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Week
commencing 26 August
Motorcycle
event generates strong feelings among road safety professionals
An initiative by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has produced
a vigorous debate among LARSOA members.
A press release with the heading ‘School pupils wanted’
was forwarded to LARSOA for distribution among members. In the release
the MCI issues an invitation to schools across the country to participate
in its Youth Day 2002 at the NEC, Birmingham on 21 November.
"Youth Day 2002 will be an educational and fun day out for
young people aged 14 to 17," says organiser Anna Rogers.
"It will offer an insight into the world of motorcycling and
invaluable information about careers and education. MCI and UK Youth
are committed to the safe and positive participation of young people
in motorcycling activities whether for sport or transport on public
highways," she adds.
Judging by the response to the release, opinion among road safety
professionals appears sharply divided as to whether young people
should be encouraged to take up motorcycling.
More information about the event can be obtained from MCI’s
Tracey King on 0870 330 7809 or
Anna Rogers on 0870 330 7821.
Editor’s note:
The 'strong views' referred to in this piece are posted on the messageboard
in the members’ section. To read what has been said, or to
add to the debate, please refer to the messageboard.
Government
seeks views on banning mobiles while driving
A consultation on banning drivers from using hand-held mobile phones
was announced last week by road safety minister, David Jamieson.
The announcement comes on the back of research showing that drivers
are four times more likely to have an accident if they are using a
mobile.
The consultation, which began immediately, seeks views on the possible
introduction of a ban on hand-held phones and asks for opinions on
issues such as what, if any, exemptions might be needed.
"We know that driving a vehicle while using a hand-held mobile
phone is dangerous," said David Jamieson. "Our recent advertising
campaign has increased awareness of the dangers and the police already
prosecute irresponsible drivers who insist on using mobiles. But there
is still a core of motorists who are ignoring these warnings.
"We are therefore consulting widely on introducing a specific
offence of driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. This should
leave no one in any doubt that we are serious about the dangers that
this presents to drivers and all road users. We are keen to see contributions
from as many people as possible to help decide the way forward."
More @ http://www.dft.gov.uk.
Minister
gives commitment to dualling of A66
Minister for transport John Spellar last week gave the
go-ahead for the Highways Agency to work up proposals for the full
dualling of the A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith.
The minister made the announcement after endorsing the findings of
the A66 safety study. He has asked the Highways Agency to develop
proposals to upgrade the remaining sections of single carriageway
on the 50 mile cross-country route at an estimated cost of £141
million.
"I am happy to endorse the findings of this important safety
study into the long-term development of the A66," Mr Spellar
said. "These plans will bring benefits not just for users of
this cross-Pennines route but also for local people and the local
and regional economies."
More @ http://www.dft.gov.uk.
DfT
plans seatbelt campaign in September
Sketchy details have emerged about a DfT seatbelt advertising campaign
to take place in September 2002.
Although the campaign is apparently not yet finalised, it will comprise
a combination of TV and radio advertising and will run from 15-30
September. Posters will also be available as supporting material.
Couple
plant fake speed camera outside their house
A couple in the USA have erected a fake speed camera outside their
house, according to a report in The Sun last week.
Dale and Nadine Thain said they were sick
of cars doing 70mph in the 40mph zone in California, Norfolk. So they
built the fake Gatso camera from old shelving painted yellow and mounted
it on a piece of grey drainpipe.
The Sun says the move followed an accident in which a minibus smashed
into their garden wall. Mr Thain said the local authority could not
promise any action, but added: "My box had an instant effect.".
Met
Police seeks input in developing objectives
Each March the Metropolitan Police Authority issues a plan setting
out priorities, objectives and targets for the Metropolitan Police
Service for the following 12 months. The plan for 2003/ 2004 is currently
being prepared.
As well as the usual policing activity - like answering 999 calls,
investigating murder and fighting terrorism – the Authority will
be concentrating more collective effort on other key objectives.
The Authority is inviting individuals and organisations to say where
they think the emphasis should be placed. This presents an opportunity
for road safety professionals to influence the Met’s choice of
objectives.
A copy of the online form can be obtained by clicking on http://www.met.police.uk/consultation/form.html
Devon
and Cornwall among latest camera netting-off partnerships
Devon and Cornwall are to launch a safety camera netting-off scheme
in October in a further expansion of the Government’s initiative,
bringing six more safety partnerships into the fold.
The other police areas joining the scheme are Cheshire, Grampian,
Sussex and the West Midlands, bringing the total number of partnerships
to 32. The 32 partnerships involve 35 police areas out of a total
51 in England, Wales and Scotland.
The Devon and Cornwall partnership, which includes the four highway
authorities and the Highways Agency, is aiming to reduce the number
killed and seriously injured each year by 32 and to save an estimated
£4.9M in hospital treatment costs.
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