New guidance to make sure that companies who dig up the road replace it properly – reducing the risk of potholes forming – was published today by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan. It is estimated that poorly replaced road surfaces mean there are around 90,000 remedial works each year, adding inconvenience to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The revised Code of Practice published today sets out new methods to provide better quality road surfaces, reducing the chances of potholes developing as well as cutting down the risk that the road will have to replaced a second time. Today’s announcement is part of a package of measures set out by the Government over the last nine months to reduce disruption caused by road works. These include proposals to increase by tenfold the charges for companies whose works overrun, to improve signage and protection of sites and for a tougher street works inspection regime. In addition, the Department has introduced more rigorous testing and training for those who dig up the road as well as approving the first two street works permit schemes – to help councils coordinate and manage works on their roads – and publishing guidance to help other councils put these schemes in place. Sadiq Khan said: “Since becoming Transport Minister last year I have made tackling disruption caused by road works a priority. I have set out plans to increase penalties for late running works tenfold and proposed strict new rules to ensure that work sites are properly signed and protected. “The new Code of Practice I am publishing today will ensure that when utilities dig up the road they replace it properly – reducing disruption as well as the probability of potholes developing.” More
(AD Thoughts ~ Some good news for motorists, as poor repairs by the utility companies cost us bigtime in repairs to our vehicles.)
A new law to keep disqualified drivers off UK and Irish roads comes into force today. As a result of a groundbreaking agreement between the British, Irish and Northern Ireland Ministers, UK drivers disqualified for serious motoring offences in Ireland will no longer escape punishment when they return home. Similarly, disqualifications earned by Irish drivers while in the UK will be recognised and enforced when they return to Ireland. Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: “We’ve cut the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 40% since the mid-1990s – that’s more than 19,000 fewer deaths or serious injuries in a year and means we now have some of the safest roads in the world. “But we need to continue to work to make our roads even safer and if a UK driver commits a serious offence while in Ireland it is right that their ban should still apply when they return home. “From today this new law will ensure that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment and so keep dangerous drivers off the roads.” The new law is the first practical step to recognise driving disqualifications in Europe under the terms of the 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications. More
(AD Comments ~ A measure that will help with road safety, surprising that its not in place already.)
Average speed cameras are set to be introduced into residential areas from next year. The government has approved the Spec3 cameras and plans to roll them out in 2010 with the aim of enforcing a 20mph speed limit in urban areas. Camden, Southwark and Waltham Forrest will be among eight London boroughs to pioneer the cameras. Along with Norwich and York, they will also follow Portsmouth and introduce a blanket 20mph limit on all residential roads. Research carried out by the Department for Transport in London claims that cutting the speed limit to 20mph makes these areas much safer for road users. According to the research, only one in forty pedestrians dies when hit at 20mph compared with one in five hit at 30mph. The cameras will be connected to each other wirelessly – allowing them to track cars for up to 15 miles, monitoring their average speed. More
(AD Remarks ~ Sounds a good idea for some areas, but hope that every road in the country will not be `camered up` in the future. I wonder what the mark of success for the scheme will be, road safety or revenue!)
Cowboy clampers could be jailed for five years if they flout strict rules unveiled today. In a huge victory for the Daily Mail, ministers have decided that clampers operating on private land must be threatened with prison if they are to be finally brought into line. The cost of removing a clamp will also be slashed after the Government agreed to implement every aspect of our Curb the Cowboy Clampers manifesto, including giving drivers an independent right of appeal. It follows massive support for this newspaper’s demand for the regulation of the ‘legalised mugging’ industry, currently worth £1billion a year. Clampers will face a tough Security Industry Authority licensing regime, backed by a new code of conduct. It will fix maximum fines for having a clamp removed at as little as £40 outside London, and £70 in the capital. The towing away of vehicles within minutes being clamped will be barred. A maximum charge for recovering a towed car will be fixed at around £105 outside London, or £200 within. Currently, total charges can top £500. Clampers will also be banned from marching terrified drivers to cash points, and will no longer be able to hide signs to catch out unsuspecting drivers. More
(AD Suggests ~ Good news for the motorists pocket for a change. Will protect those who make genuine mistakes, or have the misfortune to encounter the cowboy clampers)
A new licensing scheme will impose limits on the maximum release fees charged by clampers and set a minimum time before cars can be towed away.The new curbs will also demand that signs warning motorists of the existence of private parking enforcement are clearly visible and, for the first time, drivers will be able to use consumer law to challenge exorbitant fines. The Government is also looking to give motorists the right of appeal against private charges after they have been imposed. One option would be to set up an independent tribunal, similar to that which enables drivers to challenge council-enforced tickets. Ministers are ready to act after repeated complaints from motorists about the antics of some clampers who have demanded as much as £700 to release a car. More
AD Comment ~ Always be careful where you park, but this will help to ave you money!)
Bloggers Comments