Author name: Steven Edwards

Road traffic congestion in outer London is now far higher than it was last year as people have gone back into their cars after lockdown, according to new data.

Congestion climbed above 2019 levels in August, and has increased to nearly a fifth on average above last year, in roads outside the capital’s central congestion charging zone, even while it has dropped sharply in the centre of the city.

Governments rely heavily on fuel duty revenue to fund many of their political and social projects. According to the UK Office of Budget Responsibility: “Fuel duties are levied on purchases of petrol, diesel and a variety of other fuels. They represent a significant source of revenue for government. In our latest forecast, we expect fuel duty to raise £28.4 billion in 2019-20. That would represent 3.5 per cent of all receipts and is equivalent to £1,000 per household and 1.3 per cent of national income.”

School Streets

School street closures can improve the number of children walking, cycling and wheeling to school without creating road safety problems, according to a new report. 
An increase in school street closures would also not result in traffic displacement causing road safety issues in neighbouring streets, the findings show.

How’s your eyesight, where do you stand on seatbelts, should you seek psychiatric help

The man on the cover of the Observer Magazine of 14 October 1973 looks a little like racing driver James Hunt in an incongruous tweed jacket but with a helmet of hair rather than… a helmet. ‘Are you fit to drive?’ it asked, referring to driving rather than dress sense.
‘All the indications are,’ wrote Paulette Pratt, ‘that many drivers have serious defective eyesight. Nearly a third of a million motorists are driving with vision below even the primitive standard required by law; a further 900,000 can only reach this standard with one eye.’ Being pulled over and asked why you are driving with one eye closed and giving the excuse ‘because that’s the one that passes the primitive standard required by law’ probably wouldn’t have cut it as an excuse, even in the early 70s.

Roadspace reallocation schemes spark tensions that need to be resolved using engagement and conversation

The reassessment of how urban roadspace is allocated and used has been one of the few positive side effects of the pandemic. Across the UK, the need to alleviate pressure on public transport in the light of social distancing has seen an increase in the number of people walking and cycling to work, shops, schools, for exercise and for leisure. Local authorities have thus banned cars from high streets, widened pavements with barriers and created temporary, or ‘pop-up’, bike lanes.

Law change will ensure dangerous drivers face full force of law, says minister

Jamie GriersonMon 14 Sep 2020 00.01 BST
Drivers who cause death by speeding, racing or using a mobile phone could face life sentences under a overhaul of sentencing to be unveiled this week.
The changes follow concerns from families and campaigners, as well as some judges, that the 14-year maximum fails to reflect the severity of the crime.
Offenders who cause loss of life by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could also face life in prison.

Sun 15 Oct 2017

This article is more than 2 years old
Government to toughen sentences after consultation
Dangerous drivers who cause death while using their mobile phones or speeding will face life in prison, ministers have confirmed. The decision to go ahead with a major extension of sentences comes after a campaign by families and a cross-party group of MPs.