Campaign by parents of injured toddler
The maximum jail term for Dangerous Driving is likely to be increased from 2 years to 5 by the government.  The change is thought to be the result of a campaign run by the parents of a toddler who was left paralysed after being hit by a speeding motorist three years ago.  The announcement was made today by Justice Minister Jack Straw.

Cerys… read more

Winter has truly arrived this week, with large areas of the country receiving a blanket of snow and ice, creating treacherous conditions on roads and footpaths.  South Eastern areas have seen more than 20cm (8in) of snow, which has left major roads with long delays as well as forcing the cancellation of several train services, including the Eurostar from London through the channel tunnel.  Airports including Manchester, Aberdeen and Inverness… read more

Government issues new guidance regarding speed limits to local councils
Following on from last week’s blog entry about lower speed limits in London leading to lower accidents, it looks like key figures in the government also took notice of the report, as today new advice is being given by ministers to councils encouraging them to cut speed limits in areas with high levels of road accidents.

The advice being… read more

West Ham man sues after breaking ankle on international duty
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is to make a personal injury claim against fellow footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Chelsea FC after an injury he suffered in August 2006.  Ashton, who up until that point had had a promising career playing for teams such as Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City was forced to retire earlier this month, after doctors advised… read more

AA Issues warning about low gritting levels in run-up to coldest months
Motoring organization the AA has issued a warning about the scarcity of gritting salt in local council stockpiles this winter.  According to its sources, the AA says it has been told that councils across the country have stockpiled 250,000 tonnes less gritting salt than a decade ago.  If there are heavy snowfalls or lengthy icy spells this winter… read more

Berkshire town tops list of accident hot spots
It might be most famous as the setting for TV’s “The Office”, but now the town of Slough in Berkshire, often regarded as one of the most average places in Britain, has topped a survey. 

Unfortunately the survey in question was looking into road accident rates across Britain, and Slough was revealed to have an accident rate 41.3% higher than the… read more

More urban areas in UK should have 20mph road speed limits, according to London study
A dramatic reduction in the number of people killed or injured in road traffic accidents could be achieved by lowering the speed limit in built up areas, according to a new study which has been published in the British Medical Journal.  The study, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine looked at… read more