Improve policing of 24-hour London (Dee Doocey)

Improve policing of 24-hour London

November 21, 2005 12:00 AM

Ahead of the 2003 Licensing Act becoming law this Thursday, the London Assembly is publishing a report1 into London's night-time economy which highlights fears from boroughs about a lack of police patrolling areas with late night venues.

Introducing more Safer Neighbourhood Teams across London, intended to provide visible local policing, could improve the management of busy town centres at night, says the report by the Assembly's Economic Development Committee.

But Dee Doocey, Chair of the Committee, said: "The Mayor recently told Assembly Members his plans to increase safer neighbourhood teams could be delayed if the Government fails to stump up the £30 million needed next year and around £60 million required during 2007/8. This could mean inadequate police numbers to manage London's 24-hour culture."

If the capital is to cope with extended opening hours of pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres and restaurants, the Committee recommends:

Increased supervised licensed taxi ranks and safe waiting areas for licensed minicabs

Councils having more powers to control night-time areas

Appointing town-centre managers to co-ordinate services and work with residents and businesses

Designing out crime with adequate CCTV and street lighting, and removing dark alleys

Tubes running later, especially at weekends

Transport needs to run later in London. Night bus services are improving. However, limited services can lead to long queues at bus stops, fights and increasing noise levels on streets. Staggering the closing times of some venues may help to ease the pressure on demands to travel throughout the night.

There are boroughs in London with examples of good practice in running busy town centres with late opening venues. But the Committee heard some areas need to be better co-ordinated. Councils, transport operators, businesses and the police must work better together to limit conflicts arising between residents and attempts to boost the night-time economy.

Councils are also concerned that the new licensing regime will add to their costs. It could also cause more problems for local communities with anti-social behaviour and increased litter. Councils should place conditions on businesses to be responsible for keeping streets clean outside their premises.

The Committee heard from Londoners that some areas are becoming no-go booze zones. Other areas are starved of any night activity, leaving bleak and deserted town centres. Entertainment in town centres must not just be geared to young drinkers. A range of activities targeted at different age groups should be encouraged outside central London. This would avoid creating ghettos by clustering all late night venues in one area. Principal museums and galleries should also stay open later in the evenings.

Dee Doocey added: "London's thriving night-time economy is good for the capital but it must deliver what Londoners want. The needs of residents and visitors who want to enjoy the city at night must be balanced with the right to enjoy a good quality of life in the capital."