[David9694]

A new catch-all Tea Shop thread for those miscellaneous new stories that don’t quite fit with parking, crashing into buildings or trapped/prisoners in their homes. 

Topic

[Hirsute]

I think you’ll find that was 

I think you’ll find that was  one of the claimed crashes (according to the comments) below 10 mph !

[brooksby]

You know, I’m not entirely

You know, I’m not entirely convinced that they were driving to the conditions… 

[Hirsute]

Treacherous icy conditions

Treacherous icy conditions have seen cars skid across the surface in Whitmore Drive, Colchester, and crash.

The incidents took place despite the road being a 20mph zone with built-in traffic calming measures.

 

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/23203653.colchester-kingswood-heath-sees-five-crashes-week/

[chrisonabike]

Yeah… it doesn’t read right

Yeah… it doesn’t read right, once you’ve worked out where all the space goes.  Obvs. most people can’t see the four-wheeled elephants though!

[David9694]

Yuo know when you read

Yuo know when you read something and it makes no sense? That feeling…

Solihull parking fines suspended over Christmas – where and where you can park

Councillor Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council ’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure , said: “By taking this decision, we want to give local people who are visiting friends and relatives better peace of mind so that they can enjoy their Christmas celebrations.”

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/solihull-parking-fines-suspended-over-25805224

[NOtotheEU]

“He has previous convictions

“He has previous convictions for careless driving and speeding.”

Which he will go back to doing after serving whatever ban/prison sentence he gets. I’m obviously assuming he doesn’t have a great lawer or incompetent judge.

[Hirsute]

A speeding driver who was on

A speeding driver who was on a hands-free call when he hit a pedestrian has admitted causing his death.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64041773

Police collision investigators found that Smith had been travelling at an average speed of 71mph in a 50mph zone.

The driver was engaged on a hands-free Bluetooth call with an insurance company at the time of the crash.

[Hirsute]

Massive no left, No right

Massive no left, No right turns signs

The entitlement is astonishing

34 days since I reported Leith Walk/London Road to the council. Thanks to @susan4leithwalk and others for trying to stop these drivers. @edinhelp @TramstoNewhaven @EdinburghPolice pic.twitter.com/0SNTha9CtU

— Edward Tissiman (@edtiss) December 20, 2022

 

[David9694]

OnYerBike wrote:

Obviously accessibility and equality are important, but I don’t think the answer is that every shop and cafe needs a disabled parking space outside its front door.

For one thing, what about all the disabled people who can’t drive? Only 55% of disabled adults hold driving licences, compared to 83% of non-disabled adults. [source]. Yes some of those non-licence holders no doubt rely heavily on other people driving them around, but in the case highlighted that would not help (they would still be dependent on their career’s availability). 

I would suggest better and more accessible public transport – why does this person feel unable to use the bus service that still stops on Milsom Street? What about improving the “uneven” pavements so they are easier to use?

Furthermore, I don’t know Bath well, but is the individual seriously saying there are no parking spaces within their walking distance of any cafe? The article mentions disabled parking on Quiet Street and New Bond Street, both of which have cafes on them. There’s also a Broad Street Car Park which appears to have a short passage leading out onto Milsom Street (albeit not free parking). Or anywhere else in Bath? Maybe I’m cynical too, but it certainly seems to me like this person is using their disability as an excuse to throw a hissy fit about having their routine disrupted slightly. 

Do you believe the person actually is as they claim?  I never cease to wonder at the narratives some drivers construct for themselves.

[HoarseMann]

OnYerBike wrote:

Maybe I’m cynical too, but it certainly seems to me like this person is using their disability as an excuse to throw a hissy fit about having their routine disrupted slightly. 

I suspect the crux of this matter is exactly as you state. Possibly one of those people wealthy enough to lunch regularly at The Ivy, yet too tight to pay for parking.

What this person needs to do is consider buying a mobility scooter. They would then have the freedom to negotiate Bath’s unevenly paved pedestrianised areas independently.

[David9694]

UPDATE The answer is yes, yes

UPDATE The answer is yes, yes I am.

The Facebook a/c is nearly always “location TBA” and you can see it’s often a retail park where this goes on, so a motorised trespass essentially. 

The Plymouth car meets where police and ice-cream vans are invited

Kevin Tabrah prides himself on bringing car enthusiasts together in a safe and static manner

“… I decided to start CARnage gatherings to get the community together and make it safe for everyone. Everyone likes to do a drift but what I try and do is organise static meets so people can bring their families and kids and experience different types of cars.” 
“Cars and meets alike are a getaway from all that holds you back in life.”

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/whats-on/plymouth-car-meets-police-ice-7940020

[mattw]

Meaningless comments.

Meaningless comments.

There’s nothing to stop the Council spending Council tax on improvements (subject to national limits etc) if the residents insist on it, but they are NIMBYs wanting somebody else to pay.

[Secret_squirrel]

David9694 wrote:

Game changer! 

Over 2,000 drivers caught by new AI police cameras in Devon and Cornwall

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/over-2000-drivers-caught-new-7839303

Crack on, despite some of the commenters. 

The stats are all over the place in that article so its hard to tell what the point is.   Though from my admittedly bitter experience the DevCorn plod are more concerned with speeding on the A30 than actually addressing driving on the higher risk more local A roads.

[chrisonabike]

I’d say there is an issue. 

I’d say there is an issue.  It’s just that it’s not new.  Whenever change is mooted those who are already ignored or marginalised get worried.  The little that they have may be lost and the makeshifts they’ve found will become impossible.  They’ve good reason for this.

This shouldn’t be confused with the majority / the priveledged – those who’ve been quite content to let everyone else fight over scraps – suddenly coming out with selective concern.

All speculation of course but if you have a disability you will likely find it more difficult to get on and off a bus.  You may find it difficult to access the bus in the first place.  You’ve got to get to the stop (possibly an assault course for some).  If in a wheelchair or in poor health you might get much colder waiting around.  If it doesn’t turn up (hardly uncommon) it’s harder or impossible to get to another stop and harder to return home.

We all should be aware that despite legislation access to our public spaces is still difficult or impossible for some.  Plus for those with limited mobility, visual issues etc. crossing roads is even less pleasant and convenient.

The difficult part is how to provide very good alternatives for the vast majority (perfectly health drivers) AND reduce driving convenience for them without making things impossible for those with disabilities.  They are a small minority – but more numerous than current transport cyclists!

I do know this can be done and in a way that is much more enabling for more people than currently.  However it cannot be done without making changes which will make it less convenient to drive and park than it currently is.  Unfortunately demand from those without disabilities in that category will always swamp and disadvantage those who “need” a vehicle…

[OnYerBike]

Obviously accessibility and

Obviously accessibility and equality are important, but I don’t think the answer is that every shop and cafe needs a disabled parking space outside its front door.

For one thing, what about all the disabled people who can’t drive? Only 55% of disabled adults hold driving licences, compared to 83% of non-disabled adults. [source]. Yes some of those non-licence holders no doubt rely heavily on other people driving them around, but in the case highlighted that would not help (they would still be dependent on their career’s availability). 

I would suggest better and more accessible public transport – why does this person feel unable to use the bus service that still stops on Milsom Street? What about improving the “uneven” pavements so they are easier to use?

Furthermore, I don’t know Bath well, but is the individual seriously saying there are no parking spaces within their walking distance of any cafe? The article mentions disabled parking on Quiet Street and New Bond Street, both of which have cafes on them. There’s also a Broad Street Car Park which appears to have a short passage leading out onto Milsom Street (albeit not free parking). Or anywhere else in Bath? Maybe I’m cynical too, but it certainly seems to me like this person is using their disability as an excuse to throw a hissy fit about having their routine disrupted slightly. 

[Author]

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