Driver backing hard shoulder video

A driver from the North West who says Highways Agency Traffic Officers saved his life last week is backing a new video giving hard shoulder safety advice.

Peter Baker, 27, from Didsbury in Manchester, was travelling along the M56 at Junction 3a near Wythenshawe on Wednesday (May 16), when his car broke down in heavy rain.

He had correctly pulled into the hard shoulder when Highways Agency Traffic Officers Dave Smith and Ian Wilkinson arrived to give him typical safety advice. With a drop behind the hard shoulder safety barrier, Dave and Ian, who work from Knutsford Outstation, advised Peter to instead stand well in front of his car on the side of the hard shoulder and look towards oncoming traffic.

Minutes later another car hit the back of Peter’s Fiat Punto and Peter said this week:

“You could say that the Traffic Officers saved my life – I am very grateful.

“I was standing about ten yards ahead of my car when I saw another car in the main carriageway spin and head towards mine. The back of the car hit mind and both then spun towards me. I managed to jump clear over the barrier and to be honest I think I am lucky to be alive. Those extra few yards probably saved my life.”

Peter is now backing a new Highways Agency video launched this week in time for the bank holiday and featuring popular motoring journalist Quentin Willson.

The Highways Agency is reminding drivers that the motorway hard shoulder is not the place to stop for phone calls, to check the map or even for a bite to eat.

Hard shoulder accidents claimed the lives of 67 people in the five years from 2000 – 2004, and a total of 1,017 people were killed or injured.

The new video called “Keep Safe, Keep Moving” drives home the message that the hard shoulder is for emergency use and vehicle breakdowns only.

A vehicle parked on the hard shoulder is more likely to be involved in an accident than one travelling at speed in motorway traffic, according to Highways Agency research.

Even so, drivers put themselves at risk by pulling over for non-emergencies such as taking phone calls, checking the map or even taking a comfort break.

The new video will be part of a new road safety DVD to advise road users on how they can keep themselves safe. It will be used by the Highways Agency at road safety events and copies will be available to police forces, the fire service and local safety partnerships.

Highways Agency Traffic Officers, who now patrol all of England’s motorways, regularly come across examples of mis-use of the hard shoulder.

“Keep Safe, Keep Moving”, is presented by TV motoring journalist Quentin Willson. “Keep Safe, Keep Moving” will be part of a new road safety DVD from the Highways Agency. Copies will be available to Police Forces, Fire and Rescue Services, Local Safety Partnerships and other bodies involved in road safety education.

If your vehicle breaks down on the motorway:

• Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.
• Turn on your hazard warning lights and get out of the vehicle, using the doors furthest away from the traffic.
• Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency roadside telephone.

Sci-fi attraction for Queens Awards

Dr Who and the Daleks will be a major added attraction at this year’s Queen’s Awards awareness event at Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

The event – on Tuesday 19 June – coincides with the museum’s Dr Who exhibition and provides a chance for those interested in receiving a Queen’s Award for Enterprise to find out more about how to do so.

Past winners will speak of the value of an Award in promoting their businesses, while officials from the Queen’s Awards office will outline the application procedure for the 2008 awards, which can be won by both businesses and individuals. Applications close on 31 October 2007.

There is a free buffet reception for attendees and all delegates at the late afternoon event will also have the chance for a special visit to the Dr Who exhibition.

Applications should be made to Julia Powell at the UK Trade and Investment International Trade Team at Churchgate House, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester M60 7HJ or by e-mail to info@uktinorthwest.co.uk.

More details of the Queen’s Awards can be obtained from the Queen’s Awards website on www.queensawards.org.uk.

From: Paul Brady, Queen’s Awards regional press officer, GNN North West

Salford scheme to cut alcohol fuelled crime

A new initiative to prevent alcohol-fuelled criminals from re-offending by enrolling them in treatment has been launched in Salford.

The Bail Conditions Scheme, which is being overseen by Salford Drugs and Action Team (DAAT), is the first of its kind anywhere in Greater Manchester and is being unveiled as Alcohol Awareness Week starts on 7 May.

It means any adult charged with alcohol-related assault or domestic violence is automatically referred to an alcohol treatment worker as a condition of their bail.

The worker will look at links between the offender’s current drinking patterns and their violent behaviour and talk through the issues that could help prevent a repeat offence.

All offenders are required to meet with their alcohol worker at least twice before attending Salford Magistrates and details of their attendance may be taken into consideration during sentencing.

The programme is being run in partnership with Salford Magistrates Court, Salford Probation service, Greater Manchester Police, the CPS, the Salford Alcohol Service, Turning Point and the Salford DAAT.

Steve Morton, Campaigns Co-ordinator for Salford DAAT, said:

“This is an important and innovative step towards dealing with alcohol-related violent offences in a much better way.

“Alcohol Awareness Week is all about tackling the tough issues surrounding alcohol misuse and its affects.

“This scheme should cut down on the number of re-offenders by helping people to become more aware of their problems and providing the support they need to beat their dependency.”

The Alcohol Bail Conditions Scheme is expected to refer more than 30 people a month into alcohol services.

As part of the on-going fight to improve services, a new type of community order that aims to get dependent drinkers into treatment will be introduced later.

Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATRs) will see offenders required to complete a six-month programme to deal with their drinking.

Any offender not engaged in either of these schemes can also voluntarily access alcohol treatment. Salford Alcohol Service has a criminal justice Alcohol worker who accepts referrals from the police, probation, courts and prisons.

Home Office – press release

Big Lottery Fund to Manage £30m Community Assets Fund

The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has announced that the Big Lottery Fund will manage the new £30m Community Assets Fund programme.

The Community Assets Fund (CAF) will enable community-led third sector organisations to take on under-used public buildings, by offering grants for refurbishment.

The OTS will run a 12-week consultation with key stakeholders on details of how the fund will operate.

The aim of the CAF will be to; improve the physical infrastructure available to local communities; empower community-led third sector organisations to be innovative in responding to local needs, and enhance their capacity to tackle social disadvantage, transform lives and draw communities together; enable third sector organisations to strengthen their place in local communities; benefit the wider community by raising the potential for job creation and further investment, and creating a focal point for local pride, confidence and cohesion.

It is expected that the fund will be launched later this year.
For further information visit: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/
news/news_stories/070330_big_lottery_fund.asp