategy? Response from the Mayor My health staff are actively seeking to identify and consider the needs of a wide range of diverse groups in developing the Health Inequalities Strategy. The identification of key issues and options for the strategy is being guided by consideration of published evidence including, for example, the RNIB briefings you previously brought to our attention. In addition, we sent out a Call for Evidence to community and voluntary sector partners and are pleased to have received over 80 responses, including a comprehensive joint submission from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Royal National Institute of the Blind and the London Visual Impairment Forum.

The evidence and community information is being used to help identify priorities for the draft strategy. Over the summer my staff will engage a wide range of stakeholders in discussions about the best policy options to tackle the inequalities experienced by a range of excluded groups. Flexible Working Question No: 958 / 2007 Joanne McCartney What has the Mayor done to encourage more flexible working amongst staff at within the GLA group? Response from the Mayor All GLA Group organisations have their own schemes in place to support flexible working.

In addition, one of the main themes of my convergence programme is to ensure that the GLA Group works more effectively together to make the best use of scarce resources across the Group.

The technology group convergence workstream are developing secure open access networks which will be made available to staff within all of the GLA group bodies. This will enable staff to access other GLA Group computer networks from their own workplace location.

The human resources workstream are developing a number of programmes to facilitate staff movement between the GLA Group organisations. Toilet Provision Question No: 959 / 2007 Joanne McCartney Is the Mayor aware that there are real difficulties facing bus drivers and other staff (over 23,000) working on London’s buses due to the lack of toilet provision? Is he also aware that this lack of provision is especially difficult for women and can provide a real barrier to encouraging more women to work on our buses? Response from the Mayor I am acutely aware of the difficulties experienced by bus workers due to the lack of toilets at the terminals of some routes, and of the effects this may have on recruitment – especially of women. That is why I have asked TfL to give a very high priority to resolving the problem. Please refer to 960 / 2007 for information on the action TfL is taking. Toilet Provision on Bus Routes Question No: 960 / 2007 Joanne McCartney What is TfL doing to ensure adequate toilet provision is available on all bus routes? Response from the Mayor TfL have given a high priority to ensuring that adequate toilet facilities are available to bus drivers on all routes. Considerable progress has been made in recent years, including:

• 23 Automatic Conveniences (ACs) installed • 2 new toilet cabins provided in conjunction with mess rooms • A substantial number of agreements reached with third parties, such as taxi firms, council offices, libraries, etc., to allow bus drivers to use their facilities • Formal agreement with London Underground (before it became part of TfL) for bus drivers to use the toilets at all 54 stations that have adjacent bus terminals

In addition, TfL has agreed a prioritised programme of toilet provision with the bus operators and the TGWU to address the remaining requirements:

• Priority 1 - routes that have no toilet at either end • Priority 2 - 24-hour and Night Bus routes that do not have access throughout their hours of operation • Priority 3 - routes that have a toilet at one end, but have a particularly long round- trip journey time

All new drivers’ facilities require planning consent. Despite TfL’s efforts, some local planning authorities have been less than supportive. At present there are 3 locations where planning consent has been refused. Appeals are in progress.

Toilet Provision for Bus Drivers Question No: 961 / 2007 Joanne McCartney How much money is being invested in the provision of toilet facilities for bus drivers and other related staff? Response from the Mayor A substantial amount of additional funding is being directed to this programme during the current and next financial years. TfL is planning to divert an additional £1 million from other projects this year, which roughly doubles the money being committed over the next financial two years to £21.m. This funding should be sufficient to complete most, if not all, of the first two priority areas referred to in the response to Q 960 / 2007. Planning for Priority 3 routes (for which funding is also earmarked) will start once Priority 2 schemes are in hand. New Bus Routes Question No: 962 / 2007 Joanne McCartney What is being done to ensure that the provision of adequate toilet provision is factored into any tendering process for new bus routes? Response from the Mayor Whilst proper toilet facilities for bus staff are an important part of the infrastructure supporting the bus route network. TfL seeks active support and co-operation from all local authorities to overcome the few gaps in provision. London Underground Question No: 963 / 2007 Joanne McCartney Where bus routes and London Underground stations are in proximity is it LU policy to allow London bus drivers and related staff to use LU toilets? If not, why not? Response from the Mayor Yes. Bus drivers may use the toilets at all 54 Underground stations that have adjacent bus terminals. New Bus Stations and Stands Question No: 964 / 2007 Joanne McCartney Where new bus stands/stations are being built or replaced will the installation of toilet provision be considered where appropriate? Response from the Mayor Yes, all bus stands and stations built or refurbished by TfL will always include the provision of toilets for bus staff.

If changes to the bus network result in routes losing access to toilets, they are immediately added to the Priority 1 list (please refer to 960 / 2007), with the aim of having a new toilet installed before the service change takes place. Temporary Toilets Question No: 965 / 2007 Joanne McCartney As an immediate measure to alleviate the shortage of toilet provision for bus drivers will the Mayor consider the use of temporary toilets in areas of most need? Response from the Mayor Considerable progress has been made in providing toilets in recent years:

- 23 Automatic Conveniences (ACs) have been installed - 2 further toilet cabins have been provided in conjunction with mess rooms - A substantial number of agreements have been reached with third parties, such as taxi firms, council offices, libraries etc., to allow bus drivers to use their facilities - Formal agreement was reached with London Underground (before it became part of TfL) for bus drivers to use the toilets at all 54 stations that have adjacent bus terminals

TfL has in place a programme to prioritise the provision of toilets on those routes that have no toilet at either end, or which are 24-hour and Night Bus routes that do not have access to toilets throughout their hours of operation. Home Information Packs Question No: 966 / 2007 Murad Qureshi What discussions have you had with the Government about the introduction of Home Information Packs to households in London? Response from the Mayor Provision for the introduction of Home Information Packs was included in the Housing Act 2004. I have responded to government consultation on introduction of Home Information Packs, in particular regarding the content of Energy Performance Certificates (which will be included in Packs). Home Insulation Offer to Private Landlords Question No: 967 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Do you feel that private Landlords should be offered further discounts or incentives to take up your home insulation offer given that most landlords do not pay the heating bills in the property that they rent out? Response from the Mayor Alternative work with private landlords was identified as an area for action under the Green Homes Programme in the Climate Change Action Plan. Work in this area is currently under development. GLA staff and the Cycle to Work scheme Question No: 968 / 2007 Murad Qureshi As part of the Mayor’s Climate Change initiatives and sustainable transport policy, will the Mayor allow GLA staff the opportunity to participate in the government’s ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme before the commencement of National Bike Week (16-24th June 2007)? This scheme enables employees to benefit from a long term loan of bikes and commuting equipment such as lights, locks and panniers completely tax free; saving on average tax payer between 38-40% on the total costs of purchasing a bike and all the accessories and is excellent way to ensure people consider the return to cycling. Response from the Mayor Yes. The GLA Travel Plan staff are currently considering the detailed options involved for participating in the Government’s ‘Cycle to Work’ Scheme. Work is underway to progress this measure and I am confident that GLA staff will be able to participate in this scheme in the near future. Bengali New Year Celebrations Question No: 969 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Once again we have had another successful Vaisakhi celebration in Trafalgar Square to mark the Sikh New Year Festival. Can you explain why the Bengali community is not also given the opportunity of an event in Trafalgar Square to celebrate their New Year celebrations? Response from the Mayor The Vaisakhi celebration for Sikh New Year is one of several cultural festivals, which also include Diwali and Eid, that I support each year on Trafalgar Square. These events are broadly based to appeal to a cross section of faith groups, ie Sikhs, Hindus, Jains and Muslims as well as the wider community in London. In addition I support several other Asian cultural festivals of regional significance, notably the London Mela in Ealing and the Baisakhi Mela on Brick Lane, which is organised to celebrate Bengali New Year and is the largest event of its kind in the UK. Given the Mayor's support for the range of events as outlined, in particular the Baisakhi Mela, there are no plans to create an additional event for Bengali New Year in Trafalgar Square. West Hampstead Interchange Programme Question No: 970 / 2007 Murad Qureshi What has happened to the West Hampstead Interchange programme? The West Hampstead Amenity & Transport (WHAT) group have been advised by Laing Rail (Chiltern Railways) that their proposal to create an integrated interchange linking the 3 stations in West Hampstead may now be scrapped and that only small-scale improvements to the interchange will take place rather than the multi million pound development. Response from the Mayor Laing Rail have deferred the scheme to create a single interchange at West Hampstead, but TfL understand they will revisit it later this year after a review of investment priorities within John Laing.

In the interim, TfL is committed to improving facilities in the area. TfL, together with the London Borough of Camden, key stakeholders and local residents groups including WHAT, has delivered improvements to West Hampstead’s three stations including street improvements to remove unnecessary infrastructure to make the pavements wider, safer pedestrian crossings, improved signage, and the relocation of bus stops to ensure quicker and easier interchange. The London Underground station was upgraded and opened by the Mayor in early 2006 and proposals are being developed to upgrade the North London Line station to include better waiting facilities and lighting, CCTV, help points as well as the provision of Oyster validators and ticket vending machines by 2010, as part of the new Overground services. Shepherds Bush Market Question No: 971 / 2007 Murad Qureshi As London Underground is the freeholder of Shepherds Bush Market, is LU committed to funding works to improve the market infrastructure and to future financial support? Will you give your assurance that you wish the market to remain prosperous and not lose out to new developments near by? Response from the Mayor LU propose, in the current financial year and at their expense, to undertake works to improve the canopy over the full length of the market and provide new lighting and new illuminated signs at both main entrances to the market. All parties agree that these are the highest priority works. The estimated cost of these works is in excess of £100,000.

LU has also instituted a more stringent estate management regime with the tenants on issues of repair, decoration and trading style which will bring benefits over the coming months.

The leases of all of the units in the market provide for service charges and LU is in discussion with the tenants about how the balance of this charge can be used to upgrade the market in future years. Buy-to-Let Housing Question No: 972 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Reports show that seventy per cent of the 20,000 flats built in London last year were bought by buy to let speculators. What assessment have you made on this impact towards social housing? Response from the Mayor The report I published in January, Who buys new market homes in London, found that investors represent 67 per cent of the first purchasers of homes on new housing developments. Some 45 per cent of first purchasers are buy-to-let landlords rather than other types of investors. The report found that private investment leads to more homes being built in London, because it adds confidence to the market, in particular allowing larger housing schemes to go ahead. The impact on the number of social homes is therefore positive, since it provides more planning gain to support the delivery of social housing.

I am aware, however, of concerns that have been expressed about reports of anti- social behaviour caused by residents of some buy-to-let homes. As part of my housing strategy I will therefore be investigating, with partners, ways of ensuring better arrangements for management of mixed tenure developments. I will also be looking at ways of encouraging more involvement by institutional investors, such as pension funds, who are more likely to put in place good quality management. Non Domicile Tax Status Question No: 973 / 2007 Murad Qureshi You recently claimed that London has a ‘window of economic opportunity’ edging ahead of New York as a centre of international finance. What are your views then on the number of people claiming non domicile tax status, which has nearly doubled in the past three years? There are concerns that many city tycoons and overseas billionaires are flocking to London to keep their fortunes in tact. Will you please raise this matter with your discussions with the Treasury? Response from the Mayor My job as Mayor is to ensure that Londoners derive the maximum benefit from economic and business activity. This involves consideration of tax as well as other issues and I will therefore discuss all these issues with the government. Pudding Mill River to Bow Back River Question No: 974 / 2007 Murad Qureshi One of the major legacies of the Olympics will be the regeneration of the canal network and rivers in and around the Olympic site. Why then have the ODA proposed that Pudding Mill River back down to Bow Back River is omitted from their planning submission? What are your views and opinions on this major omission? Response from the Mayor The ODA remains committed to optimising the use of the waterways both for the Olympics and in legacy. It has provided funding to support the British Waterways project to reinstate Prescott Lock, is committed to a series of Wetlands habitats and to facilitate the extension of a “green corridor” down to the Thames.

This will achieve the ambition of revived waterways, wetlands and other wild areas that will provide a recreational, as well as a logical bonus for local people and London as a whole.

In relation to Pudding Mill River, the review of the Olympic Park Masterplan, along with the changes to the main stadium concourse and the confirmed positioning of the Crossrail portal, has prohibited its full reinstatement. The commitments listed above, especially the new series of Wetlands habitat, have been provided to compensate for this.

Given my position as a key stakeholder in the Games I am not in a position to comment on the current planning application. I have delegated this decision to the Chief Executive. Redesign of Euston Station Question No: 975 / 2007 Murad Qureshi What discussions have Transport for London had with Network Rail about the £1billion redesign of Euston Station? Response from the Mayor TfL’s Interchange Team has begun discussions with Network Rail about how improved transport and interchange facilities as well as public realm can be integrated with the substantial redevelopment of Euston station planned by Network Rail. Key objectives will be to improve Tube, taxi and bus arrangements, create better walking routes and to make the transport hub fully accessible.

London Underground has been working with Network Rail over the redesign of Euston station since a masterplan was first developed in 2000. Works are currently on site for the Underground station modernisation, which is funded through the PPP and due to be delivered in 2008. LU is funding the re-modelling of the gateline as a variation to the modernisation to deliver a short term congestion relief measure. Speeding along Harrow Road Question No: 976 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Further to your answer to question 1857/2006 (Speeding along the Harrow Road) much work has now been undertaken with by the Kensal Triangle Residents Association with local residents, the police and Transport for London, who have all identified a problem with speeding along the Harrow Road. As you are aware the north side of the Harrow Road is in Brent and the south side is in Kensington & Chelsea. Funding has been agreed to install 2 cameras but by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea have refused to put a camera on their side of the road. Is there anything that you or Transport for London can do to intervene in this matter to ensure the safety of these residents? Response from the Mayor TfL has approached both Brent and Kensington & Chelsea for permission to install cameras. Brent has confirmed their permission; however TfL has not yet had an official response from Kensington & Chelsea. Hybrid Diesel Buses Question No: 977 / 2007 Murad Qureshi When can we expect to see more hybrid diesel electric buses across the London bus network? Response from the Mayor TfL plans to introduce 50 to 60 single and double-deck hybrid buses by December 2008. The first batch will be phased into service towards the end of 2007. Their procurement follows the introduction of six single-deck vehicles to route 360 (Elephant & Castle - Kensington) in spring 2006 and one double-deck hybrid to route 141 (Palmers Green - London Bridge Station) in March 2007.

The buses will be provided by a number of different manufactures utilising a range of hybrid technologies. The different bus types will be tested for in-service reliability and environmental performance. From March 2009, it is planned to gradually step up introduction of additional new hybrid buses on an annual basis so that by 2012 all new buses entering service will use diesel-hybrid technology. Discrimination Question No: 978 / 2007 Murad Qureshi The recent report,’Moving On Up: Ethnic minority women at Work’, found that Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Black Caribbean women are suffering pay inequality and discrimination. How do you propose to tackle this inequality in London where the contribution of ethnic minorities is vital to its success? Response from the Mayor In response to the findings of this report I urged the Government, through the Discrimination Law Review, to introduce the changes necessary to ensure that the recommendations in the Equal Opportunities Commission's report are given the backing of law. This would mean that employers were obliged to find out and publish and act on data on where black and Asian women were in their workforces, that there were more adequate rights to flexible working and that racism was properly tackled, in both the public and private sectors. The Discrimination Law Review is a once in a lifetime opportunity to introduce the changes needed to ensure that legal rights are more adequately enforced. I will continue to lobby on this matter.

The high levels of disadvantage and discrimination faced by Bangladeshi and Pakistani women, was also highlighted in the ‘Muslims in London’ report which I launched last year and I will be work with the government and the LDA to help eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in the labour market.

The LDA is delivering a number of programmes such Diversity Works for London and supporting projects through its Opportunities Fund aimed at tackling inequalities faced by BAME communities. Closure of Important Venues Question No: 979 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Does the closure or imminent closure of important and historic music venues such as the Electric Ballroom, the Spitz, the Astoria and the Hammersmith Palais undermine the pledges made in your 2004 Cultural Strategy and does the term `Cultural Capital’ still apply to a city in which the cultural importance of such venues is highly undervalued? Response from the Mayor I am fully committed to the pledges made in the Cultural Strategy. Culture continues to flourish in all fields in London. The response of Londoner's to the closure of music venues shows that the importance of such spaces are not undervalued.

I am concerned at the volume of small to medium music venues that are currently under threat and how this will affect London’s cultural life. My office have commissioned a piece of work on the issue of the closure of medium sized live music venues which among other things will look into strategic planning policies that could be adopted at London level to protect venues of this kind and what might be possible within the terms of the adopted London Plan.

I will also work with the LDA and engage with the music industry to offer support to important and historic music venues unnecessarily under threat of closure.

The city must develop and progress, this will inevitably result in some closures or redevelopment of buildings in the capital - such as the Astoria. Where possible I will ensure that venues are appropriately rebuilt. Tall Buildings Question No: 980 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Can you guarantee that plans for tall buildings such as the 50-storey twin towers at Victoria Station and 20 Fenchurch Street do not interrupt the view from London Panoramas as listed under the view Protection Framework? Response from the Mayor Neither of these schemes fall within any of the protected view corridors.

I manage all strategic views to ensure their protection and enhancement through policies 4B.15-17 in the London Plan; these policies will be supplemented by my forthcoming London View Management Framework SPG. The six London Panoramas incorporate protected view corridors to the landmarks of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster and are subject to Directions by the Secretary of State.

The 20 Fenchurch Street proposal has been called in by the Secretary of State for her determination and is therefore out of my hands. I have, however, advised the Planning Inspector that permission should not be refused. Increases in Litter Question No: 981 / 2007 Murad Qureshi Are you planning to make any recommendations as to how the significant increase in litter caused by the smoking ban should be dealt with from July onwards? Response from the Mayor I am of the view, as is the Government, that whilst individuals must take responsibility for disposing of their litter appropriately, businesses and employers also have a role to play in ensuring adequate disposal facilities are available to smokers.

Although most offices have been in this position for some time, it is the hospitality industry and particularly pubs, bars and restaurants that will need to adapt. Through the Capital Standards programme, I will be: * encouraging London boroughs to educate businesses in their area to provide adequate disposal facilities outside their premises and, where encouragement fails, to use the powers they have to enforce this action, * partnering with Encams to enhance the national smoking litter campaign in London, * encouraging London boroughs to undertake localised campaigns designed to educate smokers as part of the Capital Clean-up campaign.

Closer to home, my officers are in discussion with More London on how we can ensure adequate provision on the estate and I expect all City Hall staff and visitors to use these provisions. I will also be writing to the signatories of my Green Procurement Code encouraging them to take measures to reduce the presence of smoking litter. Countdown Machine Question No: 982 / 2007 Jennette Arnold Local residents are extremely disappointed that despite repeated requests to TfL, the Countdown machine at Bus Stop G in York Way near Kings Cross station has still not been reinstated after the works to that area were completed early last year. When will this Countdown machine be back in operation? Response from the Mayor Unfortunately, this stop in York Way has been subject to a number of problems over the last year. These problems have been exacerbated by the need to move the bus shelter to ensure that it was fully accessible for all passengers. The shelter has now been moved and further work by BT is due to take place at the end of May. TfL are currently awaiting a completion date from BT and when this is forthcoming TfL will update you on progress when more information is available. Thefts at City Hall Question No: 983 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Please list the (1) items and equipment, (2) cost of items stolen and (3) recovered costs of all items stolen from City Hall, since June 2002. Response from the Mayor This information will follow shortly. Thefts from Functional Bodies Question No: 984 / 2007 Graham Tope Please list the (1) items and equipment, (2) cost of items stolen and (3) recovered costs of all items stolen from the headquarters of the functional bodies (TfL, MPA. LFEPA and LDA) since May 2004 Response from the Mayor TfL Items reported missing from Windsor House since May 2004: Item 2007 2006 2005 2004 Laptop 0 3 (c£3000) 6 (c£6000) 2 (c£2000) PDA 0 1(c£300) 3 (c£3000) 2 (c£2000) PDA Cradle 1 (c£30) 0 0 0 Mobile telephone 0 1 (c£100) 2(c£200) 1(c£100) Digital camera 1 (c£100) 0 0 2 (c£200) Totals £130 £3,400 £9,200 £4,300

There have been no recovered costs from the above TfL items that have gone missing since May 2004. However, we remain confident that additional procedures implemented in recent years are proving effective. MPA: the MPA inform me they have no reported items or equipment lost or stolen in this time. LFEPA: Set out below are the reported incidents in LFEPA since 2004. There have been no incidents so far for 2007. Date Location Incident Stolen Item Recovered and Cost Cost November 2006 BHQ Rear A number of first £0.00 £0.00 Block floor windows to the Whitgift Street elevation broken over a number of weekends. No entry gained to building November/December BHQ Rear Petty pilfering 2 laptop £0.00 2006 Block from offices, over computers some weeks. £1400.00 Cleaner eventually arrested.

May 2006 Southwark Entry gained Wyse £0.00 Training through ground terminal Centre floor window. £400.00 Computer part stolen. Culprit apprehended. £1800.00 £0.00

LDA: There is one recorded theft from the headquarters of the LDA. This took place from Palestra in July 2006 prior to the LDA taking possession of the building. The item stolen was a Cisco Catalyst 4510R networking device valued at £30,000. No sums were recovered as a result of this loss. Theft of Vehicle Number Plates Question No: 985 / 2007 Graham Tope How many incidents of vehicle number plate thefts were recorded in London in each year since (and including) 2003/04? How many related sanction detections were recorded in those years? Response from the Mayor Please find the requested figures in the table below. Note that the information only dates back to 2004/05, which was the first year the Metropolitan Police systematically recorded number plate theft.

Offences and Sanction Detections for the Theft of Number Plates from Motor Vehicles during Financial Years 2004-2005 to 2006- 2007 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 Offences 5927 8712 9777 Sanction Detections 28 71 61 Sanction Detection Rate 0.47% 0.81% 0.62% Theft of Vehicle Number Plates (2) Question No: 986 / 2007 Graham Tope How many offences involving stolen vehicle number plates were recorded in each year since (and including) 2003/04? How many related sanction detections were recorded in those years? Response from the Mayor I am informed that the Metropolitan Police do not currently flag offences where stolen number plates have been used in the course of an offence. As such they are unable to provide the requested figures. Security clearance Question No: 987 / 2007 Graham Tope How many PCSOs currently working in London do not have full security clearance? How many PCSOs have failed their security clearance test in each year since (and including) 2003/04? Response from the Mayor All PCSOs have to clear the initial vetting check before commencing training. Once applicants have passed this check, they begin their introductory training period. The full range of vetting checks continues whilst the PCSOs are in training. During this time, PCSOs are closely supervised and only given restricted access to MPS buildings and information systems. At the conclusion of the introductory period, if the applicant has performed to a satisfactory level and passed all checks, the appointment will be confirmed.

There are currently seven PCSOs who have joined boroughs who are awaiting final security clearance. These PCSOS are fully supervised at all times. The outstanding checks continue in order that full clearance can be given in due course should they prove satisfactory. If they fail vetting, they will be removed from the organisation.

In 2003/04, 301 PCSO applicants were submitted for full vetting checks, of these 59 failed. In 2004/05, 682 PCSO applicants were submitted for full vetting checks, of these 37 failed. In 2005/06, 1,116 PCSO applicants were submitted for full vetting checks, of these 45 failed. In 2006/07, 3,141 PCSO applicants were submitted for full vetting checks, of these 249 failed. Security breaches on London Underground Question No: 988 / 2007 Geoff Pope How many security breaches have been recorded on the London Underground network in each year since (and including) 2000/01, broken down by tube line and tube station? Response from the Mayor There are a number of ways that this question could be interpreted, for the purposes of this response we have assumed the issue to be one of trespass.

As a large open transport system in an urban environment with clear definition between public and private areas we suffer from relatively few security breaches.

In common with all railways we do suffer with people trespassing on the track. These incidents are usually not breaches of security – as people can access the track from the platform – but rather are breaches of safety. Examples of such safety breaches include people taking a short cut, inebriated people or individuals who are attempting to evade police pursuit.

Recent improvements delivered by the TfL investment programme, such as better CCTV and lighting, and increased staff in customer facing roles, have increased the probability that such trespassers are observed and reported.

Security at depots and track-side has also been enhanced via better perimeter fencing.

There have been 269 trespass incidents since 2000/01. The details are shown in Appendix B. Security Alarms on London Underground Question No: 989 / 2007 Geoff Pope How many security alarms were raised in each underground station in each year since (and including) 2005/06? Please break this down by underground station. Response from the Mayor I have assumed that your question relates to alarms raised due to unattended items left by customers on our station and trains.

When an item is discovered it is assessed by operational staff and if deemed to be suspicious a security alarm is raised. Detailed below for 2005 and 2006 are the statistics for those items which were initially assessed as suspicious causing a subsequent security alarm and attendance by British Transport Police.

Following further assessment, all of them were found to be lost property with none of them being an explosive device.

There are a number of operational factors that influence the distribution of these events across the system and so there is no correlation between the data and levels of security in place. Cutting Crime by 50% Question No: 990 / 2007 Graham Tope Do you still believe that Londoners will see a 50% reduction in crime by 2008, as you have pledged on no less than 4 occasions since January 2004? Response from the Mayor I am extremely pleased to note that crime in London has reduced every year in London since 2004 and is now at its lowest level since 1999. During that period there has been a 12% reduction in crime and I am sure that you will also be pleased that this figure equates to there being 130,000 less victims of crime now than there were back in 1999.

A number of specific crime categories have also reduced significantly over that same period of time including gun-enabled murder (down 22%), homophobic offences (down 12%), domestic burglary (down 25%) and racist offences (down 57%).

There are now record police numbers on the streets of the capital – up from 25,430 in 2000 to 30,917 today with an additional 3,482 Police Community Support Officers. This investment in addressing crime is reaping dividends as indicated by the decline in the figures.

The 2006 Annual London Survey shows that there has been an increase in the number of people who say that they have seen more police in their local neighbourhood over the past 12 months - up from 24 per cent to 27 per cent this year. Of people that have seen more police in London as a whole, over three quarters (76%) say this has helped them to feel safer.

So far this financial year the figures for April 2007 already show another drop in crime which puts us on course for a reduction in offences for the 5th year in succession.

It is clear therefore that, by 2008, Londoners will have seen a significant overall reduction in crime with many fewer victims than in the past. Cutting Crime by 50% Question No: 991 / 2007 Graham Tope If you were to achieve your target of cutting crime by 50% by 2008, exactly how many crimes would have to be committed in that year? Please provide your target figure. Response from the Mayor I am extremely pleased to note that crime in London has reduced every year in London since 2004 and is now at its lowest level since 1999. During that period there has been a 12% reduction in crime and I am sure that you will also be pleased that this figure equates to there being 130,000 less victims of crime now than there were back in 1999.

A number of specific crime categories have also reduced significantly over that same period of time including gun-enabled murder (down 22%), homophobic offences (down 12%), domestic burglary (down 25%) and racist offences (down 57%).

There are now record numbers of police officers on the streets of the capital – up from 25,430 in 2000 to 30,917 today with an additional 3,482 Police Community Support Officers. This investment in addressing crime is reaping dividends as indicated by the decline in the figures.

The 2006 Annual London Survey shows that there has been an increase in the number of people who say that they have seen more police in their local neighbourhood over the past 12 months - up from 24 per cent to 27 per cent this year. Of people that have seen more police in London as a whole, over three quarters (76%) say this has helped them to feel safer.

So far this financial year the figures for April 2007 already show another drop in crime which puts us on course for a reduction in offences for the 5th year in succession.

It is clear therefore that, by 2008, Londoners will have seen a significant overall reduction in crime with many fewer victims than in the past.

A 50% reduction in crime from the 2003/04 figure (1,060,930) would require an out-turn number of crimes of 530,465 in 2007/08 (a drop of 42% compared to 2006/07). 7/7 Inquiry Question No: 992 / 2007 Dee Doocey Why do you not support the many Londoners who believe that a public inquiry into the 7 July bombings is needed? Response from the Mayor I do not support the call for a Public Inquiry. Such an inquiry would be rendered ineffective as any evidence presented to any such inquiry would largely relate to issues concerning matters of national security and the counter terrorism activities of both the Security Services and the MPS such evidence could not be heard in public.

I support the Government view that these matters should be considered by a Parliamentary committee. Metronet and London Underground Oral Question No: 993 / 2007 answer Geoff Pope How do you substantiate the claims made in TfL Press Release of April 24th headed Mayor announces acceleration of Tube Investment Programme’that works to improve the Tube will this year step up a gear.’? Thameslink: Need for Funding Question No: 994 / 2007 Geoff Pope What steps will you be taking to secure funding for the Thameslink Phase One project? Response from the Mayor The provision of funding for the Thameslink project is a matter for the DfT and Network Rail and the allocation of funds during the 2009-2014 spending period. However, TfL has been working closely with the DfT and Network Rail to promote the case for the Thameslink project through its Transport 2025 transport vision and TfL London Rail’s Rail Corridor Plan studies. Information for Heathrow Passengers Question No: 995 / 2007 Graham Tope What steps will you take to ensure that information about airlines using particular Terminals is promptly updated on both bus and Tube vehicles during the period of almost continuous change following the opening of Terminal 5 next year? Response from the Mayor LU liaises closely with BAA to provide up-to-date information to customers travelling by tube to Heathrow.

BAA normally reviews and changes the airline services at Heathrow terminals twice a year, advising LU in advance of any change. In turn, LU updates customer information to reflect these adjustments including customer information featured inside Piccadilly Line trains.

LU is aware that the opening of T5 will bring about more significant changes and is working with BAA to prepare for this. Cost of Conductors Question No: 996 / 2007 Geoff Pope Bus conductors are still employed on the Routemaster ¿Heritage¿ routes 9 and 15. What is the total annual cost of employing each conductor including on-costs? How many Routemasters are in service on these routes, how many conductors are currently employed to work on them, and what are the hours of operation? Response from the Mayor A total of 24 conductors are allocated to the Heritage routes and the conductor employment costs are £590,000 per annum. There is a peak vehicle requirement of 10 Heritage Routemasters, five on each route. The Routemasters supplement the modern accessible vehicles over parts of routes 9 and 15 in Central London and run between 09.30 and 18.30 daily. Portobello Road Market Question No: 997 / 2007 Geoff Pope In view of the deterioration in trading at the Portobello Road market on Fridays following the introduction of the western extension to the Congestion Charging scheme, will you consider appropriate concessions to assist traders, especially on Friday afternoons, in order to ensure the viability of this famous market? Response from the Mayor TfL is undertaking an extensive programme of monitoring for the extended congestion charging zone, including gathering data on the impacts of the scheme on shoppers and diners in the area.

However, while it is too early to draw conclusions about the precise economic impacts of the western extension, the available evidence for the existing scheme suggests that the effects of charging (positive and negative) on business are small in relation to the multiplicity of other factors which affect business performance.

Based on TfL’s surveys, most visitors to Portobello Road market and other shopping locations in the zone arrive by public transport with only 9% coming by car. Of these car-borne shoppers, over a quarter lived in Kensington and Chelsea or Westminster and would be eligible for the 90% residents’ discount to the charge.

These figures suggest that shopping locations, including Portobello Road market, are not likely to be adversely affected as a result of the extension of the zone. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 998 / 2007 Geoff Pope Is not TfL’s scrapping of the rush-hour priority scheme at Blackwall Tunnel a serious over-reaction, since the scheme has worked without any serious incidents for 30 years? Only six of the 99 accidents in the three years to September 2006 took place when the scheme was in operation, but now we have three mile tailback queues, with serious delays at the Tunnel from as early as 6 am. Can no more imaginative ways of controlling bad driving be devised by TfL and the Metropolitan Police? Response from the Mayor The tidal flow system was withdrawn as the Metropolitan Police were no longer willing to operate it given the rising numbers of drivers taking risks by overtaking in the tunnel. Given such driver behaviour, and the subsequent increased risk of a serious accident occurring, it would have been irresponsible to allow such a significant operational risk to continue.

The prosecution of reckless or dangerous drivers is not the solution. Enforcement is reactive and would not stop a rogue motorist from behaving irresponsibly. It would need only one unfortunate incident to cause a fatal accident on a large scale and potentially result in the long-term closure of the tunnel. The only option available to TfL and the Metropolitan Police was to withdraw tidal flow operation.

It should be noted that there are other factors temporarily influencing traffic flows in South East London (for example utilities works on the A2 and A20) and it is anticipated that it will be a month or two before an equilibrium is established. Blackwall Tunnel: consultation Question No: 999 / 2007 Geoff Pope London Councils have protested about the lack of consultation by TfL with relevant Borough Councils about the abolition of the Blackwall Tunnel rush-hour priority scheme. We understand Greenwich Borough Council were only given two days’ notice of this very important move. Is this an appropriate way to manage change? Response from the Mayor TfL had discussions with the London Borough of Greenwich in December 2006 and with the Highway Agency in January, in which concerns over tidal flow were raised.

The Metropolitan Police (MPS) has operated the peak period tidal flow at Blackwall since its introduction in 1978. The MPS advised TfL in September 2006 of its increasing concerns over risks being taken by drivers during the operation of tidal flow and its view that there was a significant and increasing risk of a serious accident occurring. In light of this, the MPS was considering withdrawal of its support in the operation of tidal flow.

TfL agreed with MPS that tidal flow would continue while TfL’s consultants’ reports into its operation were evaluated and recommendations on whether it should continue were made. This evaluation concluded that tidal flow operation was hazardous and should be stopped. TfL therefore took the decision to withdraw tidal flow arrangements and requested that the MPS continue its operation until 30 July 2007, to allow for communication with stakeholders and the installation of signage advising motorists of the cessation of tidal flow.

The MPS took the view that there was no alternative but to curtail tidal flow operation without delay and that they would do so on 20 April 2007. In the interim, a near-fatal motorcycle collision in the southbound tunnel during tidal flow operation on 17 April, led the Police to curtail operations immediately. This effectively was its last day of operation. This, unfortunately, meant that TfL was unable to communicate, as planned, the decision, and the reasons behind it, prior to the cessation of the tidal flow, although on 18 April TfL did distribute to stakeholders a press release advising that tidal flow would cease. Extension of Bus Route 271 Question No: 1000 / 2007 Geoff Pope There is strong support from local representatives for an extension of bus route no. 271 [Moorgate to Highgate Village] from Highgate to East Finchley Station. Will you ask TfL to consider this option? Response from the Mayor TfL has previously reviewed suggestions for route 271, following correspondence with the Highgate Society and the London Borough of Camden.

The suggested extension would largely duplicate sections of route 143. Introducing a high-frequency double-deck route in addition to the 143 would not represent an effective use of resources, as capacity on that section to East Finchley is currently well-matched to existing demand. Redesigning Bus Bodywork Question No: 1001 / 2007 Geoff Pope Is any work in progress to re-design the front end of bus bodywork so that injuries to pedestrians (and particularly children) involved in collisions with buses can be minimised? Response from the Mayor All vehicles in the London Buses’ fleet meet the UK’s Construction and Use requirements, and are designed to minimise risk to pedestrians, passengers and drivers.

TfL take into consideration all research into new vehicle design that might further improve the safe operation of the bus fleet. New designs are incorporated into the vehicle specification, where appropriate. This specification sets out to operators TfL’s requirements when new buses are introduced. TfL is unaware of any current evidence to suggest that the devices such as crumple zones or other modifications would further improve safety. Code Reds Question No: 1002 / 2007 Graham Tope How many code red incidents have been recorded on the London bus network since 2003, broken down per year and per bus route? Response from the Mayor Driver incident reports are calls from a driver of a bus to London’s 24 hour bus control centre (CentreComm). The majority do not demand an emergency response. The reports can be categorised into anti-social, congestion, bus operation and safety.

It is important to note that not all driver incident reports result in a recorded crime. Analysis shows that under 40% of these reports end in any police attention and that an even smaller proportion require an emergency response. London Buses actively encourages drivers to report all incidents through the control centre to allow for informed decisions to be made about the deployment of resources to the transport network pan London.

The full breakdown for the driver incident reports by year since 2003 and route will be forwarded to you by TfL separately. Illegal Minicabs Question No: 1003 / 2007 Graham Tope How many people have been arrested/sanctioned for illegal mini cab driving per year, in each year since 2003? Response from the Mayor The Metropolitan Police Service Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) Cabs unit has made 5,345 combined arrests and processes for taxi touting and illegal mini-cabs since September 2003. Please see the table below.

The decrease in the levels of arrests for 1st April 2006 – December 2006 was due to intervening legislation (the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act). The Cabs Unit reverted to processes (which is the means by which an individual can be summoned to court without being arrested. They are commonly used for traffic offences) and issued 2,200 during this period. For 2007 (year to date) the Cabs Unit has issued 61 processes. Time period Number of arrest s Sep 2003 – 31 st March 2004 500 1 stApril 2004 – 31 st March 2005 1100 1st April 2005 – 31 st March 2006 1200 1st April 2006 –December 2006 38 December 2006 – to date 307

Illegal Minicab Convictions Question No: 1004 / 2007 Graham Tope Please list how many people have been convicted of the offence of driving an illegal, unregistered mini cab in each year since 2003, and how many cases were dismissed from court because the identity of the person to be convicted could not be established? Response from the Mayor TfL is unable to provide data on the number of convictions for driving an illegal, unregistered mini cab, or how many cases are dismissed from court, due to this information not being routinely collected by the MPS. Bicycles on Trains Question No: 1005 / 2007 Geoff Pope Will you support the campaign of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group [APPCG] to make it easier for passengers to take bicycles with them on trains ? Will the rolling stock you are commissioning for the North London Railway and the East London Line extension be designed to accommodate bicycles? Response from the Mayor TfL is still developing its longer-term policy on the carriage of bicycles on trains. In the meantime, TfL is working with the train operators to encourage the provision of improved facilities for cyclists to leave their bicycles at stations.

The new rolling stock now being built for the London Overground network is not provided with designated accommodation for bicycles and, in the short term at least, it is expected that the existing restrictions on the carriage of non-folding bicycles will remain in force. However, this will be reviewed when the new trains come into operation. District Line Trains to Richmond Question No: 1006 / 2007 Geoff Pope What frequencies are scheduled for District Line trains to a) Ealing Broadway and b) Richmond? What was the actual number of District Line trains serving a) Ealing Broadway and b) Richmond in each of the months from October 06 to March 07? Response from the Mayor On both branches, scheduled frequencies are 7 trains per hour (8 1/2 minute intervals) Mon-Friday during peak hours, and 6 trains per hour (10 minute intervals) off-peak, Saturdays and Sundays.

Due to the way that performance is monitored there is not currently any summary data for the Ealing Broadway branch. LU is currently working on the implementation of a new electronic data capture system that will allow a more detailed analysis of performance on individual line sections; this will be available from July 2007.

LU Performance is monitored by the percentage of scheduled kilometres operated. The information for the District line and the Richmond branch is as follows:

District line:

Financial Period From To % Achieved P7 06/07 17/09/2006 14/10/2006 96.0% P8 06/07 15/10/2006 11/11/2006 95.4% P9 06/07 12/11/2006 09/12/2006 94.6% P10 06/07 10/12/2006 06/01/2007 96.5% P11 06/07 07/01/2007 03/02/2007 93.5% P12 06/07 04/02/2007 03/03/2007 95.7% P13 06/07 04/03/2007 31/03/2007 96.0% Total over period 95.4%

District line - Richmond branch:

Financial Period From To % Achieved P7 06/07 17/09/2006 14/10/2006 96.2% P8 06/07 15/10/2006 11/11/2006 96.9% P9 06/07 12/11/2006 09/12/2006 94.7% P10 06/07 10/12/2006 06/01/2007 96.3% P11 06/07 07/01/2007 03/02/2007 94.1% P12 06/07 04/02/2007 03/03/2007 97.0% P13 06/07 04/03/2007 31/03/2007 96.1% Total over period 95.9% Congestion Charge Overpayments Question No: 1007 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Due to technical issues in processing congestion charge transactions, more than one payment from credit or debit cards may at times be requested. In such cases, it appears to be the practice of TfL Customer Services to send a letter of apology enclosing a goodwill gesture of £20.00. While this is welcome, how much has this cost in total since the congestion charge was introduced and if this is due to a fault on Capita’s part have all costs, including the cost of TfL staff time, been recovered? Response from the Mayor There has only been one incident that may have resulted in customers’ payment cards being blocked since the start of the Congestion Charging Scheme. This happened between midnight and 08.30am on Wednesday 25 April 2007 and resulted in repeated authorisation requests against customers’ cards. However, only one payment per customer was taken.

A total of 1,218 customers were affected and although customers would not have incurred any costs, they were proactively sent a £20 goodwill payment by Capita in recognition of any inconvenience caused. The total cost of this was £22,370, which will be paid for by Capita.

TfL staff deal with customers’ issues as part of their role and, therefore, we will not be looking to recover the cost of their time. Speed Restrictions: Richmond Question No: 1008 / 2007 Geoff Pope When will speed enforcement measures be introduced on the 30mph section of the Lower Mortlake Road A316 between Richmond Circus and Chalkers Corner ? Average speeds have been measured at 41mph on this dangerous section of road and the flashing 30 mph sign has been inoperative for many weeks. Response from the Mayor TfL is in the process of providing a new road safety camera for the east bound Lower Mortlake Road (A316), between Pagoda Avenue and Castlegate, to enforce the 30 mph speed limit. This camera is expected to be installed in mid July and to be operational by the end of the summer.

TfL recently reviewed Lower Mortlake Road following a recent project to upgrade street lighting. The sign you refer to had not been reconnected to the power supply and TfL has arranged for the sign to be reconnected. Freedom Pass start time Question No: 1009 / 2007 Geoff Pope Will you ensure that the Freedom Pass start time which applies on Tube and bus [9 am] also applies on the North London Railway when you take charge in November 2007 and on the East London Line extension when it opens in 2009? Response from the Mayor I can confirm that the start time of the Freedom Pass on the North London Line will move to 9am from November this year, in line with that for bus and Tube.

This factor is being taken into account in negotiating the compensation settlement for 2008 and beyond with the London Boroughs.

I anticipate that similar arrangements will be put in place on the East London Line (ELL) extension when it opens in 2010. Discussions with the London Boroughs regarding the Freedom Pass on the ELL extension will be taking place during the course of 2008. Bus driver behaviour Question No: 1010 / 2007 Geoff Pope How many bus drivers have been cautioned, suspended or otherwise disciplined as a consequence of uncooperative or aggressive behaviour towards passengers in each year since 2000? Response from the Mayor TfL is not party to such information and cannot provide it. The detail of what disciplinary action is taken is a matter between the driver and their employer. However, the operator does confirm that action has been taken.

During the GLA Transport Committee’s scrutiny of bus driving standards, TfL confirmed that the details of disciplinary action taken with bus drivers are confidential and for Data Protection reasons cannot be released. Bus driving standards Question No: 1011 / 2007 Geoff Pope How many bus drivers have been cautioned, suspended or otherwise disciplined as a consequence of poor or dangerous driving in each year since 2000? Response from the Mayor Please refer to my answer to your Question 1010 / 2007. Complaints and commendations re bus drivers Question No: 1012 / 2007 Geoff Pope How many complaints were made against bus drivers in each year since 2000 and what were the main grounds for such complaints? How many messages were received commending bus drivers and what were the main grounds for such commendations? Response from the Mayor This information is being gathered and I have asked officers to contact you with the information in due course. Customer satisfaction surveys Question No: 1013 / 2007 Geoff Pope What categories of bus driver behaviour are included in the customer satisfaction surveys and how readily can TfL identify trends in particular behaviours over a period of years? Response from the Mayor TfL’s Customer Satisfaction surveys involve face-to-face interviews with passengers as they alight from a bus. Passengers are asked to consider various aspects of the journey they have just made. These aspects include:

• Overall satisfaction with journey just made • Information at stop/shelter • Cleanliness of stop/shelter • Reliability • Staff on bus • Information on bus • Cleanliness of bus • Condition of bus

The surveys enable TfL to monitor customers’ satisfaction with the quality of services provided, and identify areas for improvement. Mystery Traveller Surveys and Driver Quality Monitoring provide further data not only on core driving-related skills, such as braking, speed, door operation, but also on other behaviour that impacts on passengers, such as smoking or the playing of a radio. LDA grants Question No: 1014 / 2007 Dee Doocey What criteria does the London Development Agency use in order to fund projects outside London? Response from the Mayor In considering projects based entirely or partly outside London, the LDA applies its normal project appraisal criteria, including the extent to which the project would implement, within London, the LDA's statutory purposes under section 4 of the Regional Development Agencies Act (amended 1999) and contribute to the delivery of my Economic Development Strategy for London. Memorandum of Understanding Question No: 1015 / 2007 Dee Doocey What progress has been made on the new Memorandum of Understanding between yourself and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, regarding Olympics funding, and when will the details be made public? Response from the Mayor There is no specific deadline for agreeing the new Memorandum of Understanding but details will be made public as soon as it is agreed. Paralympic Games Funding (1) Question No: 1016 / 2007 Dee Doocey The bid book for the Olympics stated that: London 2012 is aware that a more dynamic revenue generation stream needs to be developed to enhance the evolution of the financial viability of the Paralympic Games. Can you define what is meant by a more dynamic revenue generation stream? Response from the Mayor Government, LDA and I have guaranteed to provide 50% of the expenditure required for the Paralympic Games. A ‘dynamic revenue generation stream’ refers to other revenue generating opportunities that will be put in place to fund the remaining 50%, such as a premier sponsorship partnership and an innovative ticketing system. Paralympic Games Funding (2) Question No: 1017 / 2007 Dee Doocey How much of the £388 million for ‘sports, Paralympics and other non-ODA costs’ is specifically for the Paralympics? Response from the Mayor The £388 million in the public sector funding package allocated for investment in non Olympic Delivery Authority provision includes a £66 million contribution to the Paralympics’ costs. LDA grants (2) Question No: 1018 / 2007 Dee Doocey What percentage of grants made by the LDA is usually swallowed up in administration costs by the recipients? Response from the Mayor The London Development Agency is responsible for a high number of projects each year under a variety of programmes each with its own criteria and all targeted at different beneficiaries. Administration costs will vary across this broad range of activities. Generally, the LDA focuses on ensuring outputs are maximised for grants through competitive tender processes. It does not seek to collect detailed information regarding internal costs for each grant given and therefore does not have the detailed information you ask for. Olympic Park Legacy Group Question No: 1019 / 2007 Dee Doocey What are the terms of reference for the Olympic Park Legacy Group? Response from the Mayor The terms of reference for the Olympic Park Legacy Group are:

The Olympic Park Legacy Group has been set up to understand, influence and advise on proposals for the legacy of the Olympic Park, including the venues, the parkland and the development of housing/sustainable communities, in line with the Olympic Programme Objectives.

Functions include: 1. To identify and communicate Stakeholder priorities. 2. To identify and communicate all Stakeholder commitments including any commitments as set out in the Candidature File 3. To receive reports on progress in relation to individual elements of the Park, including venue business plans; to review these and advise on emerging proposals. 4. To ensure that proposed usages for all venues are compatible and add up to an attractive offer for users and are commercially viable for operators and owners. 5. To report to Olympic Board Steering Group and/or Olympic Board progress with emerging park legacy proposals and business plans. Matching Borough Funding for Young People Question No: 1020 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey On the 3rd of April the Evening Standard reported your commitment that ‘the Greater London Authority would match any funding raised by each borough to support young people.’ You were speaking in Brent at the time, which has secured £300,000 of funding this year from DfES for their Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund alone. Could you tell the Assembly how much funding is raised by boroughs in London for supporting young people per year and how you propose to raise the money to match this funding? Response from the Mayor The most reliable data source for spending on youth services is the National Youth Agency audit on behalf of DfES. The fullest set of figures available is for the year 2005/06 when thirty London boroughs submitted returns (the structure of the audit tool makes it difficult to accurately aggregate the sources of additional funding). This revealed that London boroughs raised £19 million through funding streams such as such as Connexions, Drug Action Teams and Positive Activities for Young People, in addition to their mainstream spend of £57.2 million.

In the current financial year (2007/08), the DfES will be allocating a total of £21.2m in extra funding to London Boroughs through the Youth Opportunity Fund (£5.1m), Youth Capital Fund (£4.4m) and Positive Activities for Young People (£11.7m). The Positive Activities for Young People budget now goes into the Local Area Agreement, without mandatory instruction to spend this on young people.

The GLA already provides much support for young Londoners in this area: free bus/tram fares scheme for all under-18s in full-time education helps young people to access youth services and other leisure, sporting and cultural activities across London. Transport for London also runs a free travel scheme for schools taking pupils to cultural venues and my Young London Website (www.london.gov.uk/young-london) is a key portal for information provision on free activities for young Londoners.

My officers are now considering how we can provide additional support to borough youth service to maximise opportunities for young people and I will be discussing with the LDA how to finance this. Rocket Science Legacy Report Question No: 1021 / 2007 Sally Hamwee When will the Rocket Science Olympics Legacy report be released? Can you explain the reason for the delay? Response from the Mayor The publication highlighting the legacy and benefits to Londoners of hosting the Games is due to be released in July. The publication must include the new London 2012 brand, which was originally scheduled for launch in May, however this has been put back to June. I have delayed completion of the publication for this reason. Sponsorship Question No: 1022 / 2007 Sally Hamwee What was the total amount of sponsorship raised and collected (by the GLA) for each of the following events and projects? If any project has been cancelled, postponed or not pursued via the commercial sponsorship route please outline the reasons why. · The State of London Debate 2007 (MA 2889) · State of London Debate 2006 (MA 2657) · Bicentenary of the end of the slave trade programme of events (MA 2737) · The seventh Capitalwoman conference (MA 2783) · The Mayor of London¿s 2006 Black History Season (MA 2823) · Diwali on the Square 2006 (MA 2793) · The London Schools Environment Awards 3 year extension (MA 2708) · The next stages of the East London Green Grid (MA 2713) · The London Schools and the black child conference (MA 2762) · Women in London’s economy project (MA 2764) · Asian Business Conference and Reception and production of an update on the Asian Business report (DA 1620) · Commissioning of the third and fourth projects on the fourth plinth (MA2487) · Big Dance 2006 (MA 2602) · Vaisakhi celebrations in Trafalgar Square (DA 1579) · Childrens’ Arts Day in Trafalgar Square 2006 (DA 1581) · Restoration works to Nelsons column commencing March 2006 (MA 2570) Response from the Mayor Officers are looking into this information and will be sent to you shortly. Sponsorship Strategy Question No: 1023 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey According to your answer to my question number 2118/2005 the sponsorship strategy was due to be published by 31st December 2005. Yet in the 2007/10 corporate plan the only sponsorship target is to work at a 4:1 ratio of income to spend. Is this now the totality of your sponsorship strategy? Response from the Mayor The sponsorship strategy outlines the working practices of the sponsorship unit. It is a comprehensive document, intended to guide and inform the work of GLA officers. It is not intended to publish this document in a traditional sense, but it can be made available on request. TfL Advertising (1) Question No: 1024 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Can you break down for each financial year from 2000/01 to 2006/07 how much of TfL’s advertising budget has been spent advertising in: A/the ethnic minority press? And; B) foreign language press? How was this spend divided over the print media, TV, the internet and other mediums? Response from the Mayor TfL appointed their current media buying agent in October 2005 and they only have relevant information from January 2006. It is only recently that TfL has recorded ethnic minority and foreign-language media activities separately and therefore they do not hold this information prior to January 2006. The available figures are as follows:

Ethnic Minority:

2006 Press: £196,184 Radio: £26,524 Total: £222,208

2007 (Up to 21 May) Press: £105,121 Radio: £44,784 TV: £5,000 Total: £154,905

Foreign Language press:

2006: £80,969 2007: None as yet (Up to 21 May) Tfl Advertising (2) Question No: 1025 / 2007 Sally Hamwee According to your seventy first Mayor’s report: ‘Oyster cards will now be given away through national, local and community press adverts, targeted at London’s communities where Oyster take-up is lower than average.’ Can you detail: a) which publications adverts were placed in? and; b) the cost of the advertising campaign both as a whole and broken down between spend on national, local and community press adverts? Response from the Mayor The aim of this campaign was to highlight the value of using Oyster to communities where Oyster take-up is lower than average. An element of the campaign was the offer, for a limited period, of a deposit-free card.

The list below shows which titles were used and the expenditure for each category of title; National Titles (of which only the Southern editions were used), Local and pan London press, and Ethnic Press.

Note that the placement of this campaign is on-going and some titles may be varied.

National Press

News Of The World (South) The People (South) Sunday Mirror (South) Daily Star on a Sunday (South) Sun (South) Daily Mirror (South) Daily Star (South)

Cost £295,193

Other National Titles

The Tribune Morning Star

Cost £5,248

London Press Metro The Londoner London Lite The London Paper Capital Package of 30+ local newspapers

Cost: £415,692

Ethnic Minority Press

Gujarat Samachar Surma Urdu Times New Nation Voice Eastern Eye / Asian Times Des Pardes Weekly Polish Express

Cost: £76,832

Total Cost of Advertising: £792,966

TfL Advertising (3) Question No: 1026 / 2007 Sally Hamwee New Media Age’s editor Michael Nutley published this opinion on the magazine’s website on the 14th of March: ”today I get a press release from Transport for London about its latest anti- fare-evasion campaign, which apparently includes an email being sent to all Oyster cardholders telling them fare dodging is a crime. ”I would have thought anyone who has bought and registered an Oyster card is a pretty low risk for fare evasion; they’ve already bought into the idea of paying their fare. I’m guessing the only reason that TfL is emailing these people is because theirs are the only names it has¿ The end result, of course, is that sympathy for these companies is diminished at exactly the time they most need the public on their side. And it’s no way to build any kind of brand loyalty” With this in mind can you explain why it was decided to email registered Oystercard users- who are already automatically fined if they pay the incorrect fare in many cases- in this campaign? Response from the Mayor The aim of the email campaign was to alert Oyster users to the risks of not validating their card on buses and Tubes and thereby help them avoid the Penalty fare. This seemed a reasonable step to take, being helpful advice to people whether they had knowingly or unknowingly used their cards in this way.

Indeed registered Oyster card holders with PAYG only were targeted, as they are on the increase and have to be validated on every occasion; those with travel cards or bus season tickets were not included in the campaign. Victoria Line Closures Question No: 1027 / 2007 Geoff Pope According to your seventy first Mayor’s Report: ‘Early closure of the Victoria line will be suspended if it coincides with a Premiership football match at White Hart Lane or Emirates and if there is a major event at Finsbury Park’ Will early night closures of the Victoria line also be planned around engineering work on overground railway services from Walthamstow Central, Blackhorse Road, Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters so that passengers journeys from these stations into central London are disrupted as little as possible? Response from the Mayor Minimising disruption for customers is central to London Underground’s (LU) strategy for managing planned track and station closures. LU recognises the need to coordinate its work programmes with Network Rail (NR). Every 3 months, LU and NR meet to coordinate planned closures and a joint programme is in place – which currently looks ahead to beyond 2008. LU also works with football clubs and the stadium authorities to coordinate fixtures and the track closure programme.

LU plans to avoid northern-end Victoria line closures at the same time as any railway works interrupt the route from Seven Sisters / Tottenham Hale / Walthamstow Central to Liverpool Street. LU also endeavours to avoid clashing with the North London line track works which would affect Blackhorse Road. As a minimum, LU will seek Network Rail co-operation to ensure at least one of the three radial One routes into Liverpool Street is maintained when the Victoria line closes at 23.00.

LU will also provide rail replacement bus services from Walthamstow Central to Finsbury Park, where customers can take the Piccadilly line. The bus will call at all Victoria line stations in between and will have the capacity to carry the volume of displaced customers. LDA Grant Funding Question No: 1028 / 2007 Sally Hamwee According to MA 2980 the LDA is giving the GLA a £100k grant which the GLA then transfers almost entirely to Pride London. Why doesn’t the LDA support Pride London directly with a £96,000 grant and also give a £4000 grant to the GLA for advertising and marketing costs? Response from the Mayor The LDA provides funding for Pride London as part of the major events funding agreement it has with the GLA. Within the framework of the GLA group integration on major events the management of funding or other support for events like Pride sits with the GLA Events for London team and the budget related to this is held and managed by the GLA under the terms of an MOU with the LDA. The Events for London team offers expertise in event management which does not exist within the LDA. By providing the funding via the GLA, we can provide the much needed support, advice and project management skills to the event, as well as have greater monitoring of delivery of the project objectives for this funding support. GLA and LDA Joint Working on Cultural Events Question No: 1029 / 2007 Sally Hamwee According to MA 3044 “A new longer-term arrangement between the GLA and LDA for joint working is currently being finalised for Cultural Events in London during 2007-2010. This agreement will be subject to a Memorandum of Understanding between the GLA and LDA and details of each individual event will be subject to the GLA’s decision-making process.” When will this agreement be finalised and will the assembly be provided with a copy of the memorandum of understanding? What is the approximate anticipated value of the agreement? Response from the Mayor The agreement for a longer-term arrangement between the GLA and LDA for joint working is currently going through the formal Mayoral approval process, which it is anticipated will come to me for approval within the next few weeks. When this is completed my decision, which will include the sum involved, will be notified to the Assembly through the usual process. The Memorandum of Understanding will be agreed between the LDA/GLA following approval of the MAF and the Assembly's request for sight of it will be responded to once it is approved. Mayor’s Annual Report Question No: 1030 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Why will only an abridged version of the Mayor’s Annual report be available in other languages and formats? Does this adequately fulfil your responsibility to keep all Londoners, not just those who are fully sighted and literate in English, up to date about your actions? Response from the Mayor I can confirm that the full version of the annual report is available on the web and available for public inspection and is available, on request, in other languages and formats. Sponsorship of Children’s Art Day Question No: 1031 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Why is no private sponsorship being sought for the Children’s art day event in 2007 (DA 1740) when it was sought for the 2006 event (DA 1581)? Response from the Mayor The GLA Sponsorship team did seek private sponsorship for Children’s Art Day 2007 but was unsuccessful in securing a sponsor this year. However, Children’s Art Day has joined the ‘Kids Love London’ campaign run by Visit London and will be launched at the end of June. Home Insulation Offer Question No: 1032 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey How many households have responded to advertisements but been unable to qualify for the Home Insulation Offer owing to the nature of their properties? What alternative advice on energy conservation and improved efficiency is being offered to those households? Response from the Mayor It is too early to estimate how many calls have resulted in insulations as it is dependent on the outcome of surveys of individual properties. Those homes that are unable to have insulation installed will be sent an energy savers guide highlighting alternative advice and measures to save energy and cut emissions and will be referred to the Energy Savings Trust helpline. Further energy and CO2 saving offers are currently in development. Environmental Performance on the Tube Question No: 1033 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey What environmental obligations will you be seeking to incorporate at the periodic review stage of the PPP contract in 2010? Response from the Mayor London Underground is currently formulating the detail of the environmental elements which it will propose in the periodic review of the PPP contract. The main focus will be on energy efficiency - devising a strategy which dovetails into the TfL deliverables for the CO2 emissions targets that I have set. To this end, LU is exploring options to strengthen the mechanisms that incentivise energy efficiency in the delivery of the PPP contract, in terms of day to day operations and in planning for future line / station / depot upgrade and refurbishment projects. Waste, Recycling and Biodiversity elements are also being considered. Buses Question No: 1034 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey What environmental obligations around recycling of waste from buses are included in TfL’s contract with London bus operators? Response from the Mayor Under the terms of the contracts, Operators are required to have regard to the need to preserve and protect the environment and to mitigate any adverse effects on the environment. They must ensure that all materials are disposed of in a safe and lawful manner, so as not to interfere unnecessarily or improperly with the environment.

With regards the issue of free evening newspapers, TfL have had positive discussions with the distributors of newspapers about stopping the practice of papers being put on to the buses. TfL are also due to meet London Remade shortly to discuss the options available for recycling of newspapers at the bus operator’s depots.

TfL is also in the process of developing an Environmental Management System which will include looking at ways to better manage and reduce their waste, where possible. Free Newspapers Question No: 1035 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey What discussions have TfL had with the publishers of London’s free evening newspapers over the practice of dumping multiple copies on buses? Response from the Mayor Since the launch of the free evening newspapers, TfL has had a number of discussions with each of the publishers, making it clear to them that placing multiple copies of newspapers on buses is not permitted. The publishers have responded positively and this requirement is being clearly conveyed to the distributors.

TfL is liaising closely with the publishers to identify and deal with any breaches to the policy, as a result of which there has been a reduction in the number of such incidents. TfL will continue to monitor the situation. Free Newspapers Question No: 1036 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Given the growing problem of litter on the underground and concerns expressed by councils such as Westminster, do you regret starting the phenomenon of ‘free’ give-away newspapers by issuing the original contracts? Response from the Mayor I did not start the phenomenon of free newspapers. It was an established business model well before Metro was first distributed to Underground and National Rail commuters in the mornings.

I therefore have no contractual power to control the activities of the businesses who publish and distribute these afternoon newspapers. Sewage in the Thames Question No: 1037 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey What is your understanding of the timetable for the interceptor tunnel being built? Response from the Mayor The interceptor tunnel was given the go ahead in March with a likely completion around 2019/2020. It is a large and complex civil engineering project and detailed design and planning still needs to be undertaken, so a more exact breakdown is not yet available. I am keen to see every effort made to complete the project as soon as is practicably possible and a timetable for this is currently under discussion. Plastic Bags Question No: 1038 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Can you provide an update on actions or pilots that you are supporting to reduce the use of plastic bags by retailers in London? Response from the Mayor This year my waste officers will be producing a waste reduction and reuse plan to set out measures for reducing London's waste and increasing reuse. This will include identifying methods for reducing the use of plastic bags by retailers in London.

In addition, there are several proposals in my draft Business Waste Strategy that will address the reduction of plastic bags, such as: * the production of a retail sector action plan, * a conference of producers and grocery retailers to discuss the production and retail of materials that cannot be recycled or composted in London, and * negotiating with the Government to establish statutory measures to implement producer responsibility legislation rather than persisting with voluntary agreements. Reward Card Oral Question No: 1039 / 2007 answer Mike Tuffrey Following our exchange at MQT in October 2006 when you said that reward card to encourage sustainable behaviour in London was ‘an eminently sensible idea’ can you update me on your latest thinking and any progress made in this area? Food Strategy Question No: 1040 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Why has the Implementation Plan to support the Food Strategy published in May 2006 not yet been published? Response from the Mayor An internal Implementation Plan has been signed off by the Food Implementation Steering Group, which has worked on it since the Strategy’s launch, particularly to take account of the key role that supermarkets can play in making the Strategy a success. A summary final public document is being prepared and it is expected to be published July 2007. MPS recycling Question No: 1041 / 2007 Mike Tuffrey Why is the target incorporated in the New Facilities Management Contract for the MPS estate lower than that set for municipal waste in the London Plan? Response from the Mayor At the time of the Invitation to Tender for the Facilities Management Contract (June 2006), MPS office waste was managed through Local Authority Agreements, and recycling levels were at 9%.

Within this contract the MPS set a target of increasing its recycling rate to 25% by 2010. A 16% increase was determined to be achievable in the light of the significant changes required to move to new suppliers and implement recycling systems across the MPS estate in the timescales. However, in accordance with the Environment Strategy, the MPS are working with the new suppliers to achieve the highest recycling levels possible, within MPS funding and operational constraints. The MPS have committed to a further target of increasing recycling levels to 30% in 2007/08, as part of the annual Environmental Management Programme http://www.met.police.uk/about/environment/. Affordable Housing Question No: 1042 / 2007 Dee Doocey What communication have you had with Lambeth Council over the Places for People development on Coldharbour Lane, where affordable housing provision has been cut from 50% to 35%, and now includes just 13 units for social renting, and what can you do to ensure better enforcement of London Plan targets at local level? Response from the Mayor I have had no communication with Lambeth Council over this application, which is not strategic and has not been referred to me.

Generally, I will oppose any forthcoming local development document from any borough council that does not generally conform to my London Plan policies on affordable housing. Homelessness Question No: 1043 / 2007 Dee Doocey What can you do as Mayor to help provide practical help to EU migrants seeking work in London who are currently sleeping rough and unable to access local authority support? Response from the Mayor Frontline services for those sleeping rough, whether from EU accession countries or others, are provided by London’s boroughs and voluntary sector services. For accession country migrants access to benefits and social housing is restricted through the legislation that introduced the right to reside test.

However, in recognition of the problem the Government has made additional revenue support available to boroughs to assist homeless EU migrants. I fully support this additional support by Government and will continue to assist in tackling homelessness through allocating funding for supported and specialist housing, increasing the supply of affordable housing and tackling health inequalities. Housing Corporation Grant Question No: 1044 / 2007 Dee Doocey Following reports that affordable housing money has been allocated from London to other regions what will you do to ensure that London is reimbursed in the future? Response from the Mayor Like other Government sponsored agency the Corporation works on a resource accounting basis. So it is common practice for the Housing Corporation to move resources between regions at the end of the financial year in order for the agency to meet its annual resource targets. Adjustments are then made at the beginning of the following year to ensure that each Housing Corporation’s regional office is compensated appropriately.

I have already put in place arrangements whereby the London Office of the Housing Corporation submits a quarterly monitoring report on take up of its allocated resource. Unanswered Question Question No: 1045 / 2007 Sally Hamwee I have still to receive an answer to my question 2222/2006 asked in October 2006. How many consultants are engaged by TfL other than in connection with a specific project. How many of these consultants have been working with TfL for a) more than 6 months, b) more than 12 months? Response from the Mayor Consultants generally procured on the basis of deliverables, as part of specific projects.

As at 21 May, 191 individuals were working under paid consultancy arrangements within Tfl’s organisational structure, although 125 of these are working in a project management capacity. Of the remaining 66, 41 had been here greater than 6 months and 30 longer than 12 months. Consultants Costs Question No: 1046 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Please will you supply, broken down by functional body and the core GLA, the amounts that have been spent on consultants in 2006/07? Response from the Mayor I have been advised by the functional bodies of the following amounts spent on consultants in 2006/07: £’000

MPA 100

LFEPA 3,400

TfL 210,000

LDA 25,398

In addition the GLA has spent £4.322m on consultancy costs. Lights on bicycles Question No: 1047 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Will you ensure that Transport for London promotes the use by cyclists of effective front and rear lights for safety reasons, and lobbies for bicycles to be sold only when equipped with front and rear lights? Response from the Mayor For the last two years TfL has run a ‘winter cycling’ campaign which promotes the use of lights at night. In addition, TfL supports the police with information and awareness campaigns targeted at cyclists. Bendy Buses Question No: 1048 / 2007 Geoff Pope Please provide figures collected for the number of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, and the total of number of accidents involving Bendy Buses for each month over the last 12 months. If there are no statistics available how is the safety of bendy buses monitored ? What actions are being taken to improve safety of bendy buses for other road users. Response from the Mayor Appendix C shows the number of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, and the total number of incidents involving articulated buses. These show all reported incidents including those of a minor nature and are irrespective of who was to blame in terms of collisions with other vehicles.

Safe operation of the bus network will always be paramount and TfL continue to make improvements to safety, for example, through initiatives such as BTEC training of drivers, supporting bus companies with route risk assessment, and working in partnership with the boroughs. Recycling Question No: 1049 / 2007 Geoff Pope What plans do you have to incorporate recycling requirements as part of the conditions for the DLR and the North London Railway and East London Line concession? Response from the Mayor Recycling is one of a number of matters that will be the subject of further discussions with the successful bidder. We would expect the Concession operator to adopt best practice in this area. Similarly for the DLR Franchise, the contractor has to follow good industry practice and particular initiatives are discussed from time to time. Serco has been considering their position and they are actively considering how best to recycle papers. Security of Tube Depots Oral Question No: 1050 / 2007 answer Geoff Pope In view of the escalation to 200 of damage, trespass and burglary offences reported by the British Transport Police at Tube Depots in 2006: A) Please detail what measures are being taken to reduce this number and to increase the proportion of incidents where charges are brought: B) What assurances can you give that all tube trains are regularly checked for explosive and other devices? Safety of cyclists Question No: 1051 / 2007 Geoff Pope What measures are being taking to enforce action against motor vehicles that encroach in the cyclists’ stop boxes at traffic signals and cycle lanes generally? Response from the Mayor TfL started an education and enforcement campaign called “Share the Road” in September 2006. The aim was to change anti-social and illegal behaviour by and towards cyclists through engagement with road user organisations. TfL is committed to promoting mutual respect between cyclists and other road users.

Communication focused on providing: • a public message of personal responsibility and respect towards all road users • ensuring that clear, improved information for cyclists and other road users is available

This was backed up by a series of enforcement operations designed to increase awareness by road users of the risks, and issuing penalties for illegal / anti-social behaviour at key locations. 20 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to motorists who infringed an advanced stop line during the enforcement campaign.

There will be further enforcement operations targeting all road users this year. Congestion Charge Zone Traffic Statistics Question No: 1052 / 2007 Geoff Pope Please list a monthly breakdown, starting on February 19th 2007 and running to date, for the number of vehicles: A) Entering the Western Extension. B) Entering the original zone from the Western extension. C) Entering the original zone Response from the Mayor The initial figures for the western extension of the congestion charging zone showed the western extension operating at the level anticipated with better than anticipated results in the original congestion charging zone.

The first post-half term week figures showed:

• Traffic in the area of the western extension of the zone down 13% – in the middle of the 10-15% reduction anticipated. • Traffic in the old congestion charging area not increased at all – a better performance than anticipated. • Little overall change in traffic levels on the free through routes or boundary roads around the zone, as predicted.

Current conditions remain in line with these initial figures and a full breakdown of the first three months of operation will be published in the 5th Annual Monitoring Report in June. Pedestrian Subways under A4 Question No: 1053 / 2007 Geoff Pope What progress is being made installing CCTV cameras in the 7 pedestrian subways under the A4 in Chiswick?. (Other than the subway near the Hogarth Roundabout where I understand cameras are being funded by Fullers Brewery) Response from the Mayor TfL has provided funding for CCTV to be installed in the Black Lion subway, and this is being installed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham with a link back to their control room. Provision of CCTV at the Hogarth Roundabout subways has not progressed because the funding from Fullers Brewery has not materialised. Consideration is currently being given to up-grading the remaining subways between Hogarth Roundabout and the Hammersmith Flyover, although this has not been identified as a priority for investment in the short term. Kings Cross Station Entrances Question No: 1054 / 2007 Geoff Pope Has it been decided to maintain the heavily used pedestrian entrance and subway to the tube station from the Thameslink entrance in Pentonville Road? Will the station entrance in York Way be retained? Response from the Mayor The Thameslink entrance in Pentonville Road is owned by Network Rail. London Underground is seeking to keep this entrance open after Thameslink moves from its current location into St Pancras. LU is therefore examining the costs and feasibility of transferring this entrance from Network Rail to LU. Once this has been completed LU will be in a position to decide whether this will be possible.

London Underground Kings Cross Station does not own or manage an entrance on York Way. The Energy Funding Contribution and Co-operation Agreement with PDVE Question No: 1055 / 2007 Sally Hamwee A) When will the discounted fares scheme start? B) Has the agreement between TfL and the Post Office been concluded? Please will you publish it. C) Has the work which TfL is to do under the arrangement been identified? If so, please list it Response from the Mayor A) The scheme is planned to start in August

B) The Post Office will issue the photocards under a variation to their existing child photocard contract with TfL. Heads of Terms and pricing for Post Office involvement in the scheme have been agreed. However, work is continuing to finalise the detailed contract schedules. It is anticipated that the final contractual terms will be in the public domain and that they will be available from August this year.

C) The list of possible areas where TfL may offer transport advice to Venezuela is included in the agreement. These areas include transport integration, traffic management, bus service management and priority, metro management, public protection and safety on public transport services, regulation and operation of taxis and private hire vehicles and marketing of transport services. After the Commissioner’s visit, which is scheduled for the end of June, TfL will recommend priority areas for advice. Funding agreement with DCMS Question No: 1056 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Has the agreement with DCMS mentioned in MA2820 been concluded? When will a copy of the agreement be published? Response from the Mayor The Olympic Programme Support Unit funding agreement was signed on 29 March 2007 and a copy is attached. Consultants #1 Question No: 1057 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Since their appointment, how many days have: A) Harry Barlow and B) Anne Kane worked, broken down by financial year? Response from the Mayor A) Since 1 April 2005 Harry Barlow has held the post of Communications Adviser to the Mayor, and became a permanent member of GLA staff on a 29.6 hour week

B) Anne Kane

01/02 – 28 days 02/03 – 30 days 03/04 – 82.5 days 04/05 – 68 days 05/06 – 103. 5 06/07 – 129.5 Consultants #2 Question No: 1058 / 2007 Sally Hamwee Since their appointment, how much have A) Harry Barlow And B) Anne Kane been paid, broken down by financial year? Response from the Mayor A) Since 1 April 2005 Harry Barlow has held the post of Communications Adviser to the Mayor, and became a permanent member of GLA staff. He is paid an annual salary of £88,000

B) Anne Kane

01/02 - £8,500 02/03 – £9,100 03/04 - £24,750 04/05 – £20,450 05/06 – £31,050 06/07 – £38,850 Policing Question No: 1059 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail the number of (a) police officers (b) police and community officers by each London Borough whose post has been paid for by the local authority. Response from the Mayor The following table details the number of police officers and PCSOs where contracts have been signed between the MPA and Local Authority. Total Number of Police BOROUGH PCSOs Officers Barking & Dagenham 1 Brent 6 Bromley 2 Ealing 3 Enfield 15 Greenwich 4.5 3 Hackney 2 Hammersmith & Fulham 27 24 Hillingdon 12 Kensington & Chelsea 50 Kingston 3 Newham 2 17 Southwark 5.5 Sutton 0.5 Tower Hamlets 1 Westminster 4 4 TOTAL 73.5 113 Red routes Question No: 1060 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What is the progress in removing the red route from Coulsdon Town Centre? Response from the Mayor The red route will be removed from Coulsdon Town Centre when the road is handed over to the London Borough of Croydon. This is scheduled to take place in the first week of June. Brighton Road, Coulsdon Question No: 1061 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Are there long-term plans to pass responsibility for the Brighton Road in Coulsdon Town Centre to the local authority in the London Borough of Croydon? Response from the Mayor With reference to the answer to 1060/07, the road will be officially handed over to the London Borough of Croydon in early June. Bus Lane Question No: 1062 / 2007 Andrew Pelling The bus lane on the Coulsdon Relief Road is not being used by TfL’s London Buses as there are no buses that run along the Relief Road. Would it be better to scrap the bus lane? Response from the Mayor The "bus lane" you refer to is a priority lane for specific classes of vehicles. These include:

• other bus services such as school buses • minibuses, coaches and long distance scheduled services • goods vehicles (over 3 tonnes), • taxis • motorcycles • cycles

The priority lane does, therefore, provide a benefit to these classes of vehicles. However, as traffic patterns settle down Transport for London will be monitoring the operational performance of the relief road and the priority traffic lane will be kept under review. Road space Question No: 1063 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What percentage of the road space of the Coulsdon Inner Relief Road is made up of space that is dedicated to road space marked out as a “Bus Lane”? Response from the Mayor Approximately 18% of the total carriageway area is allocated to this lane which serves bus, HGV, motor cycle, cycle and taxi users. Please see the response to 1062/2007. London Parking Disputes Question No: 1064 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please provide information on the number of incidents that the police have been called to in London since Jan 2006 relating to disputes over parking. Response from the Mayor I am informed that this information can only be obtained by manually searching the Control and Dispatch Management Information System (CADMIS). This involves reading the free text field for every record, as there is no specific code for parking disputes. Until there is a specific code, it is impossible to carry out systematic counts and provide this information. Olympics Question No: 1065 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please list those posts within A) GLA Core B) TfL C) LFEPA D) MPA E) LDA which are dedicated to delivering a successful London Olympics 2012? Response from the Mayor Every Londoner stands to gain from the investment we are putting into the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and a successful Games will bring benefits to generations of Londoners to come.

I would therefore expect that every post within the GLA Group will, in a variety of ways, be dedicated to ensuring a successful Games.

The attached table (Appendix D), however, shows those posts whose primary purpose is related to the 2012 Games. London Underground Question No: 1066 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail the number of passengers carried on the Underground each calendar year since 1987. Response from the Mayor This data shows the number of passenger journeys made on London Underground each year since 1987. Historic data is held for financial years rather than calendar years.

Over the last 10 years the number of journeys has increased by over 30%

Year Million 1986/87 769 1987/88 798 1988/89 815 1989/90 765 1990/91 775 1991/92 751 1992/93 728 1993/94 735 1994/95 764 1995/96 784 1996/97 772 1997/98 832 1998/99 866 1999/00 927 2000/01 970 2001/02 953 2002/03 942 2003/04 948 2004/05 976 2005/06 971 2006/07 1014 Croydon Passenger numbers Question No: 1067 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail the number of passengers carried on bus and tram routes running through the London Borough of Croydon in the calendar years 2000, 2004 and 2006. Response from the Mayor TfL does not collate bus passenger numbers by borough as borough boundaries are not significant determinants of the pattern of usage.

Patronage figures for the Croydon Tramlink are also not available by borough. The total number of trips made on Tramlink during these years were:

2000 - 10.47m 2004 - 19.66m 2006 - 23.89m Sutton Passenger numbers Question No: 1068 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail the number of passengers carried on bus and tram routes running through the London Borough of Sutton in the calendar years 2000, 2004 and 2006. Response from the Mayor TfL does not collate bus passenger numbers by borough as borough boundaries are not significant determinants of the pattern of usage.

Patronage figures for the Croydon Tramlink are also not available by borough. The total number of trips made on Tramlink during these years were:

2000 - 10.47m 2004 - 19.66m 2006 - 23.89m East London Mosque Question No: 1069 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Has the GLA or any of the GLA family provided funding towards the costs of constructing the new East London Mosque? Response from the Mayor I am informed that no part of the GLA family has provided such funding. Coulsdon Town Centre Question No: 1070 / 2007 Andrew Pelling I regret to report that Coulsdon residents are unhappy with the pace of plans to rejuvenate Coulsdon Town Centre after the building of the relief road. What can you do to encourage progress? Response from the Mayor

Coulsdon Town Centre is one of my 100 Public Spaces Projects. The building of the relief road and resulting reduction in traffic has presented a unique opportunity to create an improved pedestrian environment. My officers from Design for London and Transport for London are working with Croydon Council to develop proposals to revitalise the town centre. Consultation was carried out last summer and a report on revised plans will be provided to local people in June. Implementation of the plans is scheduled to start next year.

I appreciate the need for progress, but equally we must spend the time to consult properly and reach the best solution. T33 and 64 bus Question No: 1071 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What can be done to stop the T33 and 64 buses bunching together on their route? I declare an interest as a user. Response from the Mayor TfL has taken a number of steps to improve the performance of the bus network, and indeed bus services are now more reliable than at any time since records began. The steps take include:

• Introducing ‘Quality Incentive’ contracts, where operators are penalised for poor performance and rewarded for excellent service. • Providng extra route supervisors to resolve operational problems on routes as they occur. • Enforcement of parking restrictions and bus lanes. • Introducing an automatic vehicle location system to ensure operators can control exactly how services are running and tackle problems.

TfL will contact you to discuss the specific problems you are experiencing on the T33 and 64. Stead and Simpson Question No: 1072 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Stead and Simpson has pulled out of Coulsdon Town Centre describing the area as a “declining location”. Do you appreciate the urgency of progressing regeneration of this town centre? Response from the Mayor Yes. Sick Days Question No: 1073 / 2007 Andrew Pelling The CBI has found that Londoners take an average of 5.8 days off sick from work each year. What are the average number of days off sick per annum for employees in (a) City Hall GLA Core (b) London Development Agency (c) London’s Fire Service (d) Transport for London (e) The Metropolitan Police Service Response from the Mayor The most recent figures are as follows: a) 6.96 days b) 6.4 days c) 8.7 days d) 11.7 days e) 8.3 days Venezuela Oil Discussions Question No: 1074 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Will you follow up your oil discussions with Venezuela’s PDVSA with discussions with Brazilian and US governments to promote Brazilian and US style biofuel ethanol usage in London? Response from the Mayor We are continuing to investigate the potential benefits of biofules to achivening London’s climate change targets.

While some types of ethanol can reduce CO2 emissions considerably compared to petrol or diesel, these emission benefits vary greatly according to the crop type, production methods and transportation requirements. US bioethanol derived from corn. For example, typically has higher emissions than petrol. It is therefore extremely important to ensure that any decision to purchase ethanol is based on a thorough understanding of these issues and that an assessment of the emissions benefits has been undertaken first.

There has been extensive media coverage recently about the impact that the increased demand for biofuels is having in South America and Asia in terms of deforestation and destruction of peat land. There are also growing concerns about the diversion of crops from food production to biofuel production, which is causing the price of grains to rise, thereby leading to food shortages.

I discussed biofuels with President Lula of Brazil last year when I met him in London. We will continue to monitor development on biofuels before deciding whether or not to promote biofuels more strongly in London. LEGI Expenditure in Croydon Question No: 1075 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What co-ordinating work is the LDA and the GLA undertaking with LEGI expenditure in Croydon? Response from the Mayor The LDA is a member of the Croydon Enterprise Advisory Board responsible for strategic level co-ordination of the LEGI programme. LDA funding commitments through the Innovation Centre have been aligned with the LEGI programme. LDA is also providing support to create better linkages across London on LEGI, this year setting up regular meetings between the LEGI funded boroughs and regional organisations such as LSC. Tamils and petrol stations Question No: 1076 / 2007 Andrew Pelling In the context of the MPS do you give credence to the view that petrol station card fraud has been driven by LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) activities? Response from the Mayor I have been informed that the Metropolitan Police Service have no direct knowledge of specific links between the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and chip and pin fraud.

There is evidence of Tamil criminal conspiracy around chip and pin at petrol stations. This has been the subject of MPS operations in the past. However one has to be careful about automatically linking Tamil gang activity with LTTE activity as they are not necessarily the same thing. Injuries on the London Underground Question No: 1077 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Typically how many injuries are recorded each year as being suffered from luggage falling down escalators on the London Underground? Response from the Mayor The number of injuries recorded in this category each calendar year since 2000 are as follows:

2000 10 2001 9 2002 12 2003 4 2004 7 2005 6 2006 11 2007 TYD 1 ESOL Question No: 1078 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What benefits will your ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) initiative bring to Croydon and to Sutton for users and providers? Response from the Mayor This is a London –wide initiative and I would expect Croydon and Sutton residents, and organisations delivering ESOL in those two Boroughs, to benefit in proportion to the demand for ESOL currently being met in those Boroughs. Assembly Members will be aware that a combination of policy changes from national government and shifts in funding had threatened a significant proportion of London’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision for the forthcoming year. The scale of cuts in provision threatened to dismantle the framework for delivery of ESOL. This was unacceptable both in terms of the huge demand for ESOL but also because the London Skills and Employment Board (LSEB) is in the process of preparing its strategy for Skills and Employment in London which will be more closely aligned to London’s needs than the current blunt national target regime. With the support of the Board, I am pleased to report that we have been able to put together a package of resources from the LSC nationally and from the LDA which will enable colleges and providers to maintain provision at this year’s level. The funding is for one year only. The actual distribution to colleges and other providers is being done undertaken by the LSC, in consultation with the LDA. The intention is that the allocation of resources will be completed by the end of May. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Complaints Question No: 1079 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail how many complaints have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination in each year since 2004 against The Metropolitan Police Commissioner. Response from the Mayor The following figures should be considered in the context of the overall size of the MPS which has grown in recent years to a total in excess of 50,000 police officers and police staff. It should also be noted that discrimination is the only area in which police officers are able to bring proceedings in front of an employment tribunal.

2004/05: Race discrimination claims: 21 Sex and race discrimination (combined claims): 8

2005/06: Race discrimination claims: 25 Sex and race discrimination (combined claims): 16

2006/07: Race discrimination claims: 23 Sex and race discrimination (combined claims): 12

NB: figures are recorded by financial year. Transport for London Complaints Question No: 1080 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail how many complaints have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination in each year since 2004 against Transport for London. Response from the Mayor The following complaints against TfL have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination.

In 2004 (5 claims), 2005 (22 claims), 2006 (18 claims) and 2007 (9 claims).

Within this total of 54 claims raised by individuals, 21 are ongoing, 18 were mutually resolved, 5 were withdrawn, 7 were found in favour of Transport for London and 3 were found in favour of the claimant. London Development Agency Complaints Question No: 1081 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail how many complaints have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination in each year since 2004 against the London Development Agency? Response from the Mayor There have been two complaints made against the LDA on the grounds of racial discrimination to employment tribunals; one was made in 2004 and one in 2007. The complaint in 2004 was resolved prior to the hearing and the complaint in 2007 is at the pre-tribunal stage. GLA Core Complaints Question No: 1082 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail how many complaints have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination in each year since 2004 against the GLA core? Response from the Mayor I have asked officers to provide you with this information. LFEPA Complaints Question No: 1083 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail how many complaints have been made to employment tribunals on the grounds of racial discrimination in each year since 2004 against LFEPA? Response from the Mayor The figures I have been supplied with from LFEPA are as follows:

2004 4 2005 3 2006 1 2007 0 Bus Design Question No: 1084 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Can you outline what options are available to TfL in improving the design of buses in order to reduce the risk of death in collisions with pedestrians? Response from the Mayor All vehicles in the London Buses’ fleet meet the UK’s Construction and Use requirements, and are designed to minimise risk to pedestrians, passengers and drivers.

Safety features incorporated in current bus design include safety glass and the height of wing mirrors. TfL also require day-time use of lights to improve visibility to other road users and pedestrians.

TfL always review major incidents on the bus network on a case-by-case basis to identify safer ways of operating buses in London.

If any issue related to vehicle design is identified, this would be fed back to the relevant bus manufacturer. Street Faults Question No: 1085 / 2007 Andrew Pelling When a member of the public reports a street fault through the TfL website, what is the average time it takes to investigate the report and act upon it? Response from the Mayor TfL’s new contracts with Highway Maintenance Work Contractors set out specific service level agreements which contractors are obliged to abide by. These are as follows:

• Emergency (1 hour response and resolution). This refers to anything fault that could result in serious injury or fatality for anyone travelling on the Transport for London Road Network, for example an electrical fault, or missing inspection cover that may cause a pedestrian to fall. • Cat 1 (to be made safe within 24 hours, with a permanent repair within 28 days). This might include a pot hole or trip hazard, but where the likelihood of a fall is less.

There is a further sub-category, where the risk to pedestrians in each case diminishes.

• Cat 2H (to be made safe within 7 day, with a permanent repair within 28 days). • Cat 2M (to be made safe within 28 days) • Cat 2L (to be permanently repaired when the contractor is next undertaking works on this section of the highway)

Number of Street Faults Question No: 1086 / 2007 Andrew Pelling How many reports of street faults have TfL had from members of the public through the TfL website since that function was set up? Response from the Mayor Year 2007 (year Type of to Faults 2003 2004 2005 2006 date) BRIDGE 7 1 1 2 CARRIAGEW AY 925 959 955 1,070 668 CYCLEWAY 19 7 19 15 21 FOOTWAY 428 462 560 549 241 GENERAL 115 55 47 50 50 MISCELLANE ABANDONED OUS VEHICLE 46 15 3 13 1 DEAD ANIMAL 2 DUMPING 4 7 1 FLY POSTING 1 GRAFITTI 14 12 4 12 5 OTHER 25 68 32 43 25 PROPERTY DAMAGE 1 1 5 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES 1 1 91 103 40 77 31 SUBWAY 1 7 44 33 1 TRAFFIC LIGHTS 398 448 667 982 441 VERGES 1 2 4 Total by Year 1984 2043 2335 2782 1453 Bus Stop Countdown Signs Question No: 1087 / 2007 Andrew Pelling How many bus stops in Greater London now have countdown displays, and of this number how many were reported faulty over the last year? Response from the Mayor There are 2013 Countdown signs fitted at bus stops in Greater London. Of these, around 15% were not working at any one time as a result of vandalism, power and data line disruptions or other issues. Typically 32% of faults are fixed within one day and 64% within 3 days. Fines issued by the police service Question No: 1088 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please detail the number of fines issued by the police service since January 2006 that have been paid relating to the offence of riding cycles on the pavement in A) The London Borough of Croydon B) The London Borough of Sutton C) Greater London Response from the Mayor The Metropolitan Police Service has informed me that since January 2006 it has issued a total number of 4008 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for the offence of riding cycles on the pavement, 1963 of which have been paid.

Of this total, 35 FPNs were issued in the London Borough of Croydon, 14 of which have been paid. 5 FPNs were issued in the London Borough of Sutton, 1 of which has been paid.

It should be noted that a number of the notices are still being processed through the system and may subsequently be paid. Crystal Palace Park Question No: 1089 / 2007 Andrew Pelling What investment has been made to date in Crystal Palace park and how does this sum compare with expenditures on consultations, exhibitions and brochures on plans for the park? Response from the Mayor Since committing to take ownership of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (NSC) in 2004, the LDA has made substantial investments to maintain the NSC in working order and develop plans to ensure the 200 acre Crystal Palace Park has a long term sustainable future.

Total gross spend from 2004 (up to the financial year ending March 2007) is circa £11.1m. Receipts from Sport England and GLA amount to £1.2m. The expenditure is broken down as follows:

1. NSC - £6.2m has been spent over 3 years to maintain and fund facilities such as the Athletics stadium and the 50m Swimming pool and National Diving centre. These are key sporting facilities for Londoners and have hosted, and continue to host, a number of major sporting events which might not otherwise be possible.

This critical investment also included £1.5m to upgrade and improve access at the NSC and ensure DDA compliance. Furthermore it has enabled the NSC to be considered as a valuable pre Games Training Camp in support of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games effort.

2. Planning Framework and Consultant costs - This £3.0m investment included all work (and materials) involved in the initial Options Paper and 2004 Planning Framework. In addition it covers a series of LDA planning, legal and design consultants fees associated with the project.

3. Masterplanning costs (Landscape Architects, Latz + Partner and associated specialist sub contractors within the masterplanning team). The LDA has invested around £1.5m with leading architects Latz + Partners to develop a Masterplan for the Park. This also includes all specialist expert consultants who make up the masterplanning team. Together they are developing a Masterplan which outlines a long term sustainable solution for the Park. The Masterplan will address a wide range of issues such as access, lighting, community safety as well as the physical landscaping of the park and the various facilities and features such as the farm and the concert venue

4. Consultation and communications - The LDA has invested under £0.5m since 2004 in developing and facilitating an independent community dialogue process to ensure that local people and organisations are directly involved in devising a long term future for the park.

This has included regular stakeholder meetings and programme management of three working groups and the full Dialogue group meetings. It also included a number of public exhibitions and consultation events which led to the development of a planning framework in 2006. All publications, materials and advertising costs are also included within this total.

The Masterplan is being developed with substantial community participation. In addition to the continued involvement of the Dialogue groups, an extensive programme of community outreach and engagement is seeking to broaden community input into the Masterplan.

The sensitivities of both this site and project require an exceptional masterplan with strong stakeholder involvement and support. The LDA is confident that this process will secure a long-term and sustainable future for a rejuvenated park that will benefit local communities and drive economic regeneration in surrounding areas.

Recently, an additional £250,000 is being spent on landscaping work near the station to improve public access and the appearance of a key entrance to the park. A further £4.2m will be spent on the refurbishment of the NSC plant this financial year; this expenditure is 50% match funded by the LDA and Sports England. Public Transport in New Addington Question No: 1090 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Thank you for your intervention to protect public transport in New Addington. The south western part of New Addington is thought still to suffer from a significant reduction in provision. Will you be willing to keep this matter under review and introduce extra buses in the rush hours on the 130 route? Response from the Mayor I am pleased that you recognise and welcome the way in which TfL responded to consultation on its proposals for routes in New Addington. TfL will keep the changes that have now been implemented under review in the usual way, including usage of route 130. Cyclists ignoring red lights Question No: 1091 / 2007 Andrew Pelling How much resource is being applied by traffic police in London to catch cyclists ignoring red lights? Response from the Mayor Traffic police officers count for only a small percentage of the uniformed police presence on the road at any one time that are available to deal with the enforcement of pedal cycle offences. MPS officers have a variety of intervention options available to them for dealing with road traffic offences. For minor infringements of the law, advice would be given, but obviously for the more serious incidents, the offender can be prosecuted. Last year the MPS issued nearly 500 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to pedal cyclists for contravening red traffic lights. Free travel on London Buses Question No: 1092 / 2007 Andrew Pelling I welcome strongly your positive response to the request by Cllr. Steve O’Connell, the Deputy Leader of Croydon Council, for Croydon Borough Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers, to travel for free on London Buses. Could you provide some other good examples of co-operation between TfL and Boroughs on policing? Response from the Mayor TfL works with multiple agencies to deal with crime, disorder and anti social behaviour, for example, working with schools to educate children about behaving responsibly on public transport. TfL try to achieve sustainable solutions to problems through partnership working.

Recently TfL (Revenue Protection and London Buses) worked with local police, British Transport Police and tram and train operating companies worked together in Wimbledon on a revenue protection exercise. All agencies worked with the local schools to ensure children had the correct passes to enable travel.

Another example of co-operation with local borough police was at Hammersmith bus station, with an operation run by Hammersmith Police with TfL’s support. As part of operation Blunt, a knife arch was set up at the bus station and commuters were invited to walk through to help deter the carrying of knives.

Transport for London work has helped support the ‘Best Bar None’ scheme in Camden which works to cut alcohol related crime. As part of the accreditation scheme, Transport for London helped ensure licensed premises understand the importance of customers getting home safely including asking door staff to be mindful of illegal taxi touts.

Following a number of incidents of stone and brick throwing at trains in Barking and Dagenham, Transport for London worked closely with many agencies including the local borough police, park police and local residents to increase patrolling and target those responsible. Tesco Development, New Addington Question No: 1093 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please advise of the latest developments from the point of view of the Mayor’s planning office regarding the prospective Tesco’s development in New Addington. Response from the Mayor My officers are in ongoing pre-application discussions with the applicants. When the application is submitted I shall respond formally to the Council outlining my initial views.

Lord Rogers and Design for London officers have reviewed the current design proposals and have expressed concerns about the quality of design currently proposed. This is an important project for New Addington and Design for London and GLA officers are working with the applicant to achieve the highest standards of design, access and sustainability. Without prejudice to any future decision I may make, I broadly support for the principle of regeneration in New Addington, to provide a sustainable and vibrant district centre and to tackle social exclusion and substantial deprivation. Blackwall Tunnel tolls Question No: 1094 / 2007 Bob Neill Further to his reply to Roger Evans’ question 482/2007, will the Mayor confirm that, whatever the outcome of the surveys currently being undertaken by TfL and the London Borough of Greenwich, his handwritten postscript to his letter to the Leader of Bexley Council dated 19 March 2007 holds good; namely, “P.S. In case this is not clear enough - read my lips - no tolls at Blackwall Tunnel!” Response from the Mayor I can confirm that I do not propose to toll the Blackwall tunnel. Limehouse Link Tunnel Question No: 1095 / 2007 Bob Neill What will be the normal closure times of the Limehouse Link Tunnel from April 2007? Precisely what maintenance works are carried out at this time, and who are the contractors? Response from the Mayor The tunnel closes for three consecutive nights, between midnight and 05.00 hours (occasionally 22.00 and 05.00 hours) every 4 weeks for routine maintenance. This includes items of essential work such as:

• cleaning of walls and gulleys, • cleaning and maintenance of CCTV and speed cameras, • cleaning and replacement of lighting units, • repair and maintenance of ventilation fans, • checks of tunnel safety equipment such as fire hydrants, emergency telephones etc.

The contractors are Road Management Services (A13) plc, who are responsible for operating and maintaining the tunnel.

There is currently a major safety enhancement scheme being implemented in the tunnel, comprising an emergency public address speaker system and radio ‘break-in’ that will allow the Police tunnel controllers to give messages and instructions to tunnel users. This work has necessitated nightly closures of the tunnel between 22.00 and 05.00 hours every Tuesday to Saturday night. These closures will continue until the end of May 2007 and are planned to resume on 26th June for 5 weeks to commission and test the new equipment. The contractor for these works is Tyco. Free travel for under 16s and 18s Question No: 1096 / 2007 Bob Neill Futher to your answer to Question 475/2007 posed by my colleague Roger Evans in February this year, could the Mayor detail the grounds upon which 108 free travel concessions have been permanently withdrawn, thereby voiding any subsequent applications Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to write to you directly on this when they have collated the information. Accidents involving buses Question No: 1097 / 2007 Bob Neill How many accidents involving (a) buses and other motorised vehicles/bicyles, and (b) buses and pedestrians, have occurred from 1 January 2007 to date? In each case, how many of these accidents resulted in serious injuries or fatalities? Response from the Mayor Below is a table listing the information you request. Major incidents are those defined as someone being taken to hospital following an accident.

Number of Major Fatalities Incidents Injuries Motorised vehicle 6034 41 1 Bicycle 98 5 0 Pedestrian 275 88 7

It should be noted that of the eight reported fatalities from January to the end of March (the data available to date) six were attributed to factors other than the driver. Blackwall Tunnel Oral Question No: 1098 / 2007 answer Bob Neill What consultations did TfL hold with affected Boroughs and the Highways Agency prior to deciding to suspend the tidal flow system at the Blackwall Tunnel. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1099 / 2007 Bob Neill How many incidents have there been of cars overtaking in the tunnel during the tidal flow operation since 2005? Response from the Mayor TfL does not hold such information and is therefore unable to supply it however MPS footage showed regular overtaking and dangerous driving.

The Metropolitan Police (MPS) has operated the peak period tidal flow at Blackwall since its introduction in 1978. The MPS advised TfL in September 2006 of its increasing concerns over risks being taken by drivers during the operation of tidal flow and its view that there was a significant and increasing risk of a serious accident occurring. In light of this, the MPS was considering withdrawal of its support in the operation of tidal flow.

TfL agreed with MPS that tidal flow would continue while TfL’s consultants’ reports into its operation were evaluated and recommendations on whether it should continue were made. This evaluation concluded that tidal flow operation was hazardous and should be stopped. TfL therefore took the decision to withdraw tidal flow arrangements and requested that the MPS continue its operation until 30 July 2007, to allow for the necessary communication with stakeholders and the installation of signage advising motorists of the cessation of tidal flow, to enable them to consider alternative routes.

However, once the decision to withdraw tidal flow had been made, the MPS took the view that there was no alternative but to curtail tidal flow operation without delay and that they would do so on 20 April 2007. In the interim, a near-fatal motorcycle collision in the southbound tunnel during tidal flow operation on 17 April, led the Police to curtail operations immediately. This, unfortunately, meant that TfL was unable to communicate, as planned, the decision, and the reasons behind it, prior to the cessation of the tidal flow. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1100 / 2007 Bob Neill How many prosecutions have been launched in pursuit of those who drive dangerously in the Blackwall Tunnel, since 2005? Response from the Mayor I have been informed by the MPS that there were no incidents recorded for the offence of dangerous driving. The MPS did however record 2 incidents since 2005; one of which was an offence for a dangerous load and the other a speeding and document offence. Other incidents relate primarily to damage only collisions, the majority of which are self reported and resulted in no further action as no offences were disclosed or verified. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1101 / 2007 Bob Neill How many successful prosecutions have there been of dangerous drivers caught in the Blackwall Tunnel, since 2005? Response from the Mayor Further to the information given in Question 1100, the dangerous load case was dismissed at court but the speeding driver was successfully prosecuted.

As previously stated there were no records of cases relating specifically to dangerous driving reported on the MPS’ records for the Blackwall Tunnel. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1102 / 2007 Bob Neill On whose advice was the decision taken to suspend the tidal flow operation of the Blackwall Tunnel? Response from the Mayor Please refer to my answer to 999/2007. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1103 / 2007 Bob Neill How many accidents involving vehicle collisions have there been in the southbound bore of the Blackwall Tunnel since the introduction of the tidal flow system? Of these, how many resulted in fatalities? Response from the Mayor The decision to withdraw tidal flow was made because the Police were no longer willing to operate the system. This was based upon consideration of EU guidance and a risk analysis that lead to the conclusion that its continued operation might lead to a serious accident within the tunnel that would have serious implications for the safety of the public and the fabric of the tunnel itself.

Tidal flow operations first began in the Blackwall tunnel in 1978, so TfL is unable to provide accident statistics for the time since then. Statistics are available to show accidents in both bores of the tunnel over the last three years. This is the recognised time to allow for trend analysis to be carried out, without being too long for any environmental changes to have an effect on collision rates. Over the last three years up to 31 December 2006, there have 43 reported accidents resulting in personal injury within the tunnel and on the approach roads, of which there had been no fatalities. Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1104 / 2007 Bob Neill What engineering works do TfL have planned for the Blackwall Tunnel over the next 18 months? Response from the Mayor There are eight individual projects planned for TfL’s 07/08 Capital Investment programme for Blackwall Tunnel and its approach roads. These are listed below.

In addition it is planned that a contract for the refurbishment of the northbound Blackwall tunnel be awarded early next year. A number of improvements to the tunnel are planned, and these are also listed below

Works at Blackwall tunnel

Projects at Blackwall tunnel in the 2007/08 TfL Capital Investment programme

• Blackwall Tunnel Northbound – Repair- Sub-Tunnel Crack • Blackwall Tunnel – Design for Repair to River Bed • Blackwall Tunnel – SCADA Upgrade • A102/Blackwall Lane Flyover – Design for Refurbishment • A102 Gantry Repairs • A102/Blackwall Lane Northbound –Resurfacing of the on/off slip roads • A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach, Southbound – Carriageway Resurfacing • A102 Woolwich Road Southbound –Resurfacing of the on/off slip roads

Refurbishments to the northbound bore:

• Shaft alterations to provide improved Emergency/Maintenance access. • Ventilation upgrade to improve the environment for vehicle emissions and smoke control. • Lighting replacement to comply with current standards. • Drainage containment facilities increased and discharge into existing sewer network to replace the current discharge into River Thames. • Emergency Points to be increased in number, together with improved telephone communications. • Fire Main and Hydrants upgraded. • Escape Route signing improved. • Fire and Incident Detection upgraded to detect smoke, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and debris. • Traffic Control increased by inclusion of automation of tunnel closure, CCTV providing 100% coverage, variable message and lane control signs within tunnel and improvement of over height vehicle detection. • Radio Rebroadcast and Public Address systems to be installed to allow messages and direction to be given in the event of an incident.

Blackwall Tunnel Question No: 1105 / 2007 Bob Neill When was the decision taken to suspend the tidal flow operation of the Blackwall Tunnel? Response from the Mayor Please refer to my answer to 999/2007. Meeting with Tessa Jowell Question No: 1106 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Tessa Jowell MP on the 12th March. Response from the Mayor We discussed preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Meeting with Tessa Jowell MP Question No: 1107 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Tessa Jowell MP on 14th March. Response from the Mayor We discussed preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Meeting with Kumar Murshid Question No: 1108 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Kumar Murshid on 19th March. Response from the Mayor The meeting was private. Meeting with Yvette Cooper MP Question No: 1109 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Yvette Cooper MP on 20th March. Response from the Mayor We discussed the Greater London Authority Bill. Meeting with Douglas Alexander MP Question No: 1110 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Douglas Alexander MP on 21st March. Response from the Mayor We discussed the Comprehensive Spending Review, the PPP, Crossrail, the East London Line, streetworks, the Thames Gateway Bridge, aviation and foreign vehicle enforcement. Dinner with Yvette Cooper MP Question No: 1111 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your dinner with Yvette Cooper MP on 27th March. Response from the Mayor This was a private dinner at which we discussed a range of issues including the Greater London Authority Bill. Tessa Jowell MP Question No: 1112 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your dinner with Tessa Jowell MP on 11th April. Response from the Mayor We discussed preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Meeting with Phillip Anschutz Question No: 1113 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed at your meeting with Phillip Anschutz on 16th April. Response from the Mayor I discussed a number of transport and other issues surrounding the opening of the 02, the largest arena in Western Europe, in July. Meeting with Lord Rogers Question No: 1114 / 2007 Bob Neill Can you please detail what was discussed with Lord Rogers on 2nd May Response from the Mayor We discussed Design for London’s progress and plans, including its strategy for press and events, as well as progress with the Brixton Central Square, Sloane Square and Aldgate Union Gyratory projects. We discussed the design quality of supermarket developments across London and development opportunities in the St.Giles Circus area. We also discussed the concept for ‘High Street 2012’. Clash of Civilisations Conference (1) Question No: 1115 / 2007 Angie Bray Now the Mayor has finally released official transcripts of the four main speeches at the Clash of Civilisations conference of 20th January 2007, will he release official transcripts of the debates and the other sessions? Response from the Mayor The usual practice is to make the main speeches available and this been done. Clash of Civilisations Conference (2) Question No: 1116 / 2007 Angie Bray Has the Mayor’s decision to publish official transcripts of the four main speeches at the Clash of Civilisations conference of 20th January 2007 been taken reluctantly and isn’t it true that it’s nothing more than a belated, and ineffective, attempt to deflect the criticism he’s received over the length of time taken to produce transcripts? Response from the Mayor The usual practice is to make the main speeches available and this been done. Clash of Civilisations Conference (3) Question No: 1117 / 2007 Angie Bray How were the official transcripts of the four main speeches at the Clash of Civilisations conference of 20th January 2007 produced? Were they derived from what was actually said or taken from some other source and what are the reasons for Salma Yaqoob’s speech having sections done in bold type when the others do not? Response from the Mayor The transcripts were produced from speeches on the day and each speaker checked their speech prior to publication. Clash of Civilisations Conference (4) Question No: 1118 / 2007 Angie Bray How long does it take to produce a transcript of Mayor’s Question Time and how does this compare to the length of time taken to produce just the transcripts of the four main speeches of the Clash of Civilisations conference? Response from the Mayor Having decided to publish transcripts of the main speeches, unfortunately it took longer than originally envisaged to produce these. The two processes however are not comparable as producing transcripts for Mayor’s Question Time is a routine matter with schedules agreed in advance. Clash of Civilisations Conference (5) Question No: 1119 / 2007 Angie Bray Will the Mayor release an official video of the Clash of Civilisations conference of 20th January 2007 and will it cover all the sessions? Response from the Mayor A DVD of the speeches in the opening session is currently in production. Clash of Civilisations Conference (6) Question No: 1120 / 2007 Angie Bray How many requests for the transcripts of the Clash of Civilisations Conference has the Mayor’s Office received? Response from the Mayor The Public Liaison Unit of the GLA has received twelve requests. Clash of Civilisations Conference (7) Question No: 1121 / 2007 Angie Bray Have any of the other participants in the conference raised any problems with the release of the transcripts? Response from the Mayor The Public Liaison Unit received twelve requests and these were referred to the main speeches on the website. No specific problems have been raised. Clash of Civilisations Conference (8) Question No: 1122 / 2007 Angie Bray Was the Mayor disappointed with the low-level media coverage of the Clash of Civilisations Conference? Response from the Mayor Media interest in the event was strong with around 150 press requests including a number of international media. The event was covered by a number of key press however greater media coverage would have been preferable in raising awareness on this important issue for London and Londoners. Clash of Civilisations Conference (9) Question No: 1123 / 2007 Angie Bray In the interests of accuracy, does the Mayor not agree that an official transcript and video of the entire Clash of Civilisations Conference would be much better than those versions which have appeared online? Response from the Mayor The transcripts of the main speeches available on the website are an accurate reflection of the views of the speakers. Clash of Civilisations Conference (10) Question No: 1124 / 2007 Angie Bray Does the fact unofficial videos and transcripts of the Clash of Civilisations Conference have appeared online show up the inefficiency of the Mayor’s office? Response from the Mayor Producing accurate and authorised transcripts of the main speeches took longer than longer originally envisaged. Clash of Civilisations Conference (11) Question No: 1125 / 2007 Angie Bray Is the Mayor simply reluctant to release the transcripts of the Clash of Civilisations Conference as the overwhelming opinion of those that have reported on the event have written that the Mayor performed less well than both Daniel Pipes and Douglas Murray? Response from the Mayor Transcripts outlining the position of the speakers in the main session have been made available on the web site. Overall, feedback from delegates on the day was positive and supportive of multiculturalism and celebrating London’s diversity. The vast majority of delegates felt that it was important to discuss the issues raised at his conference and most delegates felt that their views were represented. Clash of Civilisations Conference (12) Question No: 1126 / 2007 Angie Bray Daniel Pipes is reported to have called for Salma Yaqoob to retract her comments on his speech, saying it did not reflect its contents accurately. Does the Mayor not agree that if full transcripts of the Clash of Civilisations Conference were produced, people would be able to make their own minds up on this matter? Response from the Mayor Daniel Pipes and Salma Yaqoob approved their speeches prior to publication and this is a matter, if any, for Daniel Pipes and Salma Yaqoob to resolve. The public has access to both speeches and is able to make up its own mind as the speeches on the website reflect the general position of each speaker. Clash of Civilisations Conference (13) Question No: 1127 / 2007 Angie Bray With hindsight, would the Mayor have invited different participants to the Clash of Civilisations Conference? Response from the Mayor The conference was highly successful in bringing together speakers with a range of views to discuss an important issue for London – whether the much greater interaction of different backgrounds in a globalising world will create more common shared values in an increasingly global civilisation, or whether the alternative thesis is correct that a dynamic towards conflict and war is inevitable, created by the 'clash of civilisations' and the potential impact on London as a diverse and multicultural city. Londoners from different communities, faiths and political persuasions came together to debate these views with writers, academics, commentators, religious figures and campaigners Clash of Civilisations Conference (14) Question No: 1128 / 2007 Angie Bray As a proportion of the overall cost of the conference, how much will the production of a transcript cost? Response from the Mayor A full transcript would cost in the region of £2000 and the conference cost £161,500. However, as the main speeches outlining the general position of the speakers have already been made available on the website, the real cost in terms of officer time to co-ordinate additional activity including ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation, editing, fact checking and seeking authorisation from all participants would not be justified. Clash of Civilisations Conference (15) Question No: 1129 / 2007 Angie Bray Why did the Mayor invite a Birmingham councillor to be his supporting speaker rather than someone from London’s diverse population? Response from the Mayor The issues under discussion were universal in the era of globalization and I represented the views of Londoners in my capacity as Mayor. Salma Yaqoob is a well known figure and her views on these issues are widely known. She was a suitable choice as a speaker as she supports the view that the increasing interaction of people from different backgrounds in a globalising world will create more common shared values in an increasingly global civilisation and opposes the clash of civilizations thesis. Clash of Civilisations Conference (16) Question No: 1130 / 2007 Angie Bray How is the Mayor dealing with requests for full transcripts of the Clash of Civilisations Conference from the general public? Response from the Mayor All requests have been referred to the transcripts on the website. Limerston Street Bus Stand, SW10 Question No: 1131 / 2007 Angie Bray Does the Mayor agree that the photos sent to him by my office in his role as Chairman of Transport for London clearly demonstrate that there were no illegally parked vehicles forcing the buses to mount the pavement? Does the Mayor agree that it is a dangerous practice for buses to use the pavement when pulling into bus stops and stands? What action has been taken by Transport for London to address the problems in Limerston Street of buses regularly encroaching on the pavement in order to use the bus stand? If the problem is shown to persist, will the Mayor give a commitment that alternative solutions will be sought by TfL and will this include the possibility of relocation of the stand to a more suitable site? Response from the Mayor The photos do not show the full range of the Limerston Street stand and the effects of parked vehicles out of shot limiting the turn in line of vehicles to the stand. Since the beginning of the year approximately 13,000 buses have pulled into the stand. Evidence has been received of a small number of vehicles (around 10) sweeping or mounting the curb.

Nevertheless, driver behaviour that may pose a potential threat to safety is not acceptable. TfL has been working with the operator, First, to enforce driver standards at the stand. A supervisor is in attendance and drivers have been given written notification that should they be unable to pull into the stand correctly they are to continue around until the stand is clear. A small number of drivers who have been identified breaching this rule have been disciplined.

TfL and First will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action. Congestion Charge Western Extension Question No: 1132 / 2007 Angie Bray Is the Mayor aware of the sizeable population of elderly, non-car owning residents within my constituency who are finding themselves increasingly isolated? This is because friends and family, some of them elderly themselves, find the cost of regular visiting, both for social reasons and in order to give practical help, prohibitive due to the extra financial burden of the congestion charge. Does the Mayor plan to re-examine this issue so that elderly people who are not officially registered as disabled but are nonetheless restricted in terms of strength and mobility can nominate other drivers for the discount, as in the discount scheme offered to Blue Badge holders? Response from the Mayor Visits from friends and family can be a vital life-line for older Londoners. TfL provides a comprehensive public transport network to facilitate these visits. It is my opinion that, for the vast majority of Londoners, public transport provides a practical alternative to private car use. For those with specific transport needs, TfL and the Boroughs provide a number of door-to-door transport services. These include Dial- a-Ride, Capital Call and the Taxi card scheme. Older Londoners also benefit from the Freedom Pass.

For those residents and non-residents of the congestion charging zone who are registered as disabled and have a Blue Badge, TfL already provides a 100% discount. This means that both car and non-car owning disabled people in the zone can nominate up to two vehicles a day to visit or provide practical help. To ensure objectivity and fairness, TfL has adopted this nationally accepted standard. Adopting a new standard would be difficult to implement, arbitrary and possibly unfair.

It should also be noted that charging hours are only on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, so friends and family are able to travel by car during evenings and weekends without having to pay the congestion charge.

Given the range of alternatives, and the need to ensure discounts are workable and fair, I do not intend to ask TfL to re-examine this issue. Mayoral engagements in Hammersmith and Fulham Question No: 1133 / 2007 Angie Bray When did the Mayor last visit the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in an official capacity? Response from the Mayor I visited Harmony Nursery in Shepherd’s Bush on 9 November 2005 to launch the first phase of the Childcare Affordability Programme. Squeegee car window cleaners and Flower Sellers on the A40 Question No: 1134 / 2007 Angie Bray There is a persistent problem with squeegee car window cleaners and flower sellers who operate at the Savoy Circus/Old Oak Common Lane junction with the A40 and at the Hanger Lane Gyratory system. Apart from causing annoyance to drivers and in some cases displaying intimidating behaviour, they are putting themselves at risk from moving traffic when the traffic lights change and they remain in the road plying their trade. As most of the trading is carried out from the central reservation of the A40, which is the responsibility of Transport for London, what measures does TfL propose to take, if necessary in conjunction with the local Police Force, to prevent this illegal trade from operating? Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to write to you as soon as possible on this matter. Footbridge over A4 Talgarth Road at Barons Court Underground Station Question No: 1135 / 2007 Angie Bray You will by now have received a letter from the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham about the possibility of Transport for London providing a footbridge across the A4 at Barons Court underground station. This would be a fitting monument to the 100 year Anniversary of the1908 Olympic Games at White City, but would also provide a safe crossing for the many students at West London College. Will the Mayor give this suggestion serious consideration? Response from the Mayor TfL have looked at this location and confirm that there is insufficient highway land available to physically construct a footbridge here.

However, TfL is currently carrying out an investigation at the junction, and during this will investigate how to improve the pedestrian experience. This study will be completed by the end of the financial year, following which TfL will be in a position to report on proposed improvements at the junction. TfL will continue to liaise with borough traffic officers on this matter. Soundproofing along Westway Question No: 1136 / 2007 Angie Bray In the Progress Report on the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy (October 2006), mention is made of photovoltaic noise barriers, and it was stated that Transport for London was including the assessment of opportunities for these and other noise barriers in its network management work. What progress has been made with regard to research into noise barriers by TfL? Residents near the Westway section of the A40 have reported increased traffic noise since the expansion of the Congestion Charge zone. Will the Mayor investigate the possibility of soundproof barriers along this stretch of the road, as part of TfL’s assessment? Response from the Mayor Traffic conditions on the Westway have been largely unchanged since the expansion of the congestion charging scheme and hence would have a neutral impact on noise levels. TfL are, however, planning to undertake an assessment of the feasibility of providing noise barriers on London’s busiest roads.

The GLA Noise team has also commissioned a study to identify opportunities for adding photovoltaic (PV) panels to existing noise barriers. Some barriers on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) were identified for further consideration. However, none were found to be suitable for the addition of PV panels. Should any noise barriers be provided as mitigation on the TLRN in future, TfL will consider the benefits of adding PV panels. Ladbroke Grove platform extension Question No: 1137 / 2007 Angie Bray In the progress report to the Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy (October 2006) mention is made of photovoltaic noise barriers. The report states, ‘Assessing opportunities for photovoltaic and other noise barriers will be included by Transport for London in its network management work.’ Would the Mayor agree that a perfect opportunity for this type of noise barrier would be the platform extension at Ladbroke Grove, where the houses to the rear of the embankment will be overlooked by the platform boundary façade? Will he ask TfL to investigate the possibility of testing and including these barriers as part of the building work? Response from the Mayor The project at Ladbroke Grove involves the lengthening of the existing platform by around 25 metres to accommodate longer trains which will be introduced on the Hammersmith & City line from 2011. The platform will be extended along an embankment which abuts residents' houses and which falls away steeply from track level. The existing brick station wall will be extended along the rear of the platform and will form a noise barrier.

The factors above make it unlikely that this would be a suitable location for the testing of photovoltaic noise barriers of the type envisaged in the strategy although TfL will, of course, check out any possibilities for adding PV cells in future. Bus Accidents Question No: 1138 / 2007 Angie Bray Can you provide a year by year breakdown, since 2000, of a) how many accidents were recorded involving buses, b) how many passenger injuries were recorded on buses, c) how many pedestrian injuries were recorded involving buses and, d) how many fatalities were recorded involving either passengers or pedestrians involving buses? Can you also provide the recorded explanation for each incident? Response from the Mayor The attached table (Appendix E) lists incidents during 2005 and 2006.

Buses remain a very safe mode of transport. For example, during 2006 there were only 2.6 pedestrian injuries and 19.3 passenger injuries per million miles operated.

The London Buses’ incidents’ management database started collecting network data from October 2004. Prior to October 2004, bus operators entered accident data into their own systems. It is not possible to provide explanations of every incident on the network.

Collisions included in the table include those with vehicles, structures and pedestrians. Bus Accidents Question No: 1139 / 2007 Angie Bray Who keeps the statistics on bus accidents, is it TfL, or the individual operators? Response from the Mayor The London Buses’ incidents’ management database started collecting network data from October 2004. Prior to October 2004, bus operators entered accident data into their own systems. Noise on Trains Question No: 1140 / 2007 Angie Bray Can drivers on the Piccadilly Line alter the volume on the pre-recorded announcements on their trains? Response from the Mayor No. Noise on Trains Question No: 1141 / 2007 Angie Bray Can you provide the results of any passenger surveys undertaken by TfL into attitudes towards pre-recorded announcements on trains at and after every stop? Response from the Mayor London Underground is committed to providing trains with pre-recorded announcements at and after every stop. This is in order to provide an inclusive service to all our customers, particularly those with visual impairments and those that are unfamiliar with the Underground network. Our train announcement standards are designed to deliver a service that, as far as possible, complies with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.

Any reduction in the type or frequency of train announcements would mean LU would not provide a fully inclusive service.

LU has not conducted research which specifically measures attitudes towards pre- recorded announcements on trains at and after every stop and there are no current plans to do so. However LU knows from research carried out over many years that customers value regular information. Noise on Trains Question No: 1142 / 2007 Angie Bray When a PA system on a train is found to be malfunctioning, whose responsibility is it to fix the fault, the Infraco or London Underground? Response from the Mayor Under the PPP agreement LU infrastructure and rolling stock, including PA systems, are maintained by the Infracos, Metronet and Tube Lines, and it is their responsibility to fix any faults. Insurance Costs Question No: 1143 / 2007 Angie Bray What is the cost to TfL of insuring pedestrian crossings, compared with the cost of insuring pedestrian bridges? Who does the liability fall on, is it TfL as the Highway Authority, or the local Borough? Response from the Mayor It is not possible to identify the costs of insuring TfL's liability for claims arising from the ownership or management of those pedestrian crossings or pedestrian bridges under its control. This insurance is part of TfL's overall insurance programme covering all its activities, including those of London Underground. The same would apply to the London Boroughs for assets which they own or are responsible for. Controlled Parking Zones Question No: 1144 / 2007 Angie Bray Do you consider the scheme introduced by Richmond Council, whereby parking permits within CPZs vary according to engine size, but outside CPZs do not, fair? Response from the Mayor Richmond Council’s proposals and their new-found commitment in dealing with the serious issue of climate change are to be highly commended. I believe it is entirely acceptable to ask residents to pay a lower or higher sum based on the level of CO2 emission from their vehicle.

However, the council are only able to apply these proposals within existing Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). Residents not in a CPZ will be able to have any vehicle they wish without an incentive scheme in place from the borough.

I am confident though that this incentive will encourage car owners in the borough and beyond to either switch to other forms of transport or at the very least consider buying a more environmentally friendly vehicle. Heathrow Expansion Question No: 1145 / 2007 Angie Bray What is your view on the proposed `Mixed Mode’ operation of the existing runways at Heathrow? Response from the Mayor I would argue against ‘Mixed Mode’. I support continuing to operate the two existing main Heathrow runways alternately, so that West Londoners under the landing flight paths can keep a half day break from aircraft noise. West London Tram Question No: 1146 / 2007 Angie Bray Can you confirm that the Transport and Works Act Order application for the West London Tram will be considered at the June meeting of the TfL Board? Response from the Mayor Transport for London is working to its current programme to seek TfL Board approval to progress the tram scheme to Transport and Works Act Order application this autumn. The actual application would follow approximately 3 to 6 months after the Board decision, when final land referencing, processing and printing of the order information is completed. Westway Lighting Question No: 1147 / 2007 Angie Bray When will the new street lighting on the Westway be installed, and why has there been such a chronic delay in replacing the old ones? Why were all the lights removed, when only one was faulty? Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to write to you as soon as possible on this matter. Acton Mainline Station Question No: 1148 / 2007 Angie Bray Would you and Ian Brown care to join me in a visit to Acton mainline station during and after the evening peak, to witness the lack of suitable staffing and appalling state of the facilities? What lobbying efforts is your office undertaking to improve security at the station? Response from the Mayor As I explained in my answer to your previous question on this subject (840/2007), Acton Main Line station is the responsibility of Network Rail and is operated by First Great Western, a commercial operator. TfL London Rail has already invested in a number of improvements at the station and further work to improve the lighting is dependent on the provision of funding by First Great Western. However, Ian Brown would be happy to visit the station with you if you believe this would be helpful. It would be still more sensible for you to lobby the Managing Director of First Great Western. A40 Footbridge, Perryn Road Question No: 1149 / 2007 Angie Bray In answer to question 0842/2007, you stated that the review of the crossing arrangements at Perryn Road would be undertaken and completed, ‘in the summer of 2007’. Can you update the Assembly on when this review will be completed, and when the results will be published? Will you be consulting local residents and stakeholders as part of the review? Response from the Mayor The review will be slightly delayed until the Autumn to allow specific architectural considerations to be referred to the newly formed Design for London team.

TfL plan to seek the views of stakeholders and residents on two occasions:

• when preliminary designs are complete in early Autumn 2007 • in Spring 2008, once detailed proposals are available

A public statement of the proposals will be issued each time before both local and wider stakeholder views are sought. Footbridges Question No: 1150 / 2007 Angie Bray Can you detail how many cases there have been, since 2000, where a footbridge has been replaced by a pedestrian crossing? In each of these cases, can you provide a year-by-year breakdown of how many pedestrian fatalities have occurred, as well as the fatality figures for each case in the preceding years before the footbridge was replaced? Response from the Mayor TfL's records indicate that three footbridges on the Transport for London Road Network have been removed since 2000 and replaced by pedestrian crossings. These were at A217 Rosehill Roundabout, the A40 Guinness site at Park Royal and A21 Bromley Polygon (The Green). There are no pedestrian fatalities recorded at any of the sites either before or after footbridge removal. Noise at Earls Court Question No: 1151 / 2007 Angie Bray Following the noise abatement order issued by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, what measures will you be undertaking to finally reduce the noise nuisance this station so obviously causes, despite the consistent and prolonged obfuscation from TfL? Ever since your visit to the station with Tim O¿Toole, and repeated assurances that the problem has been solved, my office and the local Council are still receiving complaints. Despite your assurance given to me as far back as July 2005 that there would be no PA announcements between 9pm and 7.30am, my constituents report that this order has been flouted regularly. When are you going to deal with this, and why has it taken nearly two years? Response from the Mayor London Underground (LU) has to balance their responsibility to keep passengers safe and informed with their responsibility to be a good neighbour. This is not always easy, particularly at Earl's Court where the station is virtually surrounded by residential housing.

LU has installed a new PA system and made a number of changes to procedure in order to reduce the impact on neighbours. At the most recent meeting with residents on this matter it was agreed that the situation had indeed improved.

Since that time London Underground has reviewed the type and frequency of messages that are broadcast at stations and has developed a new set of guidelines for staff when making announcements. These new guidelines are aimed at reducing the number of routine messages broadcast and thus the impact on people who live near LU stations.

To reduce the effect on local residents LU has introduced an arrangement at Earl's Court Station which prevents routine PA announcements between the hours of 2100 and 0700 (not 0730 as stated) but of course allows announcements necessary to ensure customer and staff safety and security. This is very important for Earl's Court which is a busy interchange station located close to major events venues and football grounds. If LU is required not to make these announcements the station would have to close regularly to ensure customer and staff safety.

If the station must be closed regularly as a result of the Borough’s action, local residents will face the inconvenience and disruption of large groups of passengers forced onto their streets. This will make the local situation far worse.

With regard to the Abatement Notice, LU has lodged an appeal against it on multiple grounds. LU hopes to reach agreement after dialogue with RBKC. Since we met with Tim O’Toole at Earl’s Court, the modernisation programme introduced temporary works and scaffolding that further complicates the issue and the running of the station. West London Tram Question No: 1152 / 2007 Angie Bray What are the latest estimates of the cost of the West London Tram? Is there a limit to the amount of future borrowing TfL can undertake to fund this scheme? Response from the Mayor The estimated cost of the scheme is £648m in Q4 2002 prices as previously reported at MQT in January this year.

The funding arrangements for the scheme are still to be determined. West London Tram Question No: 1153 / 2007 Angie Bray Duplicate of 1152 Gunnersbury Lane/ Bollo Lane Junction Question No: 1154 / 2007 Angie Bray It has been reported to me that the phasing of the traffic lights at the Gunnersbury Lane/ Bollo Lane junction are causing huge tailbacks, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that only two or three cars westbound are allowed through at a time. If this is the case, will you undertake a review of this arrangement? Response from the Mayor Approximately 6,000 pedestrians an hour move about this junction, the majority of which are leaving or entering Acton Town underground station. To safely accommodate pedestrians, a pedestrian stage is incorporated in each timing cycle when demanded, which requires all motoring traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross. The time allocated to the pedestrian stage is in accordance with Department for Transport guidelines in relation to crossing lengths.

This site has been prioritised for commissioning on to Urban Traffic Control (UTC), which will improve the efficiency of the junction. This is expected to be completed by the end of July. In the interim, TfL engineers are conducting site visits to ensure signal timings provide the best balance for all road users under the current method of local control.

TfL will discuss this matter with LB Ealing at the next regular liaison meeting, to take place in early July. Noisy Tube Trains and Stations Oral Question No: 1155 / 2007 answer Angie Bray Following consistent complaints about excessive noise at London Underground stations and on trains caused by malfunctioning PA systems, an issue that is increasing beyond the original problem, still as yet unresolved, at Earls Court, will you now accept that this is a growing problem and what measures are you going to take to crack down on this form of noise pollution? Child Care Strategy Question No: 1156 / 2007 Bob Blackman What is the total cost of funding the LDA Childcare places across London? How many places were offered? How many places have been taken up? Response from the Mayor • There are two phases of the Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP). CAP is a three year pilot programme 2005-2008. The LDA committed £22m and SureStart (DfES) £11m over the three years. • Under Phase 1, London boroughs were invited on three occasions to seek applications from childcare providers in their area. • Boroughs were invited to seek applications for (1) subsidy to enable providers to provide full daycare places at prices no higher than £175 a week, the upper eligible cost limit for support through the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit and (2) subsidy to enable providers to convert existing full daycare places to more flexible care • Boroughs were later invited to submit applications to deliver innovative pilots addressing more specific issues under Phase 2 of the programme. • Providers in all boroughs have been awarded funding under the scheme.

Figures at quarter 4 (31 March 2007); Table 1 (attached as Appendix H) shows, for phase 1 of CAP, the total number of places offered in each round and the percentage of places occupied as of 31 March 2007. The bottom row shows gives data for all places offered. These figures should be read in the light of the explanatory notes below.

A further 1,055 places have been offered under phase 2 of the programme in 16 London boroughs.

Explanatory notes for table 1: Places offered • Under Phase 1 of the programme, 1,908 subsidised full day care places were offered. • CAP subsidy for flexible care is awarded on the basis of the number of full daycare places converted to flexible care. Many full daycare places converted to flexible care potentially offer more than one flexible place, as more than one family could benefit if, for example, a full daycare place was converted into two part-time places. We have reported both the number of places converted and the number of places offered. • 3,601 existing full daycare places had been converted to flexible care as of 31 March 2007. This correponded to a total of 6,242 potential flexible places. • Taking full daycare and flexible places together, a total of 8,150 places were offered by 457 providers under Phase 1 if the programme as of 31 March 2007. • A further 1,055 places were offered under Phase 2 of the programme in 16 boroughs. • The total number of Phase 1 and Phase 2 childcare places offered as at 31 March 2007 was therefore 9205.

Occupancy • As of 31 March 2007 417 subsidised full daycare places were occupied, 22% of places offered. • As of 31 March, of the 3,601 places converted to flexible care, 1,484 were occupied (41%). Of the 6,242 flexible places offered, 1,982 were occupied, (32%). • There were thus 2,399 families benefiting from Phase 1 CAP subsidised places, an overall occupancy rate of 29%. • These figures include the third round of CAP, which only began to offer places in January 2007. This tends to bias occupancy figures downwards, particularly for flexible care, as can be seen by comparing the figures for rounds 1,2 and 3 given in table 1. • The low occupancy rates for subsidised full daycare, coupled with declining interest from providers in offering this type of care, may indicate that there is relatively little demand for this option from parents. • For flexible care, demand seems to be stronger, but there are unexplained differences in occupancy rates between boroughs, with occupancy ranging from 0% to 64% of places offered. Tables 2 and 3 give the figures by borough. • Support measures are underway with boroughs with low occupancy including: • A Pan London advertising campaign • Workshops • Website and dedicated helpline • Targeted support to underperforming boroughs and providers • Promotional DVD Bus service on Harrow Road Question No: 1160 / 2007 Bob Blackman Following the introduction of the congestion charge, residents desperately need an additional bus service from Harlesden to North Kensington/Kensington without having to cross the Harrow Road at Ladbroke Grove Junction. Residents have complained that the only way to reach North Kensington is by taking the no. 18 bus and changing to a 52 or 452 at Ladbroke Grove Junction. The residents have complained that this junction is very dangerous as there is no ¿Green Man¿ on the traffic light and there is always traffic coming from some direction. Residents have said as the pedestrian crossing is very dangerous, and needs to be look at, as with the new C Zone it will be more heavily used and currently is heavily used by school children. The additional bus services have been routed to Kensal Rise Station ¿ 28 and no. 452 but the residents westwards towards Harlesden have been left out. Will you now undertake to provide a suitable bus service for residents? Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to look into your request. Harrow waste collection Question No: 1161 / 2007 Bob Blackman Now that you have been shown to be wrong in claiming that Harrow Council collect biodegradable waste on a fortnightly basis when, in fact, Harrow residents have a weekly collection of garden waste and all other biodegradable waste, will you now withdraw your comments and apologise for your error? Response from the Mayor While Harrow's organic waste is collected every week, the fact remains that Harrow's residual waste, including disposable nappies, is only collected on a fortnightly basis. That is the point I was making. I have reservations about the effects on environmental hygiene and the rodent population and it is one of the reasons that I am not persuaded by the case for fortnightly collections. Public transport to Wembley Stadium Question No: 1162 / 2007 Bob Blackman What arrangements have been made to ensure that public transport is available to ensure that attendees at the Princess Diana Memorial Concert at Wembley Stadium can travel home safely? Response from the Mayor Transport for London has been working closely with both Wembley Stadium and the concert organisers to ensure that people attending the concert can travel there and back safely by public transport. Indeed, London Underground has agreed to move previously agreed engineering works on the Jubilee line from Sunday 1 July to Saturday 30 June, to ensure a full Tube service will run to Wembley Park on the Sunday. Of course, that station has been completely redeveloped to cope with the increased capacity of the new stadium.

LU has stressed that the concert must not over-run if public transport is to be available to get people home safely.

TfL has an excellent track record of delivering Londoners and visitors safely to and from major events, such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Lord Mayor's Show and regular major concerts at Hyde Park. Stanmore Station Question No: 1163 / 2007 Bob Blackman What improvement to ticketing arrangements are proposed for Stanmore Station following the chaos that has ensued at the station when passengers are travelling to the initial Wembley Stadium events? Response from the Mayor An additional machine has been installed at Stanmore station which enables a third ticket office window to be opened on event days at Wembley Stadium. Additional staff will also be deployed to assist customers. Congestion Charge Question No: 1164 / 2007 Bob Blackman Now that the extended Congestion Charge Zone has been operating for 3 months, how many complaints have TfL received concerning rat running traffic outside the area? Response from the Mayor Whilst TfL has inevitably received some feedback about changes to traffic conditions in some areas, they are unable to provide a precise figure as current reporting systems do not allow analysis in this way.

TfL has been made aware of issues that appear to be temporary and linked to main utility works in the area.

However, in general, TfL’s monitoring of the extended charging zone shows that there is little overall change in traffic levels on the boundary roads and around the zone.

Considerable effort was made in the design of the boundary of the western extension of the Congestion Charging zone to mitigate against this kind of behaviour. The zone is also being supported by a number of public transport and traffic management improvements to ensure that traffic is not diverted onto unsuitable roads around the boundary.

Transport for London works closely with London boroughs, who are encouraged to apply for funding for complementary measures in locations where this is appropriate. Free travel for under 18s Question No: 1165 / 2007 Bob Blackman How many complaints have TfL received in the Brent & Harrow area regarding bad behaviour by young people on buses since free travel for under-18s was introduced? How many code red calls have been lodged by drivers in the Brent & Harrow area in this timeframe? Response from the Mayor TfL does not record what borough a passenger lives in or is travelling in when they report a complaint. Kensal Green Station Question No: 1166 / 2007 Bob Blackman Given the high number of passengers caught attempting to evade fares at Kensal Green Station, what plans are there to increase this type of high profile activity at other stations to ensure that people understand that the chances of being caught will be high? Response from the Mayor London Underground regularly conducts major revenue control initiatives across the network, specifically targeting 'high risk of fraud' areas. In addition, LU Revenue Control staff check tickets at stations and on trains on a daily basis. Their deployment is based on results from the 'On Train Fraud Survey' data and the Oyster card database. These efforts to combat fraud are one of the reasons why British Transport Police and London Underground staff numbers are increasing.

Current major initiatives include Operation Hurricane being conducted on the north end of the Bakerloo line - in conjunction with the British Transport Police, operations in the Acton Town-Heathrow area, the eastern end of the District line, at Stratford and at Finsbury Park.

After conducting any such major exercise, LU always publicises the results and consequences at those locations as a deterrent for fare evaders. 2012 Olympics Question No: 1167 / 2007 Bob Blackman Please can you confirm that your intention is to find the additional £300 million for the Olympic Budget from the anticipated profits from the sale of land in the Olympic Park? Response from the Mayor In the event it is necessary to draw on the contingency provision provided for in the revised budget announced by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 15 March, I have agreed to provide up to £300 million, without any further increase for London Council Tax payers or any increase in transport fares. It is not necessary to make any decision on the source of this funding at this point in time, but the anticipated profits from the sale of land in the Olympic Park is a potential source and the London Development Agency is currently leading detailed work on assessing the potential end values of land. 2012 Olympics Question No: 1168 / 2007 Bob Blackman What is now the projected amount to be raised by land sales following the Olympics in order to make the books balance? Response from the Mayor The London Development Agency’s detailed work on assessing the potential end values of land in the Olympic Park is still on-going. Skills Education Question No: 1169 / 2007 Bob Blackman Given that adult education budgets are being reduced across London and specifically basic skills are being targeted for reduction, what action are you taking to ensure that sufficient funding is made available fro basic skills education to be retained? Response from the Mayor Resourcing for adult education provision for this year is the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). As in previous years, we have seen shifts in the priorities for spending in the adult and skills budget. There is a greater emphasis in the guidance given by Government to the LSC to focus on provision that supports employability. I have referred elsewhere to the problems this year’s allocation raised in respect of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and the intervention I made with the support of the London Skills and Employment Board (LSEB). It is clear to all of us from correspondence with Londoners how much adult and community education is valued. I have regularly lobbied to ensure that resources remain in place for such provision. Basic skills form an essential part of that provision improving people’s quality of life and their opportunities for employment. I will be seeking to ensure that in future years funding is directed to meet London’s specific needs 2012 Olympics Question No: 1170 / 2007 Bob Blackman What action are you taking to ensure that workers on the Olympic sites are paid London’s Living Wage? Response from the Mayor I am very pleased that in recent discussions with London Citizens agreement has been reached that they would work together with the ODA on ensuring payment of the London Living Wage on Olympic contracts. Home Insulation Question No: 1171 / 2007 Bob Blackman How are you publicising the Home insulation offer? Response from the Mayor The home insulation offer is being supported with an on-going integrated communications campaign that includes PR, paid for advertising, digital marketing, face to face marketing and partnership working. The recent campaign included a PR launch, a TV commercial, poster ads on the tube and over land networks, ads in the London, specialist and ethnic press, 5 million inserts in the weekend press, digital marketing i.e. sponsored search, touch teams handing out fliers and mailings to GLA partners, plus a programme of internal marketing to GLA Group Staff.

An on-going campaign is now in place to take advantage of tactical opportunities to promote this offer throughout the year. People trafficking Question No: 1172 / 2007 Bob Blackman What actions are you proposing to highlight and overcome the scandal of people trafficking in London? Response from the Mayor In the year in which we acknowledge the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, it is with great sadness that we continue to have to face the challenge of human trafficking.

The UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking (launched in March 2007) sets out deliverable measures in the area of prevention, enforcement, prosecutions and, most importantly, the protection and support of adult and child victims.

In recent months we have also welcomed the development of a new MPS Human Trafficking Team, which is part of the Specialist Crime Directorate. Its prime focus is to tackle the criminal gangs who profit from this insidious trade and it is currently undertaking a number of operations. The team recognises the need to put the rights of the victim at the centre of any investigation and work closely with a number of NGOs' seeking to improve the level of service provided to victims, this can include provision of secure accommodation and enhanced access to medical facilities.

The MPS Human Trafficking Team promotes training and awareness to front line MPS staff to give them a greater understanding of the issues faced by victims of trafficking, this will in turn lead to an improved level of service.

MPS staff engaged in borough-based policing, Clubs and Vice and the Child Abuse Investigation Command have all made great in-roads when it comes to tackling trafficking. As an example I would like to highlight a recent joint operation involving Barking and Dagenham Borough and Clubs and Vice, this led to convictions for a man and a woman for involvement in trafficking for sexual exploitation; twenty-one and four years imprisonment were imposed respectively. In addition, last month the Human Trafficking Team charged two Bulgarians in relation for trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Finally, in September I am hosting a Roundtable on Child Sexual Exploitation in London, where we will continue to elevate the profile of this particular manifestation of trafficking. Inmarsat satellite Question No: 1173 / 2007 Bob Blackman What is your justification for funding the Inmarsat satellite launch? Response from the Mayor The London Development Agency is providing a £12m to the British National Space Centre to support the Alphasat project. In a separate arrangement, the company Inmarsat will repay the LDA this sum once the satellite launch takes place. The LDA’s contribution will be matched by £12m each from the East England Development Agency and the South East England Development Agency.

European Space Agency rules require public sector backing for bids to proceed. A successful bid will protect 100 jobs in London, bring investment to London and put London at the forefront of space communications technology developments. Inmarsat satellite Question No: 1174 / 2007 Bob Blackman What benefit will the GLA Group obtain from your decision to spend £12 million on the space satellite? Response from the Mayor

The London Development Agency is providing a £12m to the British National Space Centre to support the Alphasat project. In a separate arrangement, the company Inmarsat will repay the LDA this sum once the satellite launch takes place. The LDA does not support projects on the basis of the benefit they will bring to the GLA group but to the benefit to London. The main benefits for London are that the project will:

- protect up to 100 jobs in London. - bring inward investment into a London-based company. - put London at the forefront of new mobile technology. Bakerloo Line Question No: 1175 / 2007 Bob Blackman What plans exist to provide CCTV on Bakerloo Line trains? Response from the Mayor Under the PPP, the Bakerloo line will not be upgraded until 2020. The upgrade will include a replacement of the entire fleet of trains - and all the new trains will include in-carriage CCTV.

LU is reviewing proposals to introduce CCTV prior to 2020 on the existing fleet, and its decision will depend on the cost and programme for undertaking the work. Step free access Question No: 1176 / 2007 Bob Blackman What plans exist for the provision of step-free access to trains at Alperton, Wembley Central and Northwick Park Stations? Response from the Mayor By 2013 London underground aims to deliver one third of stations are step free. However, Alperton and Northwick Park stations are not included in this list.

Wembley Central station is owned by Network Rail, who are responsible for the modernisation works at this station. West Coast Main Line Question No: 1177 / 2007 Bob Blackman What assistance is being provided to ensure that West Coast main line trains stop at Wembley Central Station on major event days at Wembley Stadium? Response from the Mayor The responsibility for who makes improvements on the National Rail Network rests with Network Rail. At present, the existing platforms at Wembley Central are too short to accommodate outer suburban trains. I understand that work will soon be put in place to lengthen the platforms currently served by Silverlink County trains so that 8-car trains can stop. However, I am unaware of any plans to carry out similar work to enable long distance trains to stop at Wembley Central. Traffic Signals Question No: 1178 / 2007 Bob Blackman Why is there a virtual embargo on any scheme involving changes or new traffic signals? Response from the Mayor TfL is not aware of any ‘virtual embargo’ on signal schemes in any London Borough PR2 Bus Service Question No: 1179 / 2007 Bob Blackman What plans are being proposed to ensure that the PR2 bus service runs 7 days a week between Queensbury/Kingsbury and Central Middlesex Hospital? Response from the Mayor There are no plans to extend the PR2 to either Kingsbury or Queensbury. However passengers wishing to travel to or from those areas to destinations on route PR2 may do so by changing from the Jubilee Line at Wembley Park Station. The possibility of running a Sunday service has been investigated by TfL but is not viable at the moment. This will be reviewed as developments around Wembley Stadium begin to come on stream. 204 Bus Service Question No: 1180 / 2007 Bob Blackman What plans exist to extend the 204 bus service to Northwick Park Hospital? Response from the Mayor Northwick Park Hospital is already served by routes H14, 186, 182, 223, H9, H10 and N18. Route 186 was diverted to further penetrate the hospital grounds in January 2005, and was converted to operate with double deck buses in December 2005.

TfL considers this pattern of routes serving the Hospital to be sufficient and has no plans to extend route 204 to serve the Hospital. However the network is under regular review and the aspiration for a link into the grounds will continue to be examined in future work. Wembley Stadium Question No: 1181 / 2007 Bob Blackman What action are you taking to ensure that the security and car parking arrangements for Wembley Stadium are implemented for all events at Wembley Stadium? Response from the Mayor I encourage people to use the improved public transport to get to Wembley Stadium but understand that Wembley Stadium will be working with the borough of Brent and the MPS and TfL as necessary to implement the arrangements. Wembley Stadium Question No: 1182 / 2007 Bob Blackman Following the FA Cup Final, the first full event at Wembley Stadium, what lessons have been learned? Response from the Mayor The FA Cup, the biggest match of the year, was the first real test for the £43 million investment in the new Wembley Park station and the surrounding area by TfL.

The challenge was significant, not only moving the 90,000 fans from Wembley but also the 28,000 cricket fans from Lords.

London Underground operated a special timetable on the Bakerloo, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines to get people to and from Wembley Stadium with extra staff on duty at key locations across the Tube network to assist passengers.

The smooth transport operation getting people to and from the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium, showed the benefit of well managed transport investment. The success bodes well for the 2012 Olympics. London demonstrated it is well on track to stage the greatest sporting spectacles in the world.

The whole operation was helped by fans taking travel advice and leaving plenty of time to get to the match, with a steady stream of fans arriving Wembley Park from around 11am. On the day, a combined total of 100 trains per hour in both directions operated on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines transporting people to and from Wembley Park and Wembley Central stations.

This meant that the 90,000 fans who attended the FA cup final were well on their way home less than 90 minutes of the final whistle and we would like to thank them for their co-operation on the day. Safer Neighbourhood Teams Question No: 1183 / 2007 Bob Blackman Now that Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been largely rolled out, what action is being taken to ensure that they are in operation when residents want them to be seen i.e. in the late afternoon and evening? Response from the Mayor Safer Neighbourhoods teams have a variety of shift patterns that match the needs of their local community and enable them to respond to the priorities that are agreed with their neighbourhood panel. The Safer Neighbourhoods teams regularly adapt or change their shifts at short notice to meet the needs of the community, whether that be evening or early morning shifts. Safer Neighbourhoods teams are accountable to their local panel, including their hours of operation. Online market research Question No: 1184 / 2007 Richard Barnes Has the Mayor contracted TNS to carry out market research relating to the ‘Save, Save, Save’ campaign? Response from the Mayor The GLA has not contracted with TNS to carry out any market research on the Save, Save, Save campaign, and has not made any financial contribution to this research project.

However, I understand that British Gas have contracted with TNS to track the campaign in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of their strategic objectives. online market research Question No: 1185 / 2007 Richard Barnes If you have employed TNS to carry out market research, what if any is the cost to the GLA? Response from the Mayor The GLA has not contracted with TNS to carry out any market research on the Save, Save, Save campaign, and has not made any financial contribution to this research project.

However, I understand that British Gas have contracted with TNS to track the campaign in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of their strategic objectives. Online market research Question No: 1186 / 2007 Richard Barnes If commissioned by your office, can you supply a copy of the questions asked by the market research company? Response from the Mayor The GLA has not contracted with TNS to carry out any market research on the Save, Save, Save campaign, and has not made any financial contribution to this research project.

However, I understand that British Gas have contracted with TNS to track the campaign in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of their strategic objectives. Online market research Question No: 1187 / 2007 Richard Barnes What were the strategic aims of this market research? Response from the Mayor The GLA has not contracted with TNS to carry out any market research on the Save, Save, Save campaign, and has not made any financial contribution to this research project.

However, I understand that British Gas have contracted with TNS to track the campaign in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of their strategic objectives. Online market research Question No: 1188 / 2007 Richard Barnes Will you make the findings of the market research available to the Assembly? Response from the Mayor The GLA has not contracted with TNS to carry out any market research on the Save, Save, Save campaign, and has not made any financial contribution to this research project.

However, I understand that British Gas have contracted with TNS to track the campaign in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of their strategic objectives. Street Cautions/Warnings Question No: 1189 / 2007 Richard Barnes Can you breakdown the street cautions, cautions and warnings given for possession of Class A, B and C drugs provided in response to questions 0749/2007, 0750/2007 and 0751/2007 by Borough? Response from the Mayor Please find the figures requested in Appendix F. Mayor’s Office Protocols Question No: 1190 / 2007 Richard Barnes Do you consider briefings produced by officers working in the Mayor’s Office to be official GLA documents? Response from the Mayor Official documents at the Greater London Authority are approved by an officer with the authority to take a decision in the relevant field.

Other documents, which are drafted by persons with no authority in the field concerned, are merely individual expressions of opinion and not official positions of the Greater London Authority. Mayor’s Office Protocols Oral Question No: 1191 / 2007 answer Richard Barnes What, if any guidance is given to officers within the Mayor’s Office as to what is, and what cannot be classed as an official document produced by the GLA? West London Waste Authority Question No: 1192 / 2007 Brian Coleman How much has the Mayor spent on pursuing actions designed to force the West London Waste Authority to adhere to his directions and how much money has he allocated for his appeal against the recent High Court ruling? Response from the Mayor Firstly, it must be made clear that it is West London Waste Authority (WLWA) that decided to take court action against my attempt to implement my waste management strategy and all I am doing in response is defending my strategy. WLWA’s proposed contract will have an annual value in the region of £10 million and could be in place for up to 15 years and therefore it is imperative that it is not at odds with my strategy. London’s waste authorities cannot continue to use the home counties as their dumping grounds, nor can they expect to burn their way out of paying landfill tax.

To date the cost to the GLA is approximately £20,000. However the Judge ordered the GLA to meet WLWA’s costs should an appeal be unsuccessful. WLWA’s costs are in the region of £60,000. Should leave to appeal be granted, the GLA could incur further costs in the region of £60,000 and there is obviously a risk that, if my appeal is unsuccessful, the GLA could be ordered to pay WLWA’s appeal fees. These figures represent the worst-case scenario and use maximum estimates.

The time and cost involved in directing WLWA clearly demonstrates that the Government’s assertions that I have sufficient power to implement my municipal waste strategy are disingenuous. Waste Authorities Question No: 1193 / 2007 Brian Coleman In your recent press release announcing you will be appealing the decision of the High Court to quash your attempts to force your directions on the West London Waste Authority you state ‘The Government argues that the powers the Mayor has over waste in the capital are sufficient, which this decision today shows is not the case.’ Is this not a rather specious argument and that all it shows is that there are some areas where it is not appropriate for the Mayor to have his powers extended, waste being one of them? Response from the Mayor The decision shows exactly why my powers need to be extended. I have a duty to write the Municipal Waste Management Strategy for London yet I lack sufficient powers to implement it, or ensure that it is properly implemented by local authorities. River Thames Question No: 1194 / 2007 Tony Arbour What is the Mayor’s response to the decision to uphold the Secretary of State’s ruling to permit the ‘twin towers’ development in Lots Road beside the River Thames? Does the Mayor consider that appropriate weight was given to his Blue Ribbon Network policies? Response from the Mayor My response is one of great satisfaction. The development will bring huge benefits to London in terms of the supply of homes (including affordable homes), the implementation of the Thames Path, the restoration of an historic power station, the ecology of the Thames and its inlets, the quality of design of Thames-side buildings, and the application of urban renaissance principles generally.

I fully considered my Blue Ribbon policies when deciding not to direct refusal, as did the Inspector and Secretary of State when determining the appeal. River Thames Question No: 1195 / 2007 Tony Arbour Who advises the Mayor on River Thames matters? Response from the Mayor I receive advice from many sources in relation to the river Thames. The primary source is the professional advice of my officers but I have also recently established the London Waterways Commission that includes a range of Thames related organisations, groups and individuals. I also work with Environment Agency and Port of London Authority. Protecting the River Thames Question No: 1196 / 2007 Tony Arbour What will the Mayor do to safeguard the River Thames against similar decisions to that of the Lots Road development in the future? Will he consider amendments to the London Plan to strengthen his policies in the context of the River Thames? Response from the Mayor As stated in my response to question 1194/2007, I was content with the decision in the Lots Road case. My London Plan sets out the strategic policy for London, including a substantial section and series of policies in relation to the Blue Ribbon Network.

I have already consulted on my proposed changes to the London Plan and these will be examined at the Examination in Public next month. I have not proposed any major changes to the content of Blue Ribbon related policies as they are providing a good strategic basis for decision making. Bus stand at Kew Garden Station Question No: 1197 / 2007 Tony Arbour Would the Mayor state how often the bus stand at Kew Station is used (a) per day (b) per week (c) per month (d) per year? Response from the Mayor The bus stand at Kew Gardens is not used by scheduled terminating buses so it is not possible to provide information on the number of vehicles that use it.

I can tell you that it is used for buses which have been curtailed short of their scheduled destination for operational reasons. Such decisions are made by service controllers on the day, depending on the circumstances at the time, to help ensure bus services continue to run reliably.

The stand is also used for rail replacement services. Again, it is not possible to provide exact bus numbers involved in this type of work. Assembly Publicity Question No: 1198 / 2007 Tony Arbour Would the Mayor state what publicity is available to Londoners who wish to learn about the London Assembly, its work and its Members? Response from the Mayor This question should directed to the Chair of the Assembly and/ or Director of Secretariat, who have responsibility undertaking and reporting on publicity of the work of the Assembly and its Members. Greenwich Peninsula Question No: 1199 / 2007 Tony Arbour Will the Mayor explain the current position with regard to the suitability of the Greenwich Peninsula for house building? Response from the Mayor The Greenwich Peninsula remains eminently suitable for house building and I am strongly encouraging the developers to get on with it.

A small part of the permitted development is affected by the Health & Safety Executive’s revised consultation zones; my planners are currently trying to ascertain the HSE’s justification for this, as there appears to be no evidence of danger, and because there have been no changes to the supply and storage of gas since planning permission was granted without any objections from the HSE. Housing Development in London Question No: 1200 / 2007 Tony Arbour If development areas like the Thames Gateway are to be successful, it is broadly acknowledged that these places, and the homes in them, must be where people want to live. What plans does the Mayor have to ensure this is the case? Response from the Mayor I will be addressing this issue in my first Mayor’s Housing Strategy. This is scheduled for publication at the end of July 2007. Assuming that the GLA Bill has received Royal Assent at that point, it will be sent to the Assembly for statutory consultation over the summer and the Assembly’s comments will then be taken into account when the strategy is revised for public consultation thereafter. Bikes for Business Question No: 1201 / 2007 Tony Arbour How many bikes has TfL bought for businesses and organisations, which businesses/organisations are they and what is the cost per businesses/organisation? Response from the Mayor Via the Local Implementation Plans (LIP) process, in response to a bid from Richmond, TfL made an allocation of £10,000 to the borough in 2006 to pilot an initiative. This initiative purchased 36 bikes for distribution to 7 employers who are all now undertaking or have completed a travel plan. Organisations involved include Hampton Court Palace, London Wetland Centre, National Weights and Measures and RFU with an average cost of below £270 per bike including lights, locks and helmets.

A similar scheme was run with 24 businesses in Southwark in 2004 where bicycles were leased for an initial 6 months with the option for the employer or employee to purchase after the trial period. The levels of bike use for work trips rose from 8% to 21% and the proportion of employees cycling to work rose from 9% to 22%. Businesses involved in the scheme highlighted a range of benefits including reduced costs, time savings, health and fitness improvements for employees, together with environmental and social benefits. Housing schemes not started Question No: 1202 / 2007 Tony Arbour One of the reasons given for the high number of planning consents not yet implemented, particularly in east London and the Thames Gateway, is the need for a clear commitment to funding infrastructure such as transport, schools and medical services. What is the Mayor doing to address this lack of confidence on the part of developers so that they are encouraged to get on with building the houses so badly needed in London? Response from the Mayor Developers understand that investment in road and railway improvements, as well as in social infrastructure like hospitals, primary care facilities and schools, is made over time, and that infrastructure is often delivered in parallel with planning approvals. Indeed, planning authorities do much through section 106 agreements to secure appropriate contributions from developers to infrastructure costs.

It is true that in parts of East London there is a significant infrastructure deficit and I am working closely with Government and other public agencies such as the LDA and the Thames Gateway development Corporation, to address this. The forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review has a clear bearing on this, as does the need for a better integration of planning and provision with various Government departments such as Health and Education. However, it also remains the case that in some parts of East London, development that is fully consented, and which has the required infrastructure, is still failing to be built at the rates we should expect. Low Emission Zone Question No: 1203 / 2007 Tony Arbour How can you detect and fine a foreign, unregistered lorry under the Low Emission Zone? Can you compel foreign registered transgressors to pay the fine? Response from the Mayor In order to comply with the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), non-GB registered vehicles for which registration data is not available from the country of origin will be required to register with TfL in advance of driving within the LEZ.

TfL has arrangements in place with an experienced Europe-wide debt recovery agency for the service of Penalty Charge Notices, to try to recover penalties incurred by non-UK registered vehicles where access to the relevant vehicle keeper data is available. However, TfL currently has no legal powers available to it abroad to enforce unpaid penalties incurred by operators based outside the UK if penalties remain unpaid.

TfL, together with London Councils, has been lobbying the Government and EU institutions to improve enforcement of non-criminal traffic offences by non-UK residents. TfL is encouraging cross-Government action to create a plan to fill the gap between the civil and criminal jurisdictions into which civil traffic enforcement falls.

Non-UK registered persistent evaders may also be subject to immobilisation and removal. Low Emission Zone Oral Question No: 1204 / 2007 answer Tony Arbour How many staff will be dedicated to enforcing the Low Emission Zone? Low Emission Zone Question No: 1204 / 2007 Tony Arbour How many staff will be dedicated to enforcing the Low Emission Zone? Response from the Mayor The number of Service Provider and TfL resources required to enforce the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has not yet been finalised. The approach so far has been to implement and operate LEZ using existing resources as far as possible, to maximise cost effectiveness.

It is currently expected that when the scheme starts up, Capita will have five additional full time staff dealing with issuing Penalty Charge Notices, representations and appeals; with a further nine on a temporary basis at the launch of the scheme. In addition, the existing Mobile Patrol Unit resource will be primarily dedicated to LEZ enforcement using 36 existing full time staff and a proposed six additional full time staff. The TfL Congestion Charging Enforcement Operations Team will recruit 4 four full time staff members for work regarding LEZ. Low Emission Zone Question No: 1205 / 2007 Tony Arbour Can you describe, step by step, the process by which you can identify, track and administer the fine for an unregistered lorry, either based abroad or outside London, under the Low Emission Zone? Response from the Mayor Where a non compliant vehicle is identified as having driven within the LEZ without payment of the required charge a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle. This will be done using data provided by the DVLA for GB registered vehicles and a PCN will be issued by TfL dedicated European Debt Recovery agency to non-GB registered vehicles.

For GB vehicles which are not registered with the DVLA or for non-GB vehicles where data are not available, a Penalty Charge will be raised against the vehicle. Once three or more Penalty Charges are outstanding then the vehicle will become a Persistent Evader. They will then be subject to the same on street enforcement activity that exists for Congestion Charging Persistent Evaders, and may be clamped or removed if found on the public highway in the Greater London area. Deliveries on Red Routes Question No: 1206 / 2007 Tony Arbour What is the procedure for private residents who live on a 24 hour red route to facilitate deliveries that require a vehicle to stop outside their home? Response from the Mayor The procedure for private residents is the same for businesses and that is to apply for a temporary parking dispensation. This allows an exemption from the parking controls for a limited period to facilitate, for example, the receipt of large deliveries or moving house.

More information about temporary dispensation and how to apply is available from TfL. There is a charge for this service to cover consultation and administrative services. Bus Driving Standards Question No: 1207 / 2007 Roger Evans How many complaints have London Buses received specifically concerning the bus driver to date, since 2003? Can you provide a yearly breakdown? Response from the Mayor This is set out below. The proportion of complaints received to journeys made on the bus network remains very low. During 2005/06 there were over 59,000 journeys made for every complaint received by TfL Surface Transport Customer Services.

If a passenger has any reason to complain about their experience of using the bus network, I would recommend that they contact TfL Surface Transport Customer Services on 0845 300 7000. 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006- 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total 18823 25340 30471 31642 No. of journeys made per complaint 90,421 70,757 59,597 - Cyclist Safety Question No: 1208 / 2007 Roger Evans At your press conference of 24th April 2007, you stated that a TfL study which concluded that women cyclists are far more likely to be killed than male cyclists, as reported in The Times and other newspapers that day, did not exist and was in fact anecdotal evidence given at a private meeting of the Road Safety Unit. Can you provide the minutes and papers from this meeting so your claims can be corroborated? Response from the Mayor As I said at the press conference of 24 April, we are getting it right, though there are clearly still improvements to be made and it would be very unwise for us to institute a whole new policy until we are aware that there is a particular problem. There is no evidence to support the claim that women cyclists are more likely to be killed than male cyclists.

Likewise, there is no unpublished research. There was a meeting which pulled together many people involved in cycling, where one attendee put forward the anecdotal idea that women cyclists were more likely to be killed as a consequence as a collision than their male counterparts.

However, the most recent figures, displayed below, show that during the time measured, in fact less women than male cyclists were involved in fatal accidents.

Cyclist casualties resulting from collisions: October 2005 – September 2006

Pedal cyclists Male Female Total Fatal 11 8 19 Serious 305 86 391 Slight 2559 1998 571 Tube Upgrades Question No: 1209 / 2007 Roger Evans At your press conference of 24th April 2007, you announced a series of upgrade works to be `accelerated’. Of the schemes announced, how many will be within the remit of the PPP, and how many will be outside, and funded by the TfL Investment Programme? Response from the Mayor The works identified in the press announcement referred to are mainly to be delivered under the PPP which is a core part of TfL’s investment programme. LU pays Metronet and Tube Lines an Infrastructure Service Charge of around £1bn a year to deliver both the maintenance and upgrade of the system. However, we are at the same time moving forward schemes for accessibility, congestion relief and tunnel cooling that are in addition to the PPP core work and are funded by the TfL investment programme. Most of the closures, which was the main point of the press conference, are needed for PPP work.

Full details of the TfL Investment Programme are published on the TfL website at: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/investorrelations/1462.aspx

This document also breaks down the programme according to whether it is delivered under the PPP, PFI or separately. Of the total investment in the Tube between 2005 and 2010 of just under £7.6 billion, £4.8 billion will be delivered under the PPP and the remainder by other means. Tube Upgrades Question No: 1210 / 2007 Roger Evans Can you express, in percentage terms, what the breakdown is of Underground upgrade work that is within and outside the PPP? Response from the Mayor Full details of the TfL Investment Programme are published on the TfL website at: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/investorrelations/1462.aspx

This document also breaks down the programme according to whether it is delivered under the PPP, PFI or separately. Of the total investment in the Tube between 2005 and 2010 of just under £7.6 billion, £4.8 billion (63%) will be delivered under the PPP and the remainder by other means Bus Routes Question No: 1211 / 2007 Roger Evans How much, on average, does it cost to run a London bus route per month? Response from the Mayor TfL do not use cost per route for tracking unit costs because there is a wide variation in the number of scheduled kilometres per route.

The usual basis is cost per bus-kilometre operated. For 2006/07 this was £3.21, on average. PPP Question No: 1212 / 2007 Roger Evans What would the financial consequences be for London if Metronet walked away from the PPP contract? Response from the Mayor The PPP contracts place an obligation on Metronet to deliver what it has promised. The immediate consequence of failure to deliver under the PPP contracts is that Metronet shareholders would lose their investment and their reputations.

Metronet should seek an Extraordinary Review as soon as possible to resolve their stated cost overruns - London must not bear the cost of Metronet's inefficiency. Sutton Personal Travel Plan Question No: 1213 / 2007 Roger Evans What is the cost of the Sutton Personal Travel Plan scheme? How many free Oystercards with £5 credit have been issued? How is TfL intending to monitor the outcome of the trial? Response from the Mayor The free Personalised Travel Planning (PTP) service is being provided to 70,000 households in Sutton in 2007/08. The total projected cost for the Sutton PTP programme comes to just over £800K, working out at £11 per household contacted. It is anticipated that 10,000 Oyster cards at £5 will be issued over the period of the roll out. Each Oyster card has a unique reference number that allows its use to be tracked.

The purpose of Personalised Travel Planning is to reduce the number of short car journeys in the boroughs. In Outer London half of all car journeys are for less than 2km, a distance easily covered on public transport or by walking or cycling.

The results of the PTP and the Oyster card initiatives will be evaluated as part of the wider comprehensive monitoring of the Smarter Travel Sutton project. Based on impacts from previous PTP schemes in London, a 6% reduction in private car use is anticipated, which represents extremely good value for money. In addition, DfT research suggests these types of measures can be up to 10 times more cost effective than infrastructure improvements at achieving modal shift. Gants Hill/ Clarence Avenue Question No: 1214 / 2007 Roger Evans Does TfL have overriding authority to dictate what happens at the junction of Clarence Avenue with the Gants Hill roundabout, with respect to total or partial closure of Clarence Avenue or the installation of traffic lights on this road? Response from the Mayor Clarence Avenue is the responsibility of the London Borough of Redbridge. Any proposals regarding its closure need to be approved by Redbridge.

However, under the Traffic Management Act 2004, all Highway Authorities have a duty to work with adjacent authorities to ensure the expeditious movement of traffic, including pedestrians. Also as TfL is responsible for traffic signals in London they would need to approve any signal changes. TfL Legal Advice Question No: 1215 / 2007 Roger Evans What legal advice has TfL received with regard to people who have been issued with PCNs for not paying the congestion charge, arguing that the Bill of Rights 1689 prevents TfL from levying fines without a trial? How many people have successfully invoked this defence? Response from the Mayor TfL’s legal advice is that the Bill of Rights 1689 argument cannot be used to avoid civil penalties and does not affect subsequent Road Traffic legislation or the issue and enforcement of penalty charges.

The Court of Appeal has recently refused an application for permission to appeal a High Court decision (R on the application of De Crittenden -v- NPAS [2006] EWCA Civ 1786) which concerned a parking violation. At first instance in the High Court, Mr Justice Collins refused permission for a judicial review to be brought on the grounds that the Bill of Rights makes it illegal to impose any penalty or fine for road traffic violations, in respect of a decision made by an NPAS adjudicator. In refusing the application, he commented that it was "a completely baseless argument".

Congestion Charging has consistently rejected representations made on this basis and has not lost an appeal where this argument has been used to challenge a Penalty Charge Notice. Free Travel for Under 16s & 18s Question No: 1216 / 2007 Roger Evans How many free travel concessions have been withdrawn from a) under 16s and b) under 18s for breach of the Behaviour Code, since the start of the scheme? Response from the Mayor Since the start of the schemes the number of free travel concessions confiscated for breaches of the Behaviour Code which include defacement, transfer of cards and alteration of cards are: a) Under 16s: 3,108 b) 16 -18s: 337 Free Travel for Under 16s and 18s Question No: 1217 / 2007 Roger Evans How many free travel concessions have been permanently withdrawn from a) under 16s and b) under 18s for breach of the Behaviour Code, since the start of the scheme? Response from the Mayor Since the start of the scheme, 3142 Under 16 cards have been withdrawn from concession holders for breaches of the Behaviour Code. Following further investigation, 210 of the 3142 permanently withdrawn. Subsequently, 42 were reinstated as a result of appeals.

In terms of the 16/17 scheme, 346 passes have been withdrawn, following investigation, 51 were permanently withdrawn. Eight have subsequently been reinstated after appeal. Free Travel for Under 16s and 18s Question No: 1218 / 2007 Roger Evans Of the current number of passes withdrawn to date, can you provide the precise number of re-applications for the full scheme received by TfL? Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to write to you as soon as possible with this information. Code Red Calls Question No: 1219 / 2007 Roger Evans How many code red calls have been made specifically relating to anti-social behaviour during the months of March, April and May 2007? Response from the Mayor The majority of driver incident calls from a driver of a bus to London’s 24 hour bus control centre (CentreComm) do not demand an emergency response. Driver incident reports categorised as ‘anti-social’ can be made for a variety of reasons. For example disturbance calls can range from egg throwing and noisy schoolchildren, to more serious incidents such as fighting or threatening behaviour.

During March 2007, there were 6,917 anti-social driver incident reports to TfL. Of these, 42% were categorised disturbance, 37% forgery/fraud, 12% criminal damage, 4% violent offences and 4% robbery/theft.

For April 2007, there were 7,360 anti-social driver incident reports to TfL. Of these, 42% were categorised disturbance, 39% forgery/fraud, 12% criminal damage, 4% violent offences and 3% robbery/theft.

Up to 14th May 2007, there were 64 anti-social driver incident reports to TfL. Of these, 43% were categorised disturbance, 40% forgery/fraud, 10% criminal Damage, 3% violent offences and 4% robbery/theft.

It is important to note that not all driver incident reports result in a recorded crime, analysis shows that under 40% of these reports end in any police attention and an even smaller proportion require an emergency response. London Buses actively encourages drivers to report all incidents through the control centre to allow for informed decisions to be made about the deployment of resources to the transport network pan London. ASBOs Oral Question No: 1220 / 2007 answer Roger Evans How many Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) have TfL applied for since they were given the relevant powers? Fare Evasion Question No: 1221 / 2007 Roger Evans What was the level of fare evasion on the London Underground for the months of March, April and May 2007? What is the estimated level of revenue loss? Response from the Mayor I have asked TfL to write to you as soon as possible on this matter. Fare Evasion Question No: 1222 / 2007 Roger Evans What was the level of fare evasion on the bus network for the months of March, April and May 2007? What is the estimated level of revenue loss? Response from the Mayor The level of fare evasion detected by Revenue Protection Inspectors for these periods is as follows:

Period 13 2006/07 (4 March – 31 March 2007): 1.07% Period 1 2007/08 (1 April – 28 April 2007): 1.10% Period 2 is not yet complete so a fare evasion rate is unavailable. Havering Safer Transport Team Question No: 1223 / 2007 Roger Evans Can you confirm what standard hours the 18 extra Police Community Support Officers that form the Havering Safer Transport Team will work? Response from the Mayor I am informed that Havering's Safer Transport Team comprises of two teams, each of which has 9 PCSOs working a shift pattern that covers hours ranging from 7.30am until midnight. These shifts have been designed to cover core hours of 3pm - 6pm and 10pm – 12midnight. These are peak times for crime, the perception of crime and the fear of crime for Londoners. It must be stressed that shift patterns are adaptable depending on both short and long term needs and analysis. Saving Londoners Lives Question No: 1224 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett Will the Mayor provide an update on his promise to look into securing funding for Saving Londoner¿s Lives (Question number 835/2007)? Response from the Mayor Officers are having initial discussions with external partners, and will continue to pursue this and update me on progress. I shall raise it more formally with NHS and / or borough partners should that become necessary. Water Strategy Question No: 1225 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett Will the Mayor be producing an update to his water strategy following the Government announcement regarding a sewage interceptor tunnel? Response from the Mayor My Water Strategy will be revised and up-dated following my current consultation with the London Assembly. It will take account of the announcement in March, by Environment Minister Ian Pearson, of the planned construction of the 30 kilometre long sewer interceptor tunnel. The London Skills and Employment Board Question No: 1226 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett The London Skills and Employment Board, chaired by the Mayor, has been in operation for over six months now. Does the Mayor plan for the Board to publish a full and detailed strategy for improving adult skills and education in London? Response from the Mayor The Board is currently working to develop its first Strategy for Adult Skills in London and the aim is to issue this as a consultation draft this autumn. I recognise there are unlikely to be quick fixes in addressing London's skills issues. Together with the Board I am committed to a thorough assessment of the issues and to identifying actions that can make a real difference in ensuring that all Londoners have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to participate in London's dynamic economy. The London Skills and Employment Board Question No: 1227 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett How much is the annual operating budget of the London Skills and Employment Board, and how many staff are employed by it? Response from the Mayor The costs of running the Secretariat, including Board costs 2007/08 costs are projected to be £289,352.

Secretariat and Board costs are jointly funded by the London Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council on a 50/50 basis.

There are 3 fulltime staff members within the LSEB Secretariat:

- Director - Manager - Administrator The London Skills and Employment Board Question No: 1228 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett Can the Mayor give a list of LSEB committees with their membership? Response from the Mayor This information is available online at http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/education/lseb/committee.jsp Skills in London Question No: 1229 / 2007 Elizabeth Howlett Is the London Skills and Employment Board looking at ways of dealing with the dearth of home-grown skilled workers in the construction industry, perhaps through apprenticeships and similar schemes? Response from the Mayor It is correct that there are significant issues in the skill levels of the construction workforce in London. Of London’s construction workforce, 16% are qualified to NVQ4+, contrasting with the much higher London average of 38%. Contrastingly, 29% of London’s construction workers have NVQ1 or no qualifications which is greater than 18 % for the comparable London average. Another significant point is that the construction workforce does not reflect London’s population overall (in terms of gender and ethnicity). The construction workforce has few women and a low share of workers from BME groups. In London, only 10% of construction workers are women, the lowest of any sector, showing that women are substantially under-represented. Construction is also relatively unrepresentative for BME groups. In London, 13% of construction workers are from minority ethnic groups compared to 21% of London’s workers as a whole

The Board is currently developing a skills and employment strategy that addresses the needs of the London labour market and improves the ability of Londoners to access that market. Accordingly, that involves looking at the evidence of where employment opportunities are within sectors of the London economy and improving the skills offer to better equip Londoners to make the most of those opportunities.

The nature of the construction business in London makes it challenging to address specific skills issues because it is dominated by small operators. It is estimated that there are more than 90,000 construction businesses in London and almost 89% of these are made up of self-employment - a slightly higher share than nationally. 80% of London’s construction firms are not registered for VAT, also a higher share than nationally. Small firms in London make up almost 94% of all construction firms, employ 39% of all construction workers and provide 20% of the construction work done. Medium-sized firms make up almost 6% of all construction firms, employ 30% of workers in the construction sector and account for 34% of the work done. Large firms have nearly half a percent of the share of construction firms, employ 31% of workers and carry out 46% of the work done. The other striking feature of London’s construction sector is that unlike other parts of the country it has a relatively weak tradition of apprenticeships.

As part of developing its Strategy, the Board is looking at ways in which it can encourage employers to train their own staff and provide greater incentives to small business to undertake training.

Other relevant initiatives include: - Summit Skills and the Graduate Forum are supporting 200 undergraduates to get more people from ethnic minorities into jobs on Olympic sites. Construction Skills and employers are jointly funding scholarships for female and ethnic minority students to study construction-related degrees (applications are up 50% on last year).

- Employer Accord is developing a partnership between London employers (including construction) and welfare-to-work agencies to get more workless Londoners into jobs. This is being targeted at harnessing some of the specific opportunities arising from major construction projects across London. 2012 Olympics and job creation Oral Question No: 1230 / 2007 answer Damian Hockney The London Assembly’s report into possible outcomes of the Olympic Games (A Lasting Legacy for London?) appears to justify One London’s view that there will be no new full time jobs created as a result of the 2012 Games. At the recent Assembly plenary the Olympic Delivery Authority were unable to quantify the numbers of new permanent jobs. Can the Mayor now specify where these new jobs will come from, and does he have any figures for the numbers of jobs lost to the Olympic boroughs with the closure, extinguishing or relocation of firms on the site of the Games? Participation in sport Question No: 1231 / 2007 Damian Hockney The Assembly report on the 2012 Olympic Games (A Lasting Legacy for London?) is critical of the idea that participation in sport was bound to increase as a result of the staging of the Games. What evidence does the Mayor have that participation will increase? Response from the Mayor It is true the Games alone, cannot deliver either future world-class athletes or an increase in sport participation. The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is, however, one of the biggest catalysts to increase sports participation.

I am committed to ensuring the Games do deliver such an increase and have taken immediate and sustained action to ensure this does occur.

The Sport England Active People Survey indicates that the level of sports participation in London is at 21.3% (national average 21%). I am already working with partners to increase participation by 275,000 by 2012 in London.

I have set up the structures to ensure partners deliver a sporting legacy for London and have already begun to deliver increased sporting opportunities and participation amongst Londoners.

The London Summer of Sport, which I established in 2006 attracted 50,000 people, who participated in over 300 events. Over 70% of the clubs that staged events have recorded an increase in membership.

The 2007 programme is being launched on 2nd June and the target this year is develop opportunities in disability sport. My officers are working with partners to deliver a wide range of events. Olympic ticket price concessions Question No: 1232 / 2007 Damian Hockney Will there be any special ticket pricing available for pensioners at the 2012 Games? Response from the Mayor LOCOG will be appointing a Director of Ticketing before the end of 2007. One of the priorities of this role will be to establish the strategy in relation to ticketing and ticket pricing.

The Strategy will need to comply with all legal requirements in relation to pricing, including EU law which places restrictions on making tickets available to specific groups over and above others. £300 million increase in Olympic cost to Londoners Question No: 1233 / 2007 Damian Hockney In her statement to Parliament in March, Tessa Jowell said: “Without any further increase for London council tax payers beyond that already committed, or any increase in transport fares to fund the Olympics, the Mayor will over the lifetime of the Olympic programme be making a further £300 million available to help meet Olympic costs.” Please can the Mayor explain where this £300 million will come from, which is in addition to the £625 million he has already committed London council taxpayers to pay? Response from the Mayor It is not necessary to make any decision on the source of this funding at this point in time, but the anticipated profits from the sale of land in the Olympic Park is a potential source and the London Development Agency is currently leading detailed work on assessing the potential end values of land. Blackwall Tunnel congestion Oral Question No: 1234 / 2007 answer Peter Hulme Cross Given the massive increase in congestion in and around the Blackwall Tunnel following the abandonment of the tidal flow system, does the Mayor not think that the potential for accidents could be reduced by more high-profile policing of the area rather than the current unsatisfactory situation? Blackwall Tunnel tolls Question No: 1235 / 2007 Peter Hulme Cross Will the Mayor give an unequivocal undertaking that he will not impose any tolls on the Blackwall Tunnel or adjoining roads now or in the future? Response from the Mayor I can confirm that I do not propose to toll the Blackwall tunnel. Venezuela oil dollars/TfL transport advice deal Question No: 1236 / 2007 Peter Hulme Cross How much money has been received so far as part of the deal between TfL and the Venezuelan government and what is the cost to TfL so far of any advice given as part of the deal? Response from the Mayor Under the Energy Funding Agreement a request for funds from TfL is not due until after the commencement of the discount fares scheme, therefore no money has been received to date.

TfL has also not offered any advice to date. The priority areas for advice will be decided following the Transport Commissioner’s visit planned for June. Administration of cheap travel scheme Question No: 1237 / 2007 Peter Hulme Cross Can the Mayor provide costings for the implementation and administration of his cheap travel scheme? Response from the Mayor The exact costings of the discount travel scheme will depend on the uptake of the service, They will be for lower than the income received under the agreement with the Venezuelan oil company. We will provide figures when we have a clearer picture of this. VAT on Home Information Packs Question No: 1238 / 2007 Peter Hulme Cross Does the Mayor support the imposition of VAT at the standard rate of 17.5% on Home Information Packs, the introduction of which he has welcomed? Response from the Mayor The imposition of VAT on Home Information Packs is a national taxation issue and not a strategic issue for me. London deficit Question No: 1239 / 2007 Damian Hockney Given the growth of the London deficit as calculated by the London Chamber of Commerce and the success of Scottish nationalism at the recent elections, does the Mayor agree with One London that it is time to renew his “London nationalist” campaign to support vital infrastructure projects such as Crossrail? Response from the Mayor I have consistently made the case to Government that a greater share of the wealth we generate here in London should be fed back into the capital, and I also continue to take every opportunity to press the case for the infrastructure and other investment London needs to sustain its economic success.

I have often pointed out that the success of London's economy is vital to that of the UK as a whole. If London is to continue to be a net wealth generator for the nation, then the Government must continue to invest in the capital - in Crossrail and in other areas of public spending that I set out in my submission to this year's comprehensive spending review, Invest in London: Invest in Britain. Olympics Question No: 1240 / 2007 Andrew Pelling Please list those posts within A) GLA Core B) TfL C) LFEPA D) MPA E) LDA which within their job description include a responsibility to assist in the delivery of a successful London Olympics 2012? Response from the Mayor The information I have been given is that the job descriptions for the posts listed in the attached table (Appendix G) include a responsibility to assist in the delivery of a successful London Olympics 2012. St Giles Development Question No: 1241 / 2007 Bob Blackman What action are you taking to promote a suitable development of the St Giles area? Response from the Mayor I have publicly suggested that the various landowners in the area get together to bring forward co-ordinated development proposals to maximise the potential of the area and regenerate the eastern end of Oxford Street and wider St. Giles area. To that end, my planners are engaging with all the principal interests including TfL and Design for London, and I have asked Design for London to carry out some masterplanning work looking at a number of sites in the St Giles area. Discussions have already taken place with some of the landowners in the area, and I hope the two borough councils covering the area will also engage positively in this process.