Crime and terror top list

Tackling crime and protecting London from terrorist attack should be the priority for the incoming Mayor, according to a new survey.

One in three Londoners put these issues ahead of the cost of living, improving public transport and boosting the economy. This finding explains why all three main mayoral candidates have decided to make crime and policing the main battleground for the 10 June poll.

Labour's Ken Livingstone, Steve Norris of the Conservatives and Lib- Dem Simon Hughes all promise to boost police presence on the streets to help counter the threat from terrorists and target anti-social behaviour. Mr Livingstone wants to increase police numbers to 35,000, Mr Norris promises a New York-style "zero tolerance" approach while Mr Hughes pledges teams of eight officers in each neighbourhood.

Today's findings emerge in a YouGov survey of 1,356 Londoners commissioned by the London Business Board, ahead of a major hustings meeting tonight. Supported by the Evening Standard, the event will see the three main candidates quizzed on how their policies will benefit the capital.

The survey found that support for tackling crime and terrorism was highest among the over-50 age group, where it was the number one priority of 39 per cent of respondents.

But young Londoners aged between 18 and 29 said tackling the high cost of living was their priority.

Taking action against crime and terrorism was also seen as the best way of ensuring the capital's economy prospered, ahead of providing better transport links and more affordable housing.

The good news for Mr Norris is that a "zero-tolerance" approach is believed to be more likely to succeed in cutting crime than simply putting more police on the streets.

Among Tory voters, almost two thirds endorse such an approach as a priority.

When respondents were asked for their transport priorities, improving the Tube attracted most support, with 24 per cent in favour.

Improving rail services was close behind, with better buses third.

But reducing traffic congestion in central London appealed to just nine per cent of respondents.

While this may reflect the success that Mr Livingstone has had in cutting delays by 30 per cent with the congestion charge, it could also indicate limited support for his proposals to double the size of the zone.

Crossrail - the proposed eastwest train link from Heathrow to Stratford and the Isle of Dogs - was mentioned by only four per cent of respondents.

Despite now taking £240 from an average London household in council tax each year, as many people disagree as agree with the statement that transport in London has improved as a result of having a mayor. However, 32 per cent believe London's prosperity has been enhanced by having a mayor, with just 11 per cent saying it has made

matters worse. Ian Barlow, chairman of the London Business Board - the Confederation of British Industry, London Chamber of Commerce and London First - said: "Crime and terrorism, transport and housing are the key issues Londoners believe must be tackled to secure London's position as a leading world city."