London Assembly Liberal Democrats News Stories (Hounslow Liberal Democrats)

Mar 15, 2012:
- "After four years of Boris Johnson the facts are that Londoners are worse off" - Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group
  At the very last Mayor's Question Time before the Mayor and London Assembly face elections in May the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group this week set out a series of examples of how Londoners are now worse off than was the case four years ago Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly housing spokesperson said: "After four years as Mayor of London we now have over 800,000 people waiting for affordable housing in London - an increase of 10% since 2007." "Overcrowding has also increased by nearly 15 per cent since 2007/08. This is the real record of Boris Johnson." Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat business spokesperson said: "In a week that we have seen a further rise in unemployment it is worth remembering the wasted opportunity of not setting higher targets for getting more unemployed Londoners to work on the Olympic Park. The targets of 15-20% are woefully inadequate and the Mayor should have led on this issue. But he did nothing and now seeks to defend these incredibly low targets. Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group further commented: "Boris Johnson promised that London would have 68 step free tube stations, in reality after his four years in charge of Transport for London there are only 63. In fact the Mayor wasted £64 million on cancelling improvements that had already started at seven tube stations. "And on buses fares have soared by 50 per cent while on numerous routes overcrowding has grown. Londoners are paying more for a frequently worse service." "Whether on housing, employment or public transport the fact is that Londoners are worse off under Boris Johnson." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 12, 2012:
- Every Londoner now owed £8 by embassies that dodge paying the Congestion Charge - Caroline Pidgeon
  The amount of unpaid Congestion Charge and penalty charge notices owed by embassies and diplomatic missions that evade paying the Congestion Charge is now more than £60 million, according to new figures obtained by Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group. Every single Londoner is owed more than £8 by non paying embassies and diplomatic missions. Two months ago Transport for London admitted that the total unpaid bill had reached £58.1 million by the end of December 2011. With the unpaid bill rising by almost £1 million a month, the total bill has now broken through the £60 million figure. Commenting on the escalating bill owed by embassies and diplomatic missions Caroline Pidgeon said: "Too many overseas embassies are insulting Londoners by evading a charge which everyone else - including the Queen - has to pay if they wish to drive in central London. "Under Boris Johnson the total amount owed by the embassies and diplomatic missions has tripled and every Londoner is now owed eight pounds. Instead of making excuses the Mayor must take real action to tackle this huge loss of revenue and stop this evasion of the Congestion Charge. "Back in December 2009 the London Assembly called on Boris Johnson to write to every head of state which had an embassy in London that didn't pay the Congestion Charge and told the Mayor to publish online the responses he received. Boris Johnson rejected this plan and has instead allowed the unpaid Congestion Charge bill to soar." Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 7, 2012:
- LOCOG's excessive secrecy on Olympic tickets is shameful - Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympic spokesperson, commenting on the replies provided by Lord Coe, Chair of LOCOG and Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of LOCOG, to her questions today about the lack of transparency over Olympic tickets said: "LOCOG ongoing secrecy over Olympic tickets is shameful. They have already sold over 7 million tickets and there is no reason at all why they could not publish today the full details about the price of tickets already sold for each and every Olympic event. "Their excuses for not publishing this information straight away are indefensible. To claim that the current information would be confusing or provide a partial picture is patronising in the extreme to the public who have paid for the Games." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 29, 2012:
- Boris Johnson has dithered for four years in cleaning up London's taxis - Mike Tuffrey
  Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson, has uncovered that a £1m fund to trial low carbon technology in London's taxi fleet has not even been established nearly two-and-a-half years after it was first announced by Boris Johnson. Last week the Mayor of London was forced to admit that no progress had been made to establish the fund, following a series of tough questions from Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Environment spokesperson, at a recent Mayor's Question Time at City Hall. It has also emerged that a 'Cleaner Taxi Fund' designed to encourage taxi drivers to purchase the cleanest vehicles - in advance of new age limits on black cabs coming into effect - has also been delayed. This is despite the fact that this proposal was included in the Mayor's recent air quality strategy. The proposal was even promised to the European Commission as part of a package of short-term measures designed to avoid incurring £300m-worth of EU fines for breaching air quality limits across the capital. Commenting on the Mayor's poor record Mike Tuffrey said: "It's astonishing that nearly two-and-a-half years after first promising action to clean up London's taxi fleet the Mayor has failed on two of this key promises. Poor air quality in our capital accounts for an estimated 4,300 premature deaths each year, with taxis being the single biggest polluting vehicle in central London. Highlighting the wasted opportunities from the Mayor's delay in supporting cleaner taxis Mike Tuffrey said: "Since launching our 'Big Switch' campaign last year, which had the aim of switching London's taxis and buses electric by 2020, I've been approached by a number of zero-emission taxi makers who are ready to build clean, economic and efficient taxis suitable for London's needs. They would eliminate exhaust pollution, be more cost effective and ensure London retained an iconic vehicle design. An electric taxi for London would be good for the lungs of Londoners, but also provide far lower fuel bills for taxi drivers as well. "The Mayor's dither and delay over these issues has been scandalous. It's clear the Mayor is failing in his duty to protect the health of Londoners" ENDS 1. In 2008, taxis were responsible for a roughly a quarter of all particulate emissions (PM10) in central London despite only accounting for 1% modal share of people entering the area in the during peak hours on weekday mornings" 2. Information on the impact of air pollution on the health of Londoners can be seen at: http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Health_Study_%20Report.pdfhttp://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Health_Study_%20Report.pdf 3. A copy of the 'Big Switch' report can be found on the The Big Switch plan was launched last Summer by the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group. It proposed to switch all London taxis and buses to electric by 2020. For further information see: London Assembly Lib Dem website. and http://www.mayorwatch.co.uk/making-the-big-switch-to-electric-in-london/201116117 4. Mike Tuffrey's question to the Mayor of London at Mayor's Question Time on the 22 February can be seen at http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/webcasts starting at: 2 hours, 40 minutes and 50 seconds into the webcast. Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 28, 2012:
- Mayor Closing London Fire Brigade Museum is "economics of the madhouse" - Mike Tuffrey
  A series of detailed questions asked by the Lib Dem London Assembly Member Mike Tuffrey confirm the strong case for keeping the London Fire Brigade Museum open. Following a series of questions asked by Mike Tuffrey, who is a member of the London Fire Emergency and Planning Authority, it has been confirmed by the Mayor that: since 2005/06 yearly attendance to the museum has tripled the real cost to the taxpayer of keeping the museum open is just £81,000 a year, but the cost of the cost of closing the museum and stroring the collection is estimated to be "The London Fire Brigade Museum is growing in popularity and is remarkably cheap to run. The idea of closing it down and spending a fortune on putting the collection in storage is simply economic madness. The facts speak for themselves that this museum should be protected. "Meanwhile plans for a London 'Blue Light' museum should be accelerated to incorporate the whole collection of the London Fire Brigade Museum. "However the approach being taken by the Mayor and the Conservative leadership of the London Fire Emergency and Planning Authority (LFEPA) is to rush ahead with closing the London Fire Brigage Museum and then just cross their fingers that a new "Blue Light museum might one day be created. "Such an approach is the economics of the madhouse , both in terms of public money and in protecting London's heritage. "It is time that the Conservative leadership of LFEPA and the Mayor of London just admitted that they were wrong and dropped any proposals to close this popular and much valued museum." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 27, 2012:
- One new bus for London will not cover up Boris Johnson's real record on bus services - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the single new 'routemaster' bus that will start to operate from today on the 38 but route between Victoria Station and Hackney said: "Boris Johnson made two specific promises to Londoners. One that the new 'routemaster' style buses would be on London's streets in 2011, and two, that the development costs associated with any new bus would be picked up by industry. He has broken both these promises. "What Boris Johnson has managed to achieve is to hike up the cost of a single bus fare by 50% and ensure that buses on routes across London are far more crowded. "A single new bus which has cost Londoners' a fortune will not cover up Boris Johnson's real record on bus services." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 22, 2012:
- Mayor's support for end to secrecy over Olympic tickets must mean action - Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympic spokesperson, commenting on the Mayor's response to her question this morning about the secrecy over the sale of Olympic tickets by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said: "I am delighted that the Mayor supports the London Assembly's call for transparency from LOCOG. In particular I welcome the fact that he has agreed to try to persuade LOCOG at the next Olympic Board meeting to immediately release the information. "We need to know now how many tickets have been sold for each event, and at what price. If this information is not provided until all the tickets are sold it will be too late to do anything about it." "LOCOG excuses for not publishing information are indefensible from an organisation that only exists because of a huge investment of public money." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 1, 2012:
- Why so little help to Londoners? - Mike Tuffrey
  Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly budget spokesperson, commenting on the Mayor's final budget proposals for the year 2012 - 2013 which now show a modest cut of 1 per cent in the GLA's share of Council Tax bills said: "Just a week ago the Mayor of London was resisting the Liberal Democrat's alternative budget which proposed a tax cut three times larger, at over 3%. Our proposals would save the average Londoner £10 a year, not the small amount this Mayor is now suggesting." "This looks like a pre-election gimmick from Boris Johnson, and not a serious attempt to share with Londoners the fruits of the central government grant and savings from reduced waste. He could and should do more." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 25, 2012:
- Protect frontline policing and give Londoners back a tenner - Lib Dem London Assembly Group challenges Mayor to help Londoners
  The Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group will today put forward budget proposals which challenge the Mayor's current proposals on policing, transport, the environment and housing. The budget proposals include targeted fare cuts to help Londoners on the lowest incomes, extra policing and action to make London's roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. In a detailed amendment to the Mayor of London's draft Budget the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group plans to use savings obtained from cutting waste, abolishing perks to staff, selling properties and tackling fare evasion to ensure frontline services are protected whilst delivering a cut of 3.2% in the GLA's share of Council Tax bills, giving average London households £10 back. The specific proposals include: A better and fairer fares package , including a One Hour Bus Ticket, the introduction of part-weekly Travelcards, the reintroduction of a one-day Zone 2 - 6 Travelcard and a lower 'early bird' fare for tube, DLR and TfL rail The reinstatement of 150 sergeant posts that have been removed from Safer Neighbourhood Teams across London Action to start switching all of London's bus fleet to electric buses by 2020 Improvement work on London's most dangerous junctions and all junctions on the existing Cycle Superhighways, combined with more cycle training and the rollout of safety mirrors Action to tackle rogue landlords and establish minimum standards for private rented housing Commenting on the proposals Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group Budget spokesperson said: "When most Londoners are struggling with zero pay rises and increased household costs, it is wrong that the Mayor is not helping them in these tough economic times. "By slashing waste, perks and unnecessary expenditure our proposals enable services to be protected whilst giving many Londoners a much needed tenner back in their pockets." Caroline Pidgeon, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group said: "Our transport proposals would make cycling and walking safer, drive forward a big switch to electric buses and help support the growth of river transport. "Most importantly our fare proposals provide a real helping hand to London's lowest paid workers who struggle so much with the high cost of travel brought in by this Mayor." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 23, 2012:
- Pedestrian Countdown technology is welcome, but why are there still so many unsafe crossings for blind people? - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on recently announced plans by the Mayor and Transport for London to install Pedestrian Countdown facilities at a further 200 locations across London said: "This technology is certainly welcome as it provides clearer information to pedestrians. "However the decision to roll out this technology so quickly reveals the Mayor's real priorities. "Instead of first ensuring that every pedestrian crossing is safe, especially for blind and visually impaired people, he sees rolling out Countdown technology as his top priority. "After being Mayor of London for almost four years it is shameful that there are still 347 pedestrian crossings in London with no facilities for blind and visually impaired people. These crossings are failing to comply with national safety guidance which dates back to 1995! Even in 15 months time the Mayor is happy to allow 261 crossings across London to remain unsafe for blind and visualy impaired people. "It is a further disgrace that across London there are 113 pedestrian crossings which also fail to provide enough time for pedestrians to safely cross the road. "Is it really asking too much that the Mayor concentrates on bread and butter safety issues, such as ensuring that all pedestrian crossings have facilities for blind and visually impaired people and that adequate time is given for people to cross the road?" ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 17, 2012:
- Cyclists facing feast or famine in search of hire bikes - Caroline Pidgeon urges Mayor to improve bike hire scheme
  Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group has exposed key failings in the way the London bike hire scheme is performing. The failings, which are holding back the success of the scheme, include: A widespread failure in the allocation of the bikes across the docking stations, making it difficult for people to either hire a bike, or return a bike at the end of a ride. Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that in November 2011 there was on average 27 docking stations in London that had no bikes available for hire for between 6 to 8 hours each day. At the same time there were 31 docking stations that had no spare spaces for people to dock their bikes for between 3 to 6 hours each day. Internal Transport for London reports also obtained by the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly have highlighted other problems with the scheme which include: Members' satisfaction with the availability of bikes at docking stations falling since the initial few months of the scheme Less than half of members of the bike hire scheme stated they were 'satisfied' with the ease of using their membership key to unlock bikes in July 2011 One in five members who were surveyed in December 2011 stated they were 'dissatisfied' with the bike hire scheme Casual users facing problems with using the terminals at docking stations, and also finding the print outs produced when taking out bikes not to be clear Caroline Pidgeon, commenting on these findings said: "As the original advocates of the bike hire scheme Liberal Democrats think the cycle hire scheme is a great idea, but it has a long way to go before it becomes a genuine transport option that serves all Londoners. "For a start there needs to be a far better distribution of bikes across the existing docking stations. It is shameful that there are docking stations which frequently don't have a single bike available for as much as 7 or 8 hours a day. "Being able to find a bike should not involve having to chase around from one docking station to another." "Transport for London should ensure the bikes are better redistributed. If they could incentivise the scheme and increase the number of casual users it would ensure a far better natural redistribution of bikes across the docking stations." "It is time that the bike hire scheme became more user friendly. It is simply daft that you have to insert your bank or credit card twice before you can even hire a cycle. The information provided on the display screens and from the print outs also need to be improved. "The bike hire scheme is now 18 months old and excuses about teething problems have long passed. The Mayor should be working hard to ensure the bike hire scheme is an accessible and reliable form of transport for all Londoners." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 12, 2012:
- Mayor hikes up fares but gives fare dodgers a seven week holiday - Caroline Pidgeon
  Despite hiking up fares at the start of 2012 the Mayor has delayed his plans to get tough on fare evaders, reveals Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group. In August 2011 Transport for Londonstarted a consultation proposing to increase the penalty fare on all TfL services to £80 with the proposed introduction date for the new rate being the 2 January 2012. On the 29 November 2011 the Mayor of London then signed a Mayoral decision which again stated that the increased penalty fare would start from the 2 January 2012. TfL are now suggesting that the increased penalty fare will come into force on the 19th February and claim that the delay is due to the need to put up publicity posters. Commenting on the delay in the increased penalty fare Caroline Pidgeon said: "At a time when the Mayor is hiking up fares for honest passengers it is totally wrong that he is failing to take decisive action against those who are playing the system." "The Mayor is chair of TfL and ultimately in charge of the organisation. The excuses given for delaying tougher measures to tackle fare evasion are pitiful. There has been plenty of time to implement this policy from the start of 2012. "It is time the Mayor stood up for honest passengers. From reducing the scandal of Oyster overcharging through to bringing down fare evasion there is so much more that the Mayor can and must do." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 3, 2012:
- Boris Johnson's fare rises are hitting low income Londoners - Caroline Pidgeon
  Commenting on the Mayor's 2012 fare rises Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group said: "Once again we start the year with another painful fare package from Boris Johnson. For the fourth year in a row he has racked up fares by far more than the rate of inflation. "His latest rises will simply add to the financial problems of many Londoners - especially those on low incomes. "Shamefully bus fares have been hiked up the most by Boris Johnson despite buses being most heavily used by low income Londoners." "It is now time for a new approach to fares. We need to end the scandal of Oyster overcharging, and introduce targeted measures to specifically help Londoners on the lowest incomes. A one-hour bus ticket and cheaper early bird fares would make a huge difference to the pockets and purses of London's lowest paid workers who have been hit so hard by Boris Johnsons' excessive fare rises." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 23, 2011:
- Reopened platforms and extra capacity at Waterloo welcomed by Caroline Pidgeon AM
  Caroline Pidgeon Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport spokesperson today welcomed the announcement by Transport Secretary Justine Greening MP that passengers on some lines serving commuters on a number of the busiest rail routes from south west London into Waterloo are set to benefit from extra carriages to ease overcrowding, and that one platform at the former Waterloo International Station is to be reopened for commuter services. Commenting on the decision, Caroline Pidgeon said: "Last year I revealed that it had cost taxpayers over £4million to keep the platforms at Waterloo International station closed, so it is clearly good news that at least one platform is now to be brought back in to use to help relieve the overcrowding. "We now need to see a timetable for when the other platforms will be open." ENDS Notes to editors: 1. Today's announcement from the Department of Transport can be seen at http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422622&NewsAreaID=2&HUserID=889,781,889,853,778,684,710,705,765,674,677,767,684,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674&ClientID=-1 2. Details of the costs in keeping the former Waterloo International station's platforms closed can be seen at http://www.carolinepidgeon.org/node/515 Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 22, 2011:
- Londoners will find it hard to understand why this strike is really necessary - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the High Court ruling confirming that a tube strike will go ahead on Boxing Day said: "This strike is unwelcome as it will harm London's retailers, disrupt numerous Boxing Day events and lead to more cars on London's roads - it is the last thing London needs. "Londoners who are just days away from being hit by large tube fare rises will find it hard to understand why this strike is really necessary." Ends Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 19, 2011:
- Mayor should reconsider his advice that exposure to current levels of 'tube dust' is unequivocally safe for staff and passengers- Mike Tuffrey
  Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesperson and long time campaigner for cleaner air in London, commenting on new evidence of high levels of 'tube dust' in the London Underground, which far exceed levels measured underground in cities such as Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Rome, Stockholm and San Francisco, said: "The latest evidence from the Campaign for Clean Air in London confirms, above all, that air pollution is all around us. There is no 'safe level' for exposure to fine airborne particles. "As recently as last month, the Mayor told me "All readings are less than one third of the Health and Safety Executive [HSE] limit for general dust, and exposure remains safe for both staff and customers". But his approach is based on HSE guidelines that have been in place since 1998. Leading experts including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the authoritative Institute for Occupational Medicine (IOM) have said that the HSE's guideline for occupational exposure to 'respirable dust', which is the most relevant component of general dust, should be reduced by 75%. "The Mayor's own report shows concentrations of 'tube dust' have been measured on station platforms at or above the levels now recommended by the TUC and IOM, including Baker Street, Hampstead and Piccadilly Circus." "The Mayor needs to consider the latest evidence and take all necessary action to protect staff and ensure that vulnerable Londoners are not at risk." ENDS Notes to editors : For further information about the high levels of 'tube dust' in London see the Campaign for Clean Air in London website: http://www.cleanairinlondon.org/blog/Campaignresponses Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Commons report on riots gets backing from Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly policing spokesperson and member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, commenting on the publication today of the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee report on the August riots said: "There is much in this report that is very welcome, especially its call for extra support to be offered to businesses, both before and after public disorder incidents take place. "The Committee is also right to call for the Met and other police forces to receive assistance in meeting the cost of the policing operation. It is absolutely essential that the Government fully reimburses the Met for the costs of this operation. "I also welcome the Committee view that they cannot support the use of water cannon and baton rounds as in their view it would have been both inappropriate as well as dangerous to use last August." ENDS Notes to editors: The House of Commons Home Affairs report recommends: "All police forces should have a communication strategy in place so that if it is decided that there is a credible threat of severe public disorder, all businesses in the area are given early and consistent advice about what action they should take. This did not take place in August." "The Government should speed up the process of reimbursing people under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886." "The Government should urgently clarify whether police authorities will be able to recover the total cost of policing the riots. The August disturbances were an exceptional series of events and, at a time when police authorities are being asked to make significant savings quickly, they should be assisted in meeting the cost of the policing operation." "It is our view that in the situation then prevailing, it would have been inappropriate as well as dangerous, to have employed water cannon baton rounds." Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 14, 2011:
- Met should lead the public sector in good practice for employment guidelines - Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Policing spokesperson and member of the MPA, today challenged the Mayor to adopt the recommendations made by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for restrictions to be placed on the private sector jobs that senior police officers can take up after immediately leaving the police service. Responding to Dee's question today the Mayor rejected the need for such guidance. Commenting after today's Mayor Question Time Dee Doocey said: "It is simply wrong that senior police officers are able to be working for the Met one day, and then the next day take up highly paid work with a company which earns millions from police contracts. "Senior civil servants and Government Ministers are restricted over the private sector jobs that they can take up when they leave office. The same should apply to the police. "The Met should be leading the way on this issue and immediately adopt the recommendations made by Sir Denis O'Connor. Regrettably the Mayor takes a totally different view." ENDS Notes to editors: The HMIC report 'Without fear or favour - A review of police relationships' can be seen here: http://www.hmic.gov.uk/publication/review-police-relationships/ Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 8, 2011:
- 347 pedestrian crossings across London unfit for blind and partially sighted Londoners
  The huge number of pedestrian crossings in London which have no facilities for blind and partially sighted people is "a total disgrace " says Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group. Research undertaken by Caroline Pidgeon has revealed that there are currently 347 Transport for London (TfL) pedestrian crossings which have no facilities to assist blind and partially sighted people to safely cross the road. This is despite there being long standing national accessibility standards to ensure every pedestrian crossing has either an audible sound and/or a rotating cone to assist blind and partially sighted people. In addition to widespread poor access for blind and partially sighted people Caroline Pidgeon has also discovered that there are 113 pedestrian crossings which also fail national safety standards by not providing the minimum amount of time for pedestrians to safely cross the road. Caroline Pidgeon commented: "It is a total disgrace that London has so many pedestrian crossings which are inaccessible for blind and partially sighted people or fail to give enough time for pedestrians to safely cross the road. It says everything about the low priority given to pedestrians by the Mayor of London that such basic safety standards are still not being met at so many pedestrian crossings across the capital. "The Mayor has had plenty of time to make sure every TfL pedestrian crossing in London is safe and accessible, but he has completely failed to do so." ""This weekend is called Very Important Pedestrian Weekend as Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street are closed to traffic. The reality is that for the rest of the year, across the whole of London, pedestrians are too often ignored." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 2, 2011:
- Mayor has been saved from himself over fare rises - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the revised TfL fares for 2012 announced today said: "It is the Coalition Government, not the Mayor who has ensured that fare rises have been reduced. Left to his own devices Londoners would have faced far higher fare rises under Boris Johnson. The Mayor has been saved from himself. "What is now necessary are further measures to help low income Londoners. A one hour bus ticket and real action in tackling Oyster overcharging are desperately needed." ENDS Published and promoted by London Assembly Liberal Democrats, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

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