• Reference: 2021/0409
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

TfL’s Streetspace for London programme has reduced arterial road space for motorised vehicles. The extensive rollout of so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) has displaced traffic into surrounding and arterial roads. As a result of these two measures implemented in 2020, traffic gridlock has become a regular feature on many roads. Countless videos show stranded police cars, ambulances and fire engines, or having to take time-consuming diversions to reach people in urgent need of attention. What specific concerns or warnings has a) London Fire Brigade b) London Ambulance Service, and c) Metropolitan Police Service made to the Mayor of London and...

• Reference: 2021/0408
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

According to Daily Telegraph article ‘Low traffic neighbourhoods could become crime 'hot spots', police warn’ on 19 December 2020: “The Metropolitan Police Service has written to councils expressing “concerns” that street closures introduced to create low traffic neighbourhoods could slow 999 response times and even encourage criminals to favour those areas because they can more easily escape pursuing officers 1. A letter from a senior transport officer sent to Harrow Council in North London says: “The Metropolitan Police Service have concerns over these types of closures where bollards or planters are used. They can cause congestion on the main roads...

• Reference: 2021/0407
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

Responding to a legal challenge by Licensed Taxi Driver Association (LTDA) and United Trade Action Group (UTAG) the High Court, on 20 January 2021, ruled that the Mayor’s Streetspace Plan, Interim Guidance to Boroughs and A10 Bishopsgate Traffic Order that effectively excludes licensed taxis, were unlawful. The judgement noted the following: “decision-making processes for the Plan, Guidance and A10 Order were seriously flawed, and the decisions were not a rational response to the issues which arose as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.” (ref: Para 275 of High Court Judgement). “flaws identified were symptomatic of an ill-considered response which sought...

• Reference: 2021/0406
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

TfL’s Streetspace for London programme has reduced arterial road space for motorised vehicles. The extensive rollout of so-called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) has displaced traffic into surrounding and arterial roads. As a result of these two measures implemented in 2020, traffic gridlock has become a regular feature on many roads. Countless videos show stranded police cars, ambulances and fire engines, or they are forced to take time-consuming diversions to reach people in urgent need of attention. Have you considered the potential legal implications of Streetspace for London and LTNs in directly or indirectly delaying the responses of emergency services?

• Reference: 2021/0405
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

In recent weeks, it has been reported by a number of newspapers and media outlets that during the Coronavirus pandemic London has lost anywhere between half a million and more than a million residents, who have returned to their countries of birth. An estimate by the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence has warned that London’s population may have plunged by 8 per cent, the first drop in more than 30 years. If this estimate is accurate, what do you estimate the effect will be on the private housing sector?

• Reference: 2021/0404
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

Do you know why a City of London Police officer asked a London Mayoral candidate for permits for filming on a public street within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police?

• Reference: 2021/0403
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

A highly irregular incident occurred on Sunday 24th January, when City of London Police attended a political campaign recording in the Borough of Southwark. This was on London Bridge Street. According to mayoral candidate Brian Rose, he and his crew were arrested and issued penalty notices for breaching lockdown regulations. Two officers of City Police intervened as Rose began a speech to camera. On request by the officers, Rose's campaign manager produced documents that he claimed were permits from councils. Why were City of London Police operating outside their area, in the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, and what knowledge...

• Reference: 2021/0402
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

Since you came to office in 2016, how many employees in a) City Hall b) London Fire Brigade, and c) Transport for London has been given unconscious bias training. How much did this cost?

• Reference: 2021/0401
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

According to answers to Mayor’s Questions MQ 2019/4137 and MQ 2020/1644, approximately 23,000 Metropolitan Police Service officers and staff have been given unconscious bias training 1. 2How much did this cost? 1 https://www.london.gov.uk/questions/2019/4137 2 https://www.london.gov.uk/questions/2020/1644

• Reference: 2021/0400
• Question by: David Kurten
• Meeting date: 25 February 2021

The Government’s Equalities Office ‘Unconscious bias and diversity training – what the evidence says’ report published 15 December 2020, concluded that there: “is currently no evidence that this training changes behaviour in the long term or improves workplace equality in terms of representation of women, ethnic minorities or other minority groups”. It also states that there is emerging evidence of unintended negative consequences. As a result, it is being phased out in the Civil Service 1. Given this damning conclusion, will you instruct City Hall, Metropolitan Police Service, London Fire Brigade and Transport for London to cease all unconscious bias...