Latest news with #HighwayCode
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
New speed limits set to be introduced across Bearsden
The new scheme will see widespread implementation of 20 miles per hour limits in residential areas, and also at stretches of several larger roads in the area. Public consultation held over February and March attracted 141 responses, including 94 valid objections and 47 letters of support. The vast majority of objectors claimed Switchback Road, Maryhill Road, Stockiemuir Road Duntocher Road, Drymen Road and Milngavie Road were distributor roads and suitable for higher speeds of traffic, while police said enforcement would be difficult without physical traffic calming measures. Supporters of the scheme feel that reducing speed limits for motor vehicles will create a safer environment for other road users such as cyclists, and also make streets more liveable for residents and local businesses, reduce emissions and also improve safety, especially near schools. The traffic regulation orders have been split into two groups, one being a list of residential streets across Bearsden where the limit will apply to their entire length, and the other focused on larger roads where specific stretches will be affected. Tabling the motion at the meeting, depute leader Councillor Calum Smith (SNP, Bearsden South) said this was not an example of the council hating cars and admitted that he personally had penalty points for speeding. 'When I first encountered plans to reduce speed limits to 20 miles an hour my knee-jerk reaction was the same as many. 'How can you do that? That'll never work. It's so slow'.' READ MORE: 'It is in desperate need of attention': Huge potholes on street set to be fixed He went on to say that over time he realised the importance of the road safety benefits and also of changing mindsets with regard to travel, and highlighted the massive difference for pedestrians being hit at 20 miles per hour versus 30, with the latter around eight times more likely to be killed. He added that in recent years the Highway Code had been updated to challenge the supremacy of the car in the hierarchy of road users, and that communities were not simply networks of roads to be passed through as quickly as possible but places where people should feel safe. He also said that people were very capable of quickly adapting to changes which initially seemed unthinkable, from compulsory seat belt use to banning smoking in pubs and back passes to goalkeepers. Councillor Alan Reid (Liberal Democrat, Bearsden North) moved for some alterations to the scheme, such as Maryhill Road where the dual carriageway has a 50 mile per hour limit on the Glasgow side of the local authority boundary, part of Stockiemuir Road leading out of Beardsen where there are no homes or businesses, and Milngavie Road, the main route through town, as slowing down traffic here would encourage drivers to use other streets as 'rat runs'. He added that otherwise he supported the proposals, and consensus was shared by Bearsden councillors as had been expressed at a recent meeting of ward representatives. The Scottish Government is providing funding towards the cost of implementing the new limits, such as funding, but also imposed a spending deadline which prevented any trial or pilot scheme. Three rounds of voting were held with the changes tabled by Councillor Reid treated as separate amendments 14-6, 15-7, but all were voted down in favour of the motion as presented by Councillor Smith.
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Following this one Highway Code rule could prevent you from rear-ending other cars
Following this one Highway Code rule could prevent you from rear-ending other cars Tailgaiting is a common problem on British roads that can increase the risk of a collision taking place Motorists could prevent an accident by following one road rule (Image: Getty Images ) Drivers could significantly reduce their risk of being in a crash by obeying a rule set out in the Highway Code. Tailgating is when drivers follow a vehicle in front far too closely. One of the key dangers of this practice is that if the vehicle in front brakes sharply and suddenly, the tailgating car will not have time to safely stop and will go straight into the back of them. Fortunately, accidents of this nature can be easily avoided by simply obeying the two-second rule. When conditions are dry and clear, the Highway Code recommends that motorists always leave a two-second gap between them and the vehicle in front. Rule 126 of the Highway Code states: "Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance." It adds that motorists should "allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. Article continues below Leaving the best gap for the road condition While a two-second gap is generally recommended, motorists may need to leave an even longer gap, depending on the road conditions. For example, if it is raining and the road is significantly wet, the two-second gap will need to be doubled. This is because wet roads make it harder for tyres to gain traction, making it longer for the brakes to stop the car. This stopping distance can go up by 10 times if the conditions are snowy or icy. The Highway Code says: "The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front." Article continues below Fine for tailgaiting Motorists could face significantly high fines if they are found to be following another driver to closely. Tailgaiting can be classed by police as careless driving, which can lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence. However, if a serious collision occurs as a result of you tailgating, the penalty can go up to a flat out driving ban or a prison sentence.
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Simple rule which can prevent you from rear-ending another vehicle
Tailgating is one of the most dangerous driving practices - but it can be easily avoided by following a simple rule in the Highway Code Motorists could dramatically decrease their chances of being involved in a crash by following a key rule outlined in the Highway Code. Tailgating is a dangerous driving practice where drivers follow the vehicle ahead far too closely, increasing the risk of a crash if the front vehicle stops abruptly. Thankfully, adhering to the two-second rule can greatly reduce such incidents. In dry and clear conditions, the Highway Code advises drivers maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. As stated in Rule 126 of the Highway Code: "Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance." Additionally, the code advises drivers to "allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced." Varied road conditions The recommended two-second gap should be adjusted in response to different weather and road scenarios. For instance, during rainfall, when road surfaces become slick, doubling the gap is suggested to ensure safety. The reason behind this is that damp roads reduce tyre traction, meaning it takes longer for vehicles to stop. In snowy or icy conditions, this stopping distance can increase by up to ten times. The Highway Code advises: "The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads." It also cautions: "Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front." Penalties for tailgating Drivers may end up with hefty fines if caught following another vehicle too closely. Police may categorise tailgating as careless driving, attracting a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on the driver's licence. Should tailgating result in a severe collision, the consequences could escalate to an outright driving ban or even a custodial sentence.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Can you park on yellow lines with a blue badge? What to know
The government-issued document allows those eligible to park closer to their destination by placing the badge in their car window. There are specific criteria to meet to be eligible for a blue badge, including being registered blind, receiving a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or receiving a higher rate of the mobility component. While the badge does allow you to park closer to a destination, there have been questions about whether it can be used to park on yellow lines. Can you park on yellow lines with a blue badge? According to the government blue badge document, anyone with a blue badge can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours if there isn't a ban on loading. However, they add that you must first check to see what the rules are when you are parking, and you have to use your blue parking clock. You can return to the parking space, but you have to wait for at least one hour before you go back and park there again. Where can you not park if you have a blue badge? But, if the road with yellow lines is on any of the following criteria, you cannot park there as they are rules set out by the Highway Code: You cannot park: Where there is a ban on loading or unloading Where parking is only for certain people - like the people who live or work there Places where people are allowed to cross the road Clearways - roads where stopping is not allowed Bus stops School 'keep clear' areas Bus, tram or cycle lanes Blue Badge holders cannot drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation Where there are double white lines in the middle of the road Where there is a parking meter but it is out of use Where there are 'no-waiting' cones You must also make sure when parking with a blue badge that it is not dangerous, holds up traffic, stops emergency vehicles, be on a pavement or stops somebody in a wheelchair from crossing the road where a kerb is lowered. What is the correct way to display a blue badge? Blue badge holders must display the badge on the dashboard or facia panel so it can be read through the front windscreen. If there is no dashboard or facia panel in your vehicle, you must display the badge in a place where it can be clearly read from outside the vehicle. Recommended Reading The front of the badge needs to face upwards, showing the hologram, and the side showing the photograph should not be visible through the windscreen. Plus, you must also ensure that the details on the front of the badge remain legible; if they become unreadable through fading or wear and tear, you must return the badge to your local council so they can issue you with a new one. If you display a badge that is illegible, it may result in a parking fine.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Be aware of bikers - 'Sorry mate, I didn't see you' isn't a defence
Motorcyclists are not daredevils or speed freaks. They are mums and dads. Brothers and sisters. Commuters and hobbyists. Choosing two wheels instead of four does come with a little more risk, but that does not mean they should expect to be injured or killed in a motorbike crash. And it absolutely does not mean they have fewer rights when the worst happens, writes Lianda Barnes, Partner at Digby Brown. As a car driver, how would you feel if someone crashed into you, only to be told, 'Pfft… you wouldn't have been hurt so much if you chose to use a big bus instead of a small car, so you're not getting compensation.' Exactly. You'd be furious. What has your mode of transport got to do with the negligent or reckless actions of someone else? It's also why the headline above is very mindfully worded, because there is a big difference between 'beware of' and 'be aware of'. The first suggests a third party is a danger to the reader, like a dangerous dog warning sign on a high gate. But the second implies that the reader is the one who needs to be aware of the risk they pose to others, like walking down the street holding an umbrella. Despite being clad in helmets, leather, boots, and other protective equipment, they remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads. The Highway Code reflects this, and sadly, so too do the annual crash statistics from officials. Most bikers also drive a car, but not all car users ride a bike. This arguably gives them an enhanced awareness and increased anticipation of other traffic, the weather and road surfaces. It's also what gives rise to the very reasonable suggestion that bikers are actually among the best motorists on the road, especially when you consider they face more tests and can only ride certain bikes depending on their age or experience. So what causes motorbike crashes? 'Sorry, mate, I didn't see you' (SMIDSY) - this is arguably one of the most common arguments made by a driver who hits a biker. But every driver has a responsibility to act with due care and attention. Filtering: It is perfectly legal and correct for a biker to be allowed to negotiate traffic jams in this way. Sadly, frustrated or absent-minded motorists who don't pay attention strike bikers when they try and switch lanes. Spills: Oil, diesel, and other substances can make the road surface slippery, which can be a serious hazard for bikers. But if the source of the spill can be located (such as a specific vehicle or a source nearby like a farm or construction site), then a claim can still be possible. Carriageway repairs: Strips of poured tarmac, sometimes referred to as overbanding, if applied incorrectly and without proper grip resistance, can lead to crashes. Road defects: Potholes and loose manhole covers can seem trivial to four-wheeled vehicles but are potentially fatal hazards to bikers. This is why officials need to respond to such reported issues as soon as possible. Motorcycling accidents tragically often lead to severe head, brain or spinal injuries. Like Harry Saunders, the 69-year-old fractured 12 vertebrae in his spine after a crash with another vehicle. He spent eight weeks in a coma and had a brain injury and a collapsed lung. But thanks to the support from Digby Brown, he recovered so well that he was able to get back on the bike! Digby Brown is committed to helping motorcyclists after a collision. We know compensation doesn't change what happened, but it can ease the financial burdens that arise in the aftermath and help you access the best possible treatments to ensure the best recovery.
