MAG condemns the madness of the biker convicted of riding at 166mph on an A road in Scotland – BUT – asks if the law is failing in its commitment to be consistent and proportionate in sentencing.
MAG notes that the nine month prison sentence is poignantly identical to that recently handed down to a motorist who caused an accident which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and injury to his son.
MAG President Ian Mutch said:
‘Traveling at 166mph on any A road is lunatic behavior but lunacy cannot be the sole factor in determining sentencing policy. For the law to be recognised as just it must be consistent and I suspect that the magistrates in this case have let outrage blind them to that responsibility.’
He added,
‘Let’s be crystal clear about this. Traveling at astronomic speed on public roads warrants serious sentencing BUT if nine months is deemed appropriate for a rider traveling at high speed but hurting no one then a driver whose hazardous behavior causes death should surely deserve a higher penalty. Magistrates should be accountable for major discrepancies in sentencing or the law loses respect.’
For further information
Contact Ian Mutch
theroad@mag-uk.org
The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Highways Agency installs additional safety measures for A52 Borrowash Bypass at Spondon, Derby
New traffic signs, safety barrier and an optical guidance system will be installed by the Highways Agency at the A52 Borrowash Bypass in Derby from Wednesday 11 March.
The measures to improve safety along the A52 will be put in place from the A6005 roundabout for 1.2 miles to Borrowash Road. These include new traffic signs, a 50mph advisory speed limit in both directions and an optical guidance system which utilises special reflectors placed on the barriers at the side of the road.
In addition, the eastbound section of safety barrier will have 200 metres of Bike Guard attached to the underneath of the existing barrier. Bike Guard is an extra rail under the existing safety barrier which helps protect cyclists and motorcyclists if they fall from their bike and hit the barrier. The existing safety barrier beams will be painted with alternate black and white chevrons.
There will be some lane and carriageway closures needed to complete this work. To make full use of the closures we will also carry out a second scheme at the same time to replace electrical cabling and carry out routine maintenance and inspections, minimising inconvenience to road users.
From Wednesday 11 March there will be overnight lane closures on the eastbound and westbound carriageways. On Monday 16 until 30 March the on slip from the Spondon roundabout to the A52 will be closed and local signed diversion routes will be in place between 8pm and 6am.
The A52 will be closed eastbound between 8pm and 6am on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March between the A6005 roundabout at Spondon and J25 of the M1 and westbound between 8pm and 6am on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March. There will also be a closure of the westbound A52 exit slip road at Spondon.
During the A52 closures the following overnight restrictions (8pm to 6am) will also apply:
* Overnight closures of Borrowash Road at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Victoria Avenue at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Cole Lane at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Manor Farm Access road at its junctions with the A52
Highways Agency project manager Kam Khokar said:
“This scheme will add additional safety measures to the A52 at the Borrowash Bypass at Spondon including advisory speed limit signs and an optical guidance system to help road users. Bike users will also benefit from the installation of the extra safety protection barrier on the eastbound carriageway.”
A clearly signed diversion route will be in place as follows:
* From J25 of the M1, A52 westbound traffic will be diverted onto Bostocks Lane, turn left and continue on the B5010 and A6005 Derby/Nottingham Road to rejoin the A52 Borrowash bypass via the A6005 roundabout at Spondon.
* A52 eastbound traffic will be diverted off the A52 immediately before the A5111 Raynesway to join the A6005 Derby Road. Traffic will continue along the A6005 and B M5010 Derby/Nottingham Road, turn right onto Bostocks Lane to rejoin the A52 at J25 of the M1.
* A5111 traffic travelling eastbound will be diverted over the A52 and right at the A6005 roundabout to join the main eastbound diversion.
Local diversions will also be clearly signed:
* Eastbound traffic for Lodge Lane North will be diverted onto the A6005 and exit on Willowcroft Road and onto Sitwell Street.
* Eastbound traffic on Stoney Lane will be diverted to the A6096 Moor Street/Dale Road/Moor Lane/Green Lane/Bare Lane and turn right onto Flood Street/Victoria Avenue to the A52.
* Westbound traffic on Borrowash Road, Victoria Avenue and Carr Lane will be diverted to join the main diversion route.
Original Post here http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/index.php/2009/03/09/highways-agency-installs-additional-safety-measures-for-a52-borrowash-bypass-at-spondon-derby/
The measures to improve safety along the A52 will be put in place from the A6005 roundabout for 1.2 miles to Borrowash Road. These include new traffic signs, a 50mph advisory speed limit in both directions and an optical guidance system which utilises special reflectors placed on the barriers at the side of the road.
In addition, the eastbound section of safety barrier will have 200 metres of Bike Guard attached to the underneath of the existing barrier. Bike Guard is an extra rail under the existing safety barrier which helps protect cyclists and motorcyclists if they fall from their bike and hit the barrier. The existing safety barrier beams will be painted with alternate black and white chevrons.
There will be some lane and carriageway closures needed to complete this work. To make full use of the closures we will also carry out a second scheme at the same time to replace electrical cabling and carry out routine maintenance and inspections, minimising inconvenience to road users.
From Wednesday 11 March there will be overnight lane closures on the eastbound and westbound carriageways. On Monday 16 until 30 March the on slip from the Spondon roundabout to the A52 will be closed and local signed diversion routes will be in place between 8pm and 6am.
The A52 will be closed eastbound between 8pm and 6am on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March between the A6005 roundabout at Spondon and J25 of the M1 and westbound between 8pm and 6am on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March. There will also be a closure of the westbound A52 exit slip road at Spondon.
During the A52 closures the following overnight restrictions (8pm to 6am) will also apply:
* Overnight closures of Borrowash Road at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Victoria Avenue at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Cole Lane at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Manor Farm Access road at its junctions with the A52
Highways Agency project manager Kam Khokar said:
“This scheme will add additional safety measures to the A52 at the Borrowash Bypass at Spondon including advisory speed limit signs and an optical guidance system to help road users. Bike users will also benefit from the installation of the extra safety protection barrier on the eastbound carriageway.”
A clearly signed diversion route will be in place as follows:
* From J25 of the M1, A52 westbound traffic will be diverted onto Bostocks Lane, turn left and continue on the B5010 and A6005 Derby/Nottingham Road to rejoin the A52 Borrowash bypass via the A6005 roundabout at Spondon.
* A52 eastbound traffic will be diverted off the A52 immediately before the A5111 Raynesway to join the A6005 Derby Road. Traffic will continue along the A6005 and B M5010 Derby/Nottingham Road, turn right onto Bostocks Lane to rejoin the A52 at J25 of the M1.
* A5111 traffic travelling eastbound will be diverted over the A52 and right at the A6005 roundabout to join the main eastbound diversion.
Local diversions will also be clearly signed:
* Eastbound traffic for Lodge Lane North will be diverted onto the A6005 and exit on Willowcroft Road and onto Sitwell Street.
* Eastbound traffic on Stoney Lane will be diverted to the A6096 Moor Street/Dale Road/Moor Lane/Green Lane/Bare Lane and turn right onto Flood Street/Victoria Avenue to the A52.
* Westbound traffic on Borrowash Road, Victoria Avenue and Carr Lane will be diverted to join the main diversion route.
Original Post here http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/index.php/2009/03/09/highways-agency-installs-additional-safety-measures-for-a52-borrowash-bypass-at-spondon-derby/
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
London Mayor’s Dithering puts Road User Lives at Risk
The report was completed in April 2007 and was first due to be published in October 20007, then January 2008. It has still to be released.
The study looked in detail at the effects of allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes on certain streets in the Capital and has proved conclusively that there are significant net road safety benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and bus passengers.
The study showed that despite concerns by cycling groups that cyclists would be put in danger the results showed that cyclist collisions reduced by 39%, motorcycle collisions reduced by 44% and pedestrians by 24%.
During the last 11 years motorcycle access to bus lanes has been successfully trialled or introduced as a permanent measure in a number of locations in the
No trial of powered two wheelers in bus lanes, anywhere in the
David Short,
“It is beyond comprehension that political interference is putting lives at risk, especially when the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee have announced a scrutiny into what further measures can be put in place between now and 2010 to achieve the Government’s casualty reduction targets.”
“I am seeking legal advice on behalf of
Notes
1. For further information contact
David Short
Campaigns Manager
Motorcycle Action Group
Telephone: 01347 822214
Email: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org
The
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Revised Highway Code Launched - Read It!
The first revised Highway Code in eight years has been unveiled by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick. The updated Code offers the latest road safety rules and advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK)) says that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and often bear the brunt of inattentive drivers who are more pre occupied with trying to light a cigarette, fiddling with CD's, trying to read road maps, not to mention the omnipresent mobile phone users who persist in using their phones despite increased penalties. All these activities result in distractions from driving and present a very serious danger to motorcyclists which are now categorically defined in the new Highway Code as activities prohibited whilst driving.
In addition the code outlines the dangers caused by overfilling fuel tanks, in particular Diesel, which if spilt on the road causes serious danger, especially to motorcyclists and cyclists. Advice is given for motorists to be especially vigilant when manoeuvring, such as turning right or changing lanes and being aware of their vehicle blind spots.
The code recognises the benefits of motorcycles in beating traffic congestion and advises motorists to look out for motorcyclists who are legitimately filtering between lanes of traffic.
MAG has been involved with the Department of Transport throughout the consultation process from which the new Highway Code has evolved.
MAG's Campaign Manager, David Short, says, "Motorcyclists everywhere will be all too familiar with having to dodge lit fag ends, chip wrappers and drinks tins hurled out of vehicles by their irresponsible drivers."
"Diesel spills are a further curse which motorcyclists have to deal with as well as drivers who fail to look properly for motorcyclists at junctions or whilstmotorcyclists are defeating traffic congestion by filtering through lanes of stationary and slow moving traffic."
It is very encouraging to see the new Highway Code taking into consideration all these issues on which MAG made representations in the consultation process."
"The Highway Code is basic, simple advice which could save countless lives on the roads if people took the time and trouble to read and act on it."
"All road users would be well advised to read it!"
Notes
- The Code is available for free at http://www.direct.gov.uk/highwaycode
- The Official Highway Code is published by The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO) and is priced at £2.50. Visit http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/highwaycode or call 0870 600 5522. Copies are also available from all good High Street and online bookstores
David Short can be contacted at:
Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221
Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080
E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org
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