Assembly wants blue light decision reversed

Assembly wants blue light decision reversed

Permitting Transport for London (TfL) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) vehicles to use blue lights when responding to emergencies was one of the key recommendations of the London Assembly 7/7 Review Committee's 2006 report on the response to the tube and bus bombings. The report highlighted the ERU's vital role in the response, and the benefits of blue lights for their rapid deployment in emergencies.¹

A recent media report revealed that the blue light capability, introduced in 2012, was revoked last year following a review.²

Today, the London Assembly Transport Committee has urged TfL and BTP to allow ERU vehicles to continue using blue lights.

Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Elly Baker AM, said:

"TfL's ERU has an important role in London's emergency preparedness, and its vehicles need blue light status to support the safety and resilience of our transport network.

"Londoners have been left in the dark about why this decision was taken and what evidence there is to support it.

"The Committee wants this decision reversed - and urges those behind it to provide the evidence that led to them revoking a vital part of the ERU's emergency response capability."

Notes to editors

1. London Assembly: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_migrate_files_destination/archives/assembly-reports-7july-report.pdf
2. 7 July London bombings: Passenger safety recommendation dropped - BBC News
3. Read the letter in full
4. Elly Baker AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, is available for interview
5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor
6. Find out more about the work of the Transport Committee

For more details, please contact Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 or at [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.