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Calls for zero road deaths
as road casualty figures rise
BRAKE, the road safety charity, is calling on
the government to take action to reduce the numbers killed and seriously injured
on our roads. In recent years road safety policy has been diminished by a lack
of interest, urgency and resources, the consequences of which are becoming
increasingly apparent as our road casualty figures begin to rise. Brake is
calling on the government to act now to uphold its commitment to zero road
deaths and injuries on the road.
Road casualty figures released by the Department for Transport reveal an
alarming increase in overall road deaths and serious injuries (6%), although
there has been a small drop in slight injuries over the same period. Road
casualties have increased for all road users during this period, with car
occupant casualties increasing by 10% and motorcyclist casualties by 5% The
number of children (aged 0 to 15) killed or seriously injured on our roads has
risen by 8%. Clear evidence that action needs to be taken, particularly to
protect our most vulnerable road users.
Worryingly, the government's provisional estimates suggest that there has been
a:- "statistically significant" increase in the numbers killed and seriously
injured in a crash where one or more of the drivers were under the influence of
alcohol. The number of collisions involving alcohol increased by 2% over the
same period, revealing a widespread problem that must be addressed if we are to
keep our road users safe. Brake is calling on the government to increase the
resources available to the Police so they can crack down on dangerous drivers
that choose to get behind the wheel when they are over the limit.
Lucy Amos, research advisor for Brake, said:- "The figures released today
are a clear indication that action should be taken. The significant rise in road
deaths and injuries, particularly in those associated with drink driving must
not be ignored. In 2015, the government committed us to a Vision Zero policy; a
future where there are no road deaths or serious injuries on our roads. If this
is to be achieved, the gradual rise in road casualties must be stopped now."
This is why Brake is calling for the reintroduction of ambitious road casualty
targets to provide motivation for safer roads at the national level;
"Increased investment in infrastructure and vehicle development to ensure our
roads are safe and our vehicles secure; and more resources available to the
police to enforce road safety legislation and discourage risk raking behaviour
on our roads."
Gary Rae, campaigns director for Brake, said:- "The figures are heading in
the wrong direction. Five people die every day on UK roads. That is a tragedy
that is seemingly being ignored by Government. We're calling for the
reintroduction of ambitious road casualty targets, increased investment in
infrastructure, and vehicle development to ensure our roads are safe and our
vehicles secure. We also need more resources available to the Police to enforce
the law."
NHBC
new home registrations resilient throughout 2016
MORE than 150,000 new homes were
registered in the UK by NHBC in 2016, the second highest in almost a decade.
151,687 new homes were registered by NHBC in 2016, a slight decrease of 2%
compared to 2015 when 155,504 new homes were registered.
The 2016 figures
represent a 70% increase in registrations compared to levels seen at the time of
the housing crash in 2008/09.
115,689 new homes were registered in the private sector, compared to 117,506 in
2015 with 35,998 registered in the affordable sector, compared to 37,998 the
previous year.
NHBC's latest data also revealed that 7 out of 12 regions experienced an
increase in registrations, most notably Yorkshire and Humberside (+27%), South
East (+14%) and North West (+12%), compared to 2015 figures.
Additionally, the overall UK total excluding London registrations shows a 4%
increase on the corresponding figures from 2015, with 134,365 registrations in
2016 compared to 129,744 the previous year, for the UK without the capital.
The number of new homes completed during 2016 (141,175) was also marginally up
1% on 2015's total (140,407).
In terms of house types, 2016 saw the highest number of detached homes
registered in the UK since 2004, with a total of 46,118 being registered and the
highest number of semi detached since records began 30 years ago (38,999).
As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC's
registration statistics are a lead indicator of the country's new homes market.
For over 80 years, NHBC has been committed to driving up quality and raising
standards in house building and enjoys around 80% market share in UK new home
warranties.
Commenting on the annual statistics, NHBC Business Development Director Mark
Jones said:- "Taking into account the extraordinary events of 2016, the UK
house building sector has remained resilient, despite initial caution around Brexit.
We have also seen some strong regional growth outside of London. Both industry
and consumer confidence remains high and early signs indicate that the new year
has begun positively."
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54 year old give a CBO in
Southport
A 54 year old woman from Southport has
been given a 2 year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) under the anti social
Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Deirdre Patricia Maguire, from
Southport, was convicted of theft offences, on 27 January 2017 and jailed for 76
days.
She has also been issued with the CBO, which lasts for 2 years,
and is prohibited from entering the area outlined in black and hatched on the
map above, within the following area:- Lord Street, to the Junction of Eastbank
Street, with its Junction, at Chapel Street, into Hoghton Street, to its
Junction, with Manchester Road to its Junction with Lord Street. It also stops
her entering the following businesses:-
1. Entering Debenhams store, Lord Street, Southport.
2. Entering Boots store, Chapel Street, Southport.
3. Entering the Holland & Barrett store, Chapel Street, Southport.
4. Entering the Savers Health and Beauty Store, Marble Place, Southport.
5. Entering the Sainsburys store, Lord Street, Southport.
If Maguire does not comply with all of the provisions of the CBO, she will be
committing a criminal offence, for which she could be sent to Prison.
Community Inspector Graham Fisher said:- "We have listened to the concerns
of our community and taken this action to reduce anti social behaviour and
improve their quality of life. Criminal Behavioural Orders are proving to be an
extremely effective tool in tackling persistent offenders. The successful
application for a Criminal Behaviour Order on Deirdre Maguire shows our
commitment to dealing robustly with repeat offenders who have a negative impact
on the community."
3 males arrested after drugs
and firearm seized in Southport
MERSEYSIDE Police have arrested 3 males
and recovered drugs and an antique firearm following an incident that took place
in Southport, on Sunday 29 January 2017. At around 5pm, Officers attempted to
stop a Vauxhall Corsa, on Hesketh Road, Southport. The car initially failed to
stop for Officers and was engaged in a slow pursuit before being stopped, on
nearby Queens Road. The 3 males within the vehicle were detained and following a
search of the car, bags of cannabis and a phone were also recovered. Following a
further search of an address in Sefton Street, Southport, resulted in the
location of what was described as an antique handgun. It has since been taken
away for forensic enquiries. A 19 year old male, from Southport, was arrested on
suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possessing a Section
1 firearm and drug driving. A 20 year old male, also from Southport, was
arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A 20 year
old male, from Birkdale, was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis
with intent to supply. All 3 males have since been questioned by detectives.
Anyone with information on drug supply is asked to call:- 101 or you can speak
to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on:- 0800 555
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