Archive for James Hockney

A year on from Public meeting – Call for urgent A10 safety cameras drags on

February 17, 2025 Parks & Green spaces Comments Off on A year on from Public meeting – Call for urgent A10 safety cameras drags on

For years, the community in Enfield Borough has been calling for average speed cameras on the A10 Enfield / Edmonton carriageway. The petition in 2019 led to average speed cameras on the northern section of the road. Campaigning then continued for the southern Great Cambridge Road roundabout to Southbury Road junction section of the road.

In 2023 a new average speed camera petition to tackle A10 speeding along the Great Cambridge Road roundabout to Southbury Road junction – was presented to the Mayor of London and signed by over 2,000 residents.

Public meetings also took place on the issue of A10 speeding and car meets. The most recent in February last year.

Following this pressure – the GLA / TfL conducted speed surveys of the road in Spring/Summer 2024. Despite requests for this data – are still, as of yet, to disclose the speed survey results to Councillor James Hockney.

When a previous request was made for the injury accident rates on the sections covered / not covered by average speed cameras – the GLA refused to provide the information – an FOI (Freedom of Information) request led to the disclosure – which demonstrated a reduction of injury accidents since average speed cameras were introduced on the northern section.

To add further pressure on the issue – in 2023 launched the Charter for Action – of steps the Council and Mayor of London needed take to tackle A10 speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets.

The Mayor of London and the GLA simply need to act. No more excuses. Enough of the delays – they are fully aware of the issue and now need to deliver. The question is why they are failing to act when the case is proven for the need for the average speed cameras and the community support for such a step.

Lack of action by the Mayor of London and Enfield Council on A10 speeding and Borough car meets – slammed.

October 21, 2024 Parks & Green spaces Comments Off on Lack of action by the Mayor of London and Enfield Council on A10 speeding and Borough car meets – slammed.

Call for action continues….

For years, the community in Enfield Borough has been calling for action to tackle the dangerous A10 speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets. 

Including the average speed camera petition to tackle A10 speeding along the Great Cambridge Road roundabout to Southbury junction – that was presented to the Mayor of London last year and signed by over 2,000 residents. Last October we secured significant media coverage of the issue – including on the BBC, radio and printed press.

This time last year I also launched the Charter for Action – with steps Enfield Council and Mayor of London needed take to tackle A10 speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets. 

So, of the key calls on the Mayor of London was to deliver average speed cameras along the Great Cambridge Road roundabout to Southbury junction, deliver noise cameras along the Enfield Borough A10 stretch and implement ‘Operation Vision Zero’ to deploy enhanced Road Traffic Police resource to the Borough. None have been delivered.

The five calls for action on Enfield Council – only slight progress has been made – with the Council now reversing its position to support a Borough wide PSPO. However, the key ask of securing an Injunction against the car meets drags on. The Council was meant to submit to the Courts in January. I have been following this up and most recently the Council was meant to submit in September – but is now citing ‘resourcing’ issues.

Police enforcement since April;

3 arrests, 8 car seized, 128 S59 notices, 23 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs), 50 Community Protection Warnings. 

Car-parks:

Since the concrete blocks were placed at the former B&Q site – many car meets moved onto Tesco’s at Glover Way. Tesco’s put in place security measures – and we are now seeing car meets at Morrisons car-park. Morrisons are also taking steps to secure their car-park. One car meet occurred when the lock barriers were broken through. There is also an ongoing issue with car meets in the business parks. 

I appreciate how frustrated the community is with Enfield Council and the Mayor of London for the lack of action. If they implemented the Charter for Action that I launched a year ago – with its eight key actions – they could overnight start to resolve this issue once and for all. I simply do not understand why they are failing to.

UPDATE: A10 Speeding, noise and borough car meets

August 13, 2024 Parks & Green spaces Comments Off on UPDATE: A10 Speeding, noise and borough car meets

I continue to work with the Police, Council, GLA/TfL, car park owners and local residents on these issues. Having been pressing for action for six years – appreciate the frustration of residents.

It is vital that we now ensure the Council and Mayor of London commit to the ‘Charter for Action’ (please see at the end of the article).

A10 Speeding: Average Speed Cameras: We continue to call on TfL / GLA for cameras along the Southbury Road to Great Cambridge Road roundabout section. To mirror what we successfully secured several years ago on the Southbury Road to Bullsmoor Lane section on the road.Police speed enforcement: The Police have undertaken many speed enforcement sessions across the year between 8am and 9pm – with cars recorded at speeds of up to 98mph (the road is a 40mph zone).

Freedom of Information Request: Recently I placed a Freedom of Information request about the two sections of the A10. The figures clearly showed that when the average speed cameras were introduced on the northern section of the A10 – injury accident rates have reduced over the years. There is a clear need for the average speed cameras on the Southbury Road to Great Cambridge Road roundabout section.

Business case for average speed cameras: There has been some movement from TfL / GLA on average speed cameras – committing to a ‘business case’ study. As part of this they conducted a speed survey – but due to one of the camera malfunctioning – are having to do this all over again.

Noise cameras: On the discussion of illegally modified cars – there has been a trial of noise cameras in four locations across the country by the Department for Transport. We will keep pressing for these to be rolled out on the whole Enfield Borough A10 stretch.

Car Meets:

Injunction: The Council stated in November it would make submission to the Courts in January to secure an injunction against car meets in Enfield Borough. Clearly this has not happened yet; and are in contact with the Council chasing on this. They have confirmed that they are still progressing this.

Policing: Over time the Police have undertaken a significant amount of enforcement of these illegal car meets – that has included arrests, cars seized and fines issued.

Mayor of London: I will continue to call for the London Mayor to implement ‘Operation Vision Zero’ which would bring additional Transport Police resource to tackle the car meets.

Car-park security: Both the Council and Police are in contact with different car parks about improving security at their sites. There are numerous car meet locations – we saw the measures taken former B&Q site measures last year. Recently Tesco Glover Way installed new security measures. Since last month I have been raising that a new car meet location is Morrisons on Southbury Road and the relevant agencies are following up on this.

Charter for Action: Last year I launched the Charter for Action – calling on the Council and Mayor of London to take respectively five and three steps – that would effectively tackle the issues of A10 dangerous speeding, unlawfully modified cars and unlicensed car meets.How you can help:

Please email your MP, GLA Member and Councillors calling on them to back the Charter for Action.

Visit to Remus Horse Sanctuary

June 8, 2024 Charity Comments Off on Visit to Remus Horse Sanctuary

I was delighted to visit the charity and be toured round by Sue Burton who helped found the Sanctuary.

The Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary provides care for a range of animals that includes; horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats. These animals are victims of physical and mental abuse.

It was incredible to see the dedication to caring for the animals – and some who have very complex needs due to ill treatment before arriving at Remus.

Certainly I will continue to do what I can to support this wonderful charity.

Save Church Street Recreation Ground – NO to Labour’s Crematorium Incinerator.

April 7, 2024 Parks & Green spaces Comments Off on Save Church Street Recreation Ground – NO to Labour’s Crematorium Incinerator.

We must save Church Street Recreation Ground, Haselbury in Enfield Borough.

The Enfield Labour run Council Local Plan includes a proposal for a Crematorium Incinerator there.

Video is of me speaking against the proposal at the Council Local Plan meeting. Sadly not a single Labour Councillor spoke against the proposals;

The Local Plan consultation is now open to residents – details and how to respond; https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/planning/new-enfield-local-plan

The petition has secured over 1,600 signatures – sending a strong message; www.change.org/p/no-crematorium-incinerator-save-haselbury-church-street-recreation-ground

https://youtube.com/shorts/CJg7wsFzLaA

#Edmonton #Enfield #Haselbury #EdmontonGreen #GreenSpaces #Southgate #Sport #Football #Recreation #Environment #Incinerator

Tax hikes and cuts – as Enfield Labour run Council is on the brink of bankruptcy

April 2, 2024 Finance Comments Off on Tax hikes and cuts – as Enfield Labour run Council is on the brink of bankruptcy

Calling out the Labour Administration for cuts and tax increases due to being at the brink of bankruptcy. Enfield Labour Council Budget Meeting 2024.

#Enfield #Edmonton #BushHillPark #Southbury #Highfield #GrangePark #Haselbury #EdmontonGreen #Jubilee #NorthLondon #Community #Conservatives #Conservative #ULEZ #LTN

Labour Broken Promise on Council Tax Support – over 31,000 low income households now worse off

April 2, 2024 Cost of Living Comments Off on Labour Broken Promise on Council Tax Support – over 31,000 low income households now worse off

Speaking against the Enfield Labour Council Administration reducing Council Tax Support to over 31,000 low income households. Listen as I speak with Labour heckling.

Voted through by 29 Labour Councillors – all 24 Conservative Councillors present voted against cutting support.

 

UPDATE: A10 Speeding, noise and borough car meets public meeting

February 10, 2024 Road safety Comments Off on UPDATE: A10 Speeding, noise and borough car meets public meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the public meeting this week.

On the panel was representatives from the Police, Council officers, Transport for London (TfL), GLA Member Joanne McCartney, Councillor Chris Dey chairing and myself.

A10 Speed Cameras:
There was broad support for the need for average speed cameras on the Southbury Road to Great Cambridge Road roundabout section. The Council will be meeting Transport for London this month on the matter.

Recently I placed a Freedom of Information request about the two sections of the A10. The figures clearly showed that when the average speed cameras were introduced on the northern section of the A10 – injury accident rates have reduced over the years. There is a clear need for the average speed cameras on the Southbury Road to Great Cambridge Road roundabout section.

Noise cameras:
On the discussion of illegally modified cars – there has been a trial of noise cameras in four locations across the country by the Department for Transport. Follow up enquiries will be made about next steps on this technology.

Car Meets:
The Council is progressing on the work needed to apply to the Courts to secure an injunction against car meets in Enfield Borough.

The Police continue to shut down car meets with the ongoing Transport Police ‘Operation Ghost Freak’ working with a dedicated local Policing team.
Enforcement in recent months;
16 x vehicles seized for no insurance and breach of section 59.
2x vehicles seized for no insurance.
25x Traffic Offences (Court summons).
2x tickets for breach of Enfield PSPO ( £200).
Arrest 1x offensive weapon zombie knife / supply of controlled drugs.
Arrest 1x wanted failure to appear at court – possession offensive weapon.
Arrest 1x drug drive initially failed to stop and mounted the pavement.
Arrests 2x possession of drugs intent to supply & offensive weapon.
Arrest 1x arrest for drug driving, possession cannabis.

I will continue to call for the London Mayor to implement ‘Operation Vision Zero’ which would bring additional Transport Police resource to tackle dangerous A10 speeding and car meets.

Both the Council and Police are in contact with different car parks about improving security at their sites. There are numerous car meet locations – the former B&Q site measures is a welcome step – but there is still more to do across the Borough. I have also been reaching out to a number of the owners / management companies of local car parks.
It is disappointing that the car park companies did not attend the public meeting.

Progress is being made – but I do recognise the frustration in the community about the amount of time this is taking. I will update when I have more information.

A10 dangerous speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets update.

October 21, 2023 Road safety Comments Off on A10 dangerous speeding, illegally modified cars and unlicensed car meets update.
Car Parks:
The concrete installation has now been completed at the Colosseum Car Park (former B&Q). After the initial 63 blocks were installed – there was a smaller car meet that took place. Following this I can confirm that an additional 14 concrete blocks have been installed. The car park managers will monitor how successful this is.
A lot of hard work went into this behind the scenes. Including contact with the Council, Police and car park managers. In addition to the Enfield Dispatch running a news story. The end result was the one leaseholder that was objecting to the works removing their objection and then signing off on the works.
However this is one of a number of cars parks in Enfield Borough that the Police have dispersed car meets. But a step in the right direction. I am in direct contact with several of the car park owners / managers on the issues.
A10 petition:
We are still awaiting a response from the Mayor of London to the 2,000+ signature petition for average speed cameras between Great Cambridge roundabout to Southbury Road – that was presented to the full GLA Assembly last month. The community campaign was successful several years ago in securing average speed cameras on the northern section (Southbury Road – Bullsmoor Lane). The latest petition is asking for this to be simply repeated on the southern section. To be clear the A10 has a 24/7 issue of chronic speeding levels and high level of injury incidents.
Contact with the key agencies:
I am in constant contact with the Council, Police, GLA and TfL on the issues. In addition to now being in contact with a number of car park managers / owners.
This week I had a constructive conversation with our GLA Member and have a meeting scheduled with the Enfield Council Leader & CEO in a few weeks. I am still awaiting a response from my local Edmonton MP to two emails I sent.
Public Meeting October 9th:
Once again thank you to all the residents that took the time to attend the meeting. Our panel included Councillors, Police, TfL, GLA and the Bush Hill Park Residents Association. In the lead up to the meeting we had confirmation that there will be more Road Transport Police speed operations on the A10. The local Police at the meeting also confirmed securing additional funding for Policing the car meet hot spots.
Charter for Action:
Last month I launched the Charter for Action – calling on the Council and Mayor of London to take five and three steps – that would effectively tackle the issues of A10 dangerous speeding, unlawfully modified cars and unlicensed car meets. Already two of these steps are moving forward – with the Council committing to consulting on expanding the PSPO (public space protection order) Borough wide and looking into securing an injunction again unlawful car cruising / car meets.
There is still a lot to do – but we are starting to make progress.

A10 and car meets Public meeting

October 11, 2023 Road safety Comments Off on A10 and car meets Public meeting

Firstly thank you to everyone that attended the meeting  – it was a great turnout.

So the good news. At the meeting the local Police reported they had secured additional funding for Police Officers to target the car meet hotspots. In the lead up to the meeting TfL also confirmed the Road Traffic Police will conduct more speed checks on the A10.

We had a great panel – including GLA Member Emma Best (who presented the 2000+ petition to the GLA Assembly), Councillor Chris Dey chairing, Insp Richard Lee and Sergeant Crosby from the Police, Derek Wheeler (Bush Hill Park Residents Association Chair) and Rob Varney from TfL. One of the business park land owners was also in the audience.

In the run up to the meeting I have had a series of discussions with a number of car park managers / owners on the issue. They are an important part of moving this issue forward. A lot of behind the scenes work has taken place on securing the concrete blocks at the Colosseum car park (former B&Q) – and pressed over recent months to address the delays on installation. Pleased to confirm additional concrete blocks are to be installed in addition to the ones that went in the other week.

Sadly Enfield Council did not have any Council Officers available to attend – however the Council CEO sent an email which was read out at the meeting – stating the authority is committed to tackling the issue. In addition to continuing to support the good work I am doing on the issue.

Next steps: I have reached out to the CEO/Leader of Enfield Council, my local MP and our GLA Assembly member requesting for discussion. To this end I will be meeting the Enfield Council Leader and CEO next month. The GLA Assembly Member office is scheduling a time to chat. Still awaiting to hear back from my MP.

To be clear I am in constant contact with the Council, Police, GLA and TfL on this issue. I have always been clear that the different agencies need to come together to tackle this issues at hand. In addition I am now speaking directly to car park managers and owners.

Mentioned at the meeting was the Charter for Action that I launched last month – has five steps the Council needs to take and three steps Mayor of London/GLA needs to take. Please do write to your MP, GLA Member and Councillors backing the aims of the Charter.

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