From Call Sign’s Poppy (whose partner drives for DaC)
What is your view on increased provision for public toilets both on the streets and on the transport system? They are now woefully inadequate, not only for drivers and others working outside buildings who may need toilets at any time, but also for sufferers from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

Brian Paddick: The issue here was the closure of traditional public toilets because of the problems associated with them and inadequate plans to replace them. The current situation is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

Brian Paddick: The whole constitutional position needs to be addressed including having fixed periods between General Elections and proportional representation where everyone’s vote counts as opposed to the current situation where Governments get into power on a minority of people’s votes. We need a fairer system where more money is raised and spent locally rather than by central government - less central government – more local government.

From Bernie Silver (G08)
Would you keep the Congestion Charge as it is and do you think it is working?

Brian Paddick: I would keep the Central Zone but raise the charge for non-essential journeys to really discourage private motorists. I would look at abandoning the Western Extension that allows everyone who lives there to drive into the Central Zone with a 90% discount on the charge. We also need to look at the phasing of the traffic lights to make sure traffic flows freely in Central London. The current system is not cutting congestion.

From David Marks (R22)
Could you see yourself as Mayor ever allowing private hire vehicles to ply for hire on London’s streets?

Brian Paddick: No, absolutely not…

From John Dixon (B67)
Are your views on the London Olympics the same as the current Mayor and would you, if elected, give priority entrance to the Olympic Village for London Taxi drivers in 2012 for picking up and setting down passengers? Cabbies in other Olympic countries were promised the earth, but when the time came, were given no priority at all.

From Divyesh Ruparelia (V59)

Brian Paddick: Traffic jams have been replaced by bus jams. The old joke about no bus for ages then two come along together is not only true, but sometimes is three or four! What Londoner’s want is a reliable service, they want to know there will be a regular bus service. Having too many buses and the wrong type of buses (bendy buses are a nightmare in Central London) is increasing congestion and Central London is grinding to a halt (and we need to do something about the tour buses as well). We need to work out the right number of buses needed on each route, not put as many buses as we can onto each route.

From John Riley (K38)
Would you, as Mayor, be happy to see pedicabs working the streets of London as they currently do? They cut up traffic, ride on the pavement and take terrible chances whilst having unsuspecting tourists on board who are often fleeced with the cost?

Brian Paddick: Pedicabs have become a real nuisance. We need proper regulation, a limit on numbers and proper enforcement of the traffic laws to ensure they drive responsibly.

From Stewart Lewis (D20)
Ken is trying to work out how private hire cars can use bus and taxi lanes. Do you not think that would nullify the benefit buses and taxis currently have?

Brian Paddick: We need to give priority to buses and licensed taxis. The more traffic that is allowed use bus lanes, the slower and less reliable buses and cabs will become. We already have people abusing the system of private hire by registering two-seater sports cars as minicabs in order to get discounts on the Congestion Charge. The whole private hire system needs tightening up and bus lanes need to be kept for buses and licensed taxis.

From Brian Flanagan (T79)
What is your view on Ken’s version of a ‘green’ London? Many taxi drivers considered that his time limits at the licensed taxi driver’s own expense were very unfair…

From Joe Brazil (K16)
What would you say were Ken Livingstone’s best and worst decisions since taking power?

Brian Paddick: He was very brave to bring in the Congestion Charge and if we can get it working properly, it could still be a great idea. His worst decision was to pretend to consult people and then ignore what they say. Most people in the Western Extension said "no" and he ignored them. Either you are a conviction politician and say "I don’t care what you think, I’m going to do it" or "I’m genuinely going to listen to what you want." You don’t ask them and then ignore them.

Brian Paddick: Speed humps damage vehicles, slow down emergency vehicles and make it uncomfortable for passengers. There are better and more effective ways of slowing traffic, like speed warning signs that come on if you exceed the limit.

From Bill Kibble (K86)
There are road works and congestion all over town with the renewal of water mains. This could be completed in a third of the time if work were carried out at night as well as during the day. In many places such as Strand, there are few residents to disturb and elsewhere surely people would prefer to get the work completed quicker rather than have heavy traffic outside their houses for months on end. Is it something you would look at if elected?

Brian Paddick: It makes me mad when you go from one set of road works to another. There needs to be co-ordination so there are not too many road works in any one area at any one time. Night working, if it can be done without too much disturbance to local residents, must be looked at.

Alan Green (E52): If elected, do you foresee any problems in your being gay?