Westminster Council Urges Mayor Khan for More Police and Transport

Westminster Council has formally requested that Mayor Sadiq Khan improve public transport services and increase police presence across the West End. This call follows a consultation with residents and businesses, which highlighted significant concerns about rising crime and the impact of transport cuts on the area's vibrant nightlife.

Concerns Over Crime and Transport Cuts

The council's consultation revealed that residents and businesses are worried about crime rates and the consequences of reduced public transport services. These issues, according to the council, are deterring revellers and negatively impacting the hospitality industry. Westminster councillors have also agreed to revise their language around licensing policies, following a dispute over proposals that were interpreted as attempts to restrict 'vertical drinking' and limit standing patrons in pubs.

The Metropolitan Police's licensing team has reportedly been halved, a development the council argues has led to the police objecting to a growing number of establishment license applications due to safety and crime fears. Westminster Council is advocating for the reversal of these cuts and for investment in more visible and dedicated police officers in the West End.

Calls for Enhanced Transport Links

In addition to policing concerns, the council is calling for improvements to public transport. They suggest that extra night buses should be provided in central London and that 24-hour Tube services should be extended to Thursdays. The aim is to reduce crowding at closing times and ensure people can leave the area safely.

Tim Barnes, Westminster Council's Deputy Leader, stated that "A lack of investment in policing has left the Met objecting to many licensing applications over public safety concerns." He added, "People struggle to get home from a night out when late night bus routes have been cut and overnight Tube services are non-existent during the week." Mr Barnes emphasised the council's commitment to supporting the hospitality industry but stressed the need for the Mayor's team to fund services that support London as a 24-hour city.

Mayor's Office Response

A spokeswoman for Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that he is "committed to doing everything he can to make London’s high streets thrive." She pointed to falling rates of knife-enabled crime and theft across the capital. According to the spokeswoman, the number of police officers in the West End has doubled, and phone thefts in the area have dropped by 50%.

The spokeswoman also highlighted the Mayor's newly opened Command Cell in the West End, which she described as a central point for police and partners to share intelligence and co-ordinate action. She added that the Mayor is supporting London's night-time economy and keeping the city moving around the clock with services like the Night Tube.