• Reference: 2011/2113
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

Unlike other vehicle manufacturers, LTI are not required by law to conduct 'in service' emissions conformity tests because they sell fewer than 5,000 vehicles a year. The power for roadside checks was devolved from VOSA to local authorities in 2003, but these authorities have not conducted any testing. It is therefore the case that absolutely no 'in service' emissions conformity testing has been conducted on London taxis by any agency whatsoever. Why has this been allowed to happen and what action is to be taken?

• Reference: 2011/2112
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

In answer to my question 684/2011 you deny that there will be any enforcement of no idling zones for taxis. Can you confirm that this is still the case, as the Defra action plan for London includes 'enforcement (where necessary)' and states that '[taxi] marshals will also have a broader mandate to stop taxis from idling by monitoring the taxi rank'?

• Reference: 2011/2111
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

The report for Transport for London commissioned by the Green Group on alternatives to the Thames Gateway Bridge in 2008 recommended that a cable car would work best as a public transport option if the bus network were realigned to provide connections fanning out from the terminals. What work has TfL undertaken to study and implement this?

• Reference: 2011/2110
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

Will you ensure that the London Waste and Recycling Board do not fund any new waste plant which does not meet the criteria in your London Plan of being 'air quality neutral'? This joined up thinking would ensure that new waste plants do "not lead to further deterioration of existing poor air quality, such as areas designated as Air Quality Management Areas".

• Reference: 2011/2109
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

A constituent has contacted me with the sad news that the London Borough of Greenwich has withdrawn funding from the urban farm in Maryon Wilson Park, Charlton, which may force it to close in April 2012. This will deprive a great many people, young and old, of a valuable amenity that has been open since 1926. Will you make representations to the council and investigate what support can be given to keep it open?

• Reference: 2011/2108
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

Can you ask TfL to modify their online journey planner for cyclists so that the default journey is the safest most direct route rather than the fastest route as at present, as that may put cyclists in danger and may also mean they are likely to have more traffic lights to deal with?

• Reference: 2011/2107
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

Could you ask TfL to ensure that the hours of operation of all Cycle Superhighway routes are displayed clearly on signs so that Highway Code rule 140 can be actively enforced?

• Reference: 2011/2106
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

In June 2010 you stated that you would 'ask TfL to ascertain the factual position on nuclear trains during the games from Direct Rail Services' (MQ 1774/2010). In January this year, you stated that TfL was awaiting a reply from Direct Rail Services (MQ 0041/2011). Can you please send me all the up-to-date correspondence between Direct Rail Services and Transport for London?

• Reference: 2011/2105
• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

Given the environmental impact of lorries transporting flagons of water around the city for use in office water dispensers, will you work with Thames Water to encourage workplaces to switch to tap water instead?

• Reference: 2011/2104
• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 13 July 2011

In reference to reducing numbers of Safer Neighbourhood sergeants, you said that it is 'necessary to streamline the management of some of the capital's smaller and quieter wards to improve performance'. In 2011-12 the Metropolitan Police are applying a reduction of around 25% of sergeants pro rata across London's boroughs, meaning half the wards in each borough will share a sergeant. Do you consider half of the wards in the following boroughs to be smaller and quieter, and if so can you tell me which wards match that description? Westminster, Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Hammersmith & Fulham, Southwark, Hackney, Kensington...