Previous story(News Browser) Next story
Calls for Bridge Inquiry to be Reconvened
The Leader of Bexley Council, Cllr Ian Clement, has called for the re-opening of the public inquiry into the Thames Gateway Bridge in the light of Government plans to increase tolls for the Dartford crossings.
“The proposed 50% increase in the Dartford tolls could significantly affect traffic levels on the Thames Gateway Bridge and its environmental impact, especially in Bexley,” explains Cllr Clement. “That’s why I have written to Ruth Kelly, the Secretary fo State for Communities and Local Goverment, to ask that extra work is done to assess the impact of the tolls before she makes a decision on the proposal.”
“I have asked that the transport modelling is recalculated, the impact of the tolls re-assessed and for people to be given the opportunity to resubmit their evidence.”
The differential tolls proposed for the Thames Gateway Bridge were the most significant of the mechanisms put forward at the original inquiry to control traffic using the bridge. A discount was proposed for local residents, along with a relatively high toll designed to limit the volume of non-local traffic.
The effect of the tolls was so important that Transport for London drastically reduced the size of the discount area during the inquiry to reduce projected traffic levels on the local road network in Bexley.
“It’s clear from the original inquiry that relative tolls levels are a key factor in influencing the environmental impact of the bridge,” says Cllr Clement. “The Secretary of State needs to announce that the inquiry will be reconvened soon, or there is a risk that a decision will be made which has potentially disastrous consequences for people and businesses in the north of the borough.”
Comment on this story
WARNING ABOUT ‘PIT BIKES’
Bexley Community Safety Partnership, the Police and Bexley Council are again asking parents to think carefully before they buy their children the newly-nicknamed ‘pit bikes’. The title includes mini motorbikes, go-peds and powered scooters. Improperly used, they are could end up confiscated and crushed.
Cllr Val Clark, Chairman of Bexley’s Road Safety Committee, said: “Most are not legal for road use. They can be extremely powerful for their size and capable of speeds of more than 40mph. It’s illegal to ride them on highways or pavements. They may only be ridden on private land, with the direct permission of the landowner - and even then it is important that users don’t cause a noise nuisance.”
Although there are tracks available, which can be found on the internet, there are no official sites in Bexley borough where these bikes can be used. If suitable tracks are found, the bikes must be transported by van or car.
Children using these vehicles should be closely supervised by adults because of the risk of fatal or serious injury. They should wear full protective clothing at all times, preferably similar to that worn by adult motorcyclists, as well as an approved crash helmet.
The police have the power to seize a mini motorbike being wrongly used after appropriate warnings have been given and ignored. The owner has 28 days to recover the bike but to do so must pay a removal fee of £105 plus storage costs. If not collected within 28 days, the police will dispose of it, possibly by crushing.
Chief Inspector Chris Hafford of Bexley Police says: “While parents may see these bikes as a bit of fun for their youngsters, there are legal implications if they are ridden anywhere other than on private land.
“Wherever they are ridden, there are serious safety issues for the rider and for other land users.
“I would urge parents that, if they do buy these machines for their children, they also take them to an approved track where there are proper safety arrangements in place. This will ensure both legal and safe use of these bikes and prevent danger and disruption to other residents of the borough.”
Comment on this story
 |
It’s time to dust down your flares, hotpants and platform shoes once again Boggie nights goes on the road for a special 10th Anniversary Tour from February 2007.
Click here for for more details |
|
