Minutes:
(a) Introduction to Haringey’s Partnership working on transport issues – Joan Hancox, Head of Sustainable Transport, Haringey Council.
The Assembly was advised of the continuing importance of sustainable transport both at a local and national level. The Council submits bids to Transport for London (TfL) for funding under a number of categories, each with varying criteria to be met, which can impact negatively on delivery. This funding system will potentially be relaxed next year to make it easier for local authorities to gain funds and to use them more flexibly although the importance of prioritising transport projects was emphasised to ensure the limited available funds are allocated appropriately throughout the borough.
Regular meetings are held between the council, TfL and transport operating companies and a Haringey Transport Forum has been created as a public forum where transport issues can be considered at a strategic level. The next meeting of the Forum is 22 June at Bernie Grants Centre.
(b) Trains and stations –
· Moorgate to Alexandra Palace – presentation from First Capital Connect.
Representatives from First Capital Connect explained that improvement and regeneration work was required to the network and that future opportunities would be provided through linking in with the Thameslink development programme. This would include connection of the Great Northern route to the Thameslink network at St Pancras to open up the network and allow capacity to be increased through the introduction of new trains. In addition, a programme of station refurbishments, the staged introduction of new rolling stock as well as the scheduling of additional trains under the new timetable would be achieved in the interim.
In response to a question regarding Freedom passes not being accepted on the First Capital Connect network before 9.30 am, confirmation was provided that all national train operators operated the same time restrictions.
Information was also sought regarding when the Oyster card readers installed at certain stations on the network would become operational. The Assembly was advised of ongoing negotiations with TfL, originally scheduled to complete in September but due to the complexity of issues regarding revenue collection by franchise companies, had been subject to delay.
· Gospel Oak to Barking – presentation from LOROL (London Overground Rail Operations Ltd.)
Representatives from LOROL explained that the company had taken over responsibility for the network on behalf of TfL from Silverlink in 2007 and had put in place an improvement programme including:
Confirmation was provided that the operator currently had no plans for electrification of the Gospel Oak line, although consideration of this would be undertaken at a strategic level by TfL and Department of Transport in the future.
(c) London Buses – presentation from London Buses.
The Assembly was informed that TfL retained overall responsibility for the bus network including route planning, frequency etc with the operation of services contracted to private companies.
A fleet of hybrid buses is currently being piloted as a less polluting and quieter alternative to traditional diesel buses, with the aim for all new buses introduced by 2012 to be hybrids. In addition, all new buses now have ‘I-bus’ information systems on board and a programme to increase and upgrade countdown screens at bus stops is in place.
In response to concerns raised regarding the high noise and vibration levels in central Crouch End caused by buses, confirmation was provided that all buses were subject to rigorous mechanical testing to minimise disturbance. Further details were requested from the resident so that the matter could be fed back and investigated further by London Buses.
The absence of a bus route from the High Street to the new health centre in Hornsey scheduled to open in July was raised as an important issue of concern for local people. In response, London Buses agreed the need to improve liaison with the NHS at an earlier stage in the future where new buildings were being planned to ensure the appropriate coverage by bus services. There was agreement for the Hornsey health centre case to be revisited but it was emphasised that achieving full coverage in all areas by bus services was difficult to achieve.
(d) Haringey Council’s Highways Plan - Joan Hancox, Head of Sustainable Transport, Haringey Council.
The Assembly was advised briefly of details of the work to be undertaken under the Highways Plan. Key projects include: