Latest news with #MikePeters
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Five dead in horror day as road toll hits record high in one Australian state
Motorists have been urged to take care after five tragic deaths within 24 hours on West Australia roads. The state's road toll currently stands at 103 lives lost so far in 2025 - the highest figure in a decade and 10 more than this time last year. That figure will rise when the Road Safety Commission updates the road toll after this weekend. WA Police Road Policing Commander Mike Peters and the state's Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner are frustrated with the mounting death toll. They hope the latest tragedies will be a wake-up to motorists as the July school holidays get underway. ' That's five people that won't be at Christmas this year and five doors that had to be knocked on by our officers in the WA Police Force to make those absolutely tragic notifications,' Commissioner Peters said. 'I just want to reiterate speed, seatbelts, fatigue, alcohol and drugs and distraction remain to be over-represented in all these crashes. 'I'm not talking about the five [recent fatalities] specifically, but road deaths to this point are over-represented with those five factors.' Several fatal crashes across claimed five lives within 24 hours across WA late last week. The first incident claimed the life of a motorcyclist, 70 who collided with a tow truck at an intersection in Australind, in the state's south-west on Thursday afternoon. A man, 40, died after colliding with a truck towing three tailers at Mariginiup, north of Perth on Friday. Just 30 minutes later, a third motorist collided with a 51-year-old pedestrian, killing him instantly, in east Perth's Mundaring. Later on Friday morning, a fourth man died when his 4WD struck a tree and caught alight in Serpentine, in south-east Perth. Several hours later, a female passenger, 64 died after the vehicle she was travelling in vehicle struck a tree in Alfred Cove. 'It's incredibly frustrating that we have these sustained levels of deaths on our roads,' Mr Warner said. 'We need to be conscious about the risks on the road. We need to be conscious about the choices we make when we get behind the wheel.' West Australia's government has set a goal for the state to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads by 50 to 70 per cent before 2030. 'Population growth and the economic growth, which is good for our community and good for WA, is putting upward pressure on the road toll,' Mr Warner said. Cameras with AI technology have been installed at more than 100 locations across Perth. These cameras are the most advanced in the country and are currently in a trial phase, the government has said. Fines generated by the cameras are expected to kick in by October. 'When we move into enforcement mode with these new cameras in a couple of months, we're expecting a big shift in behaviour,' Mr Warner said 'We don't want the money. We want people to change their behaviour and save lives.'
ABC News
05-07-2025
- ABC News
WA road toll hits decade high as five people killed in 24 hours
Five people have died in 24 hours in separate crashes on WA roads, as the state's road toll sits at its highest year-to-date level in a decade. WARNING: This article contains images some readers may find distressing. WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner and WA Police Road Policing Commander Mike Peters both expressed their frustration over the rising death toll, as they urged all road users to take responsibility for their actions. "It's a reminder to everybody at the start of school holidays that we just need to take more care," Commissioner Warner said. "We need to be conscious about the risks on the road. We need to be conscious about the choices we make when we get behind the wheel. The cluster of fatalities began about 3pm on Thursday when a 70-year-old man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a tow truck at an intersection in Australind, in Western Australia's South West. Just before 6am on Friday, a 40-year-old man was killed when the car he was driving collided with a truck towing three tailers in Mariginiup, an outer northern suburb of Perth. About half an hour later, about 6:35am on Friday, a car struck a 51-year-old pedestrian in the eastern Perth suburb of Mundaring. The man died at the scene. Four hours later in Serpentine, south-east of Perth, a male driver was killed when a 4WD struck a tree and caught alight. Another four hours later, about 2:30pm, a 64-year-old woman who was a passenger in a car that struck a tree in the southern Perth suburb of Alfred Cove was taken to hospital for her injuries. She later died in hospital. At this time last year, there had been 93 deaths on WA's roads, compared to 103 this year — the highest figure in at least a decade. But that figure will rise once the Road Safety Commission receives the police reports from the most recent fatalities over the weekend. The WA Government has a road safety strategy, with a 2030 target of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured by 50 to 70 per cent. When taking into account the state's growing population, estimated at around 3 per cent a year, Commissioner Warner said it meant the annual road death toll had plateaued. "Population growth and the economic growth, which is good for our community and good for WA, is putting upward pressure on the road toll," he said. "So everything we're doing — safer vehicles, constant enforcement — that's keeping a lid on it. Commander Peters said the impact of road fatalities rippled far beyond the victims. "That's five people that won't be at Christmas this year and five doors that had to be knocked on by our officers in the WA Police Force to make those absolutely tragic notifications," Commander Peters said. "I just want to reiterate speed, seatbelts, fatigue, alcohol and drugs and distraction remain to be over-represented in all these crashes. "I'm not talking about the five [recent fatalities] specifically, but road deaths to this point are over-represented with those five factors." Commander Peters also made no apology for the increased police presence over the school holiday period. "The West Australian Police are out in force this weekend, like they are every weekend, but because it's school holidays, we have a heightened level of enforcement," he said. "And I don't apologise for our officers in booze buses, in camera operations, in our highway patrols being out there and enforcing the law. I just ask the community to do your part." Since January, the WA Government has installed cameras that use AI technology to detect bad driver behaviour at more that 100 locations across Perth. The cameras, which the WA Government said are the most advanced in the country, are in a trial phase which means only cautions have been handed out so far. Fines are due to be implemented in October, which authorities hope will lead to actual changes in behaviour. "When we move into enforcement mode with these new cameras in a couple of months, we're expecting a big shift in behaviour," Commissioner Warner said. "We don't want the money. We want people to change their behaviour and save lives."
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Lytham Festival: Extra buses put on as thousands gather for event
Extra buses are being be put on for people attending this week's Lytham Festival in event, which runs until Sunday at Lytham Green, will be headlined by American Motown star Stevie Council have announced plans to run extra buses on its Lytham lines while working with organisers to deliver dedicated "Festival Flyer" and park and ride Swift, head of service delivery at Blackpool Transport, said: "Tens of thousands of fans from around the country and beyond will be descending on Lytham for this spectacular series of concerts." "Anyone who uses the regular Lytham lines can also take advantage of a new return ticket for the route, which has been launched in time for the festival and costs just £5.50. "Tickets for the dedicated Festival Flyer buses can be purchased through the festival website."American rock band Kings of Leon will be opening the festival, before other acts including Texas, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jess Glynne and Cast will all feature. There will also be a special tribute to Welsh musician, songwriter and cancer campaigner Mike Peters of The Alarm. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Texas open Llangollen concert series with Mike Peters tribute
The concert, on June 26, marked the opening of the Pavilion's summer season of live music. At the encore, Spiteri, lead singer and frontwoman of the Scottish rock band, paused to remember the Welsh rocker, who died from blood cancer aged 66 on April 29. "Before we start this song, the last time I was here with my husband Bryn was with a very special couple and very special man, Mr Mike Peters," she said, prompting a round of applause from the audience. She went on to say: "He was a true gentleman, a great musician, a great songwriter. He was one of the kindest, truest people that I have to say I've ever met. "He always wore his heart on his sleeve and will be very sadly missed." Spiteri, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music, then dedicated a rendition of Suspicious Minds to his memory. She said to the crowd: "If you don't know if the first two chords, go home! Because you need to love this." Posting on Facebook after the concert, Jules, Mike's wife, said: "Today has been quite the day, topped off by the perfect Sharleen Spiteri tribute tonight to our darling Michael Peters "Thank you Texas! You Rock! RELATED STORIES RECAP: Final farewell to The Alarm's Mike Peters Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters 'Totally Free': Tributes pour in for Alarm frontman Mike Peters "Hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Mike and I stood with Sharleen and husband Bryn at the side of stage to watch the Manics [Manic Street Preachers] together. "Live Today. Love Tomorrow." It's been 36 years since Texas first stormed the music scene with their debut hit I Don't Want A Lover. At the packed out concert, the band delivered a powerful 90-minute set packed with fan favourites, including Halo, Hi, In Our Lifetime, Summer Son, Say What You Want, and Black Eyed Boy. Between songs, Spiteri charmed the crowd with her trademark wit and effortless rapport, adding a personal touch to an already electric night. The music legends were supported by Rianne Downey, a Scottish singer-songwriter. The concert series coincides with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, which begins on July 8. Texas were the first of 13 headline acts set to perform at the North Wales venue. Other confirmed headliners include Rag'n'Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs, and The Human League. The concerts are part of a collaboration between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Friday (June 28) with headliner Rag'n'Bone Man. The triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner will be joined by blues star Elles Bailey.
North Wales Live
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Birds send 'sign' in 'beautifully iconic' moment at Mike Peters' funeral
Two small birds captivated friends and fans during yesterday's 'spot on perfect' funeral for Mike Peters (Thursday, May 29). One caused a ripple of excitement when it joined the star-studded congregation in Dyserth, the Denbighshire village the rock musician lived in. Later, in the cemetery, a robin alighted near Mike's graveside. In Celtic mythology, the robin was a symbol of passion as well as new beginnings - they were believed to bring messages of hope and rebirth. Mourners flew in from the USA and around the world for the moving and eloquent service at St Bridget and St Cwyfan Church. Some 24 speakers offered tributes, memories and music during the almost two-and-a-half-hour service. There were tears but also plenty of laughter as friends and relatives remembered a life well lived. At one point, heads turned when a bird fluttered over the altar and landed on one of Mike's guitars. Perched next to Mike's widow Jules and her two boys, it remained almost motionless for quite some time, as if listening to the service. Dozens of the 7,000 people watching a live stream took it as a 'sign'. One viewer wrote online: 'When a bird appears, a loved one is near. The bird is Mike Leslie Peters getting a final wish to say goodbye to everyone here today.' Another said it was a 'beautifully iconic' moment. The bird was thought to be a Dipper, perhaps visiting from Dyserth's famous waterfall next to the church. A third person added: 'I like to think that is Mike letting us all know he is with us all.' The rock star, frontman of North Wales band The Alarm, died on April 29 from blood cancer at the age of 66. He'd been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia more than 30 years earlier. Jules, 58, and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by hundreds of fans as they walked into the church, with his wife clutching a single red rose and his youngest son carrying his father's ashes. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Around 150 guests attended the emotional funeral service, including James Chippendale, the co-founder of the Peters' charity, Love Hope Strength, which aims to raise awareness and funds for those fighting cancer. Mr Chippendale, who travelled from Mexico for the funeral, told PA News the celebration of his life was 'very, very Mike Peters'. He said: 'A little bit grungy, a little bit long, a little bit funny, a little bit sad, great music, and it just couldn't have been a more perfect ending. I think he would have been laughing his ass off.' During a string of heartfelt eulogies Danny Cohen - Mike's son Dylan's godfather - said Mike's energy was superhuman. Andy Labrow, The Alarm's tour manager, remembered discussing politics, faith and music with Mike. Andy said Mike felt like his brother from another mother and 'we never had a crossed word.' He added: 'I never thought I'd say that about a Man Utd fan,' to laughter from the audience. Weatherman Derek Brockway remembered a walk he went on with Mike from Gwaenysgor to Prestatyn. He said 'Mike may have been an international rock star but he never let fame go to his head. Mike was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.' And in another eulogy, Sean Taylor, Zip World founder and friend, said: 'He was the most positive guy I have ever met in my life. He honestly truly thought he was going to get through this (last illness).' Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth paid tribute to everything Mike had done for Wales. 'Thank you for celebrating that Welshness that binds us together.' Dafydd Iwan, who sang Yma o Hyd, called Mike 'a very inspiring man'. He said: 'I can't believe there has ever been such a collection of eulogies so beautifully expressed.' One of the most moving parts of the service, which lasted just under three hours, came when tenor Rhys Meirion, who has had his own health issues and only had an operation ten days ago, sang Anfonaf Angel. Another emotional moment came when Mike and Jules' son Evan played Oasis's Wonderwall. At the end, mourners were asked to pause in the church and on the road outside while the Peters family laid Mike, whose ashes were in a casket, to rest in the churchyard. A celebration of his life was then held in The Red in Dyserth where Mike had performed only last December. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
