Sian Berry: We Ask The Questions

Such as, 'How will you cut crime?' and 'What is your favourite joke'

Siân Berry (centre): Green Party (Jeremy O'Donnell/Getty Images)

Why do you want to be Mayor?

We want a greener and a more affordable London, and our policies, from lower public transport fares to free insulation, will save money and cut carbon emissions at the same time.

What is the best thing about London, and what is the worst thing?

The best thing is the huge diversity of people and culture. The worst thing is our air. More than 1,000 people die every year because of air pollution.

What single achievement are you most proud of in your life?

That my campaign, the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s, persuaded the current mayor to bring in a higher congestion charge for the most polluting cars, and introduce discounts for cleaner cars.

What is your favourite thing to do in London during your day off?

A walk on Hampstead Heath then a trip to the pub.

What difference will you make?

I will work hard to make sure my key policies, such as free insulation, are taken up because I really believe they should happen.

What will you do to improve the transport infrastructure?

The cross-river tram will make a big difference to south London but we also need to create a full "outer circle" rail ring to improve links between outer boroughs. I'd also put in more bus routes and make changing between buses cheaper with a new one-pound-one-hour Oyster fare.

What will you do for cyclists and pedestrians?

The Greens on the London Assembly have had a casting vote over the mayor's budget since 2004 and have tripled the cycling budget. I would triple it again. Paris-style street bikes would be spread throughout the city.

Are falling house prices good or bad news for Londoners?

Price rises do need to slow down and we need more affordable housing for rent as well. No one wants to see a crash and I think that by providing more affordable homes we can help slow the bubble down without that happening.

Where will you focus your efforts to cut crime?

It is quite a simple plan – increase the officers in locally based Safer Neighbourhood Teams. A trial has halved burglary rates and would reduce more serious crimes as well. We would also give voluntary groups more long-term funding.

How would you ensure greater ethnic harmony in London?

I would continue to support and expand the wide range of cultural festivals in Trafalgar Square.

What will you do to ensure London retains its dominance of the world's financial markets in these difficult economic times?

I don't think we should rely on just a couple of industries for all our wealth. Greens want to create a more resilient economy with a wide range of smaller businesses that make more of the things we need in the city.

What is your favourite joke?

Every line from Monty Python And The Holy Grail.