Agenda item

Tudor Street

Oliver Sells asked a question of the Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, concerning implementation of previously approved traffic management plans in the Tudor Street area.

In response, the Chairman provided an update on progress being made and noted that, as had been anticipated, the scheme was a complex one to deliver. Discussions continued with Transport for London (TfL) and the Chairman had received written confirmation from the Managing Director of Surface Transport that his team were committed to trying to deliver an acceptable solution, with work ongoing to present a final proposal that they were confident was deliverable and that both parties could be confident would be efficacious. The Chairman also provided the Court with an update in respect of the previously approved mitigation measures, designed to assist with traffic circulation within the area, noting that works had commenced earlier that month and were expected to be completed by the end of June.

The Chairman also informed the Court that this matter would remain a standing item on the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee’s agenda until it was satisfactorily resolved.

In response to supplementary questions, the Chairman confirmed that he had asked officers to look into the possibility of re-opening Carmelite Street and Temple Avenue as a priority, noting that the Department of the Built Environment would shortly also be carrying out a survey of transport movement in the Temples and a potential redesign of individual roads within the area.

Responding to a further query concerning the provisions of Standing Order No.45, the Chairman echoed the sentiment that Members should have access, on request and in a timely fashion, to any and all information that facilitated their ability to perform their roles. He emphasised his strong belief in the principle that it was the role of officers to advise and the role of Members to make decisions; with reference to the specific case highlighted, the Chairman undertook to look into this matter.

Policing in the City

Michael Welbank asked a question of the Chairman of the Police Committee concerning policing and security arrangements in the City in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester earlier that week.

Replying, the Chairman informed the Court that the City of London Police had initiated their Critical Plan, Operation Hastings, which involved standing up officers across the Force - including national Economic Crime resources - to be deployed in support of their uniformed colleagues. A twenty-four hour Strategic Command had been put in place and was conducting regular reviews of tactics and incoming intelligence, with resource plans put in place to provide increased high visibility patrols around key locations in the Square Mile, including transport hubs and crowded places. These patrols were intended to provide a visible deterrent as well as reassurance to the City’s communities; the intelligence-led deployment of overt and covert resources across the City, including behavioural detection trained officers to disrupt and detect those with criminal intent, formed a key part of the Force’s activity and patrolling officers had been briefed on what was expected of them in regards to public engagement, reassurance and how to manage situations that might develop.

Community Team officers had also attended City schools, nurseries and universities and been deployed to conduct patrols of the City’s housing estates in order to engage with residents and provide reassurance and advice. In addition, bespoke messaging had been issued by the City Police to the local and business communities.

The Chairman confirmed that armed forces personnel had not been deployed to the City at this time as it had been assessed that there were sufficient armed policing resources in place, noting that Members would witness an increased presence of armed officers on patrol. He also reassured the Court that the City Police had been working closely with the City Corporation on ensuring an appropriate security response across the estate.

Noting the impact of this increased activity on police officers and their families, the Chairman took the opportunity to thank all involved for their dedication and steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of City residents, workers and visitors.