Falklands : Falklands: Public Meetng Report (23/01/07)
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 24.01.2007 (Article Archived on 07.02.2007)
The subject of this meeting was the proposed Road Traffic Bill.
PUBLIC MEETING: TUESDAY, 23 JANUARY 2007
(The Road Traffic Bill)
By J. Brock (FINN)
A public meeting was held in the Court and Council chamber of the town hall at 1700hrs on Tuesday, 23 January 2007. The subject of the meeting was public consultation on the Road Traffic Bill. Cllr the Hon Mrs. Janet Robertson chaired the meeting. Other Councillors present were Dr. Andrea Clausen, Mr. Ian Hansen, Mr Richard Cockwell, Dr. Richard Davies, Mr. Richard Stevens and Mr. Mike Summers. Approximately 15 members of the public attended the meeting.
The first area of the bill concerned the use of Mobile phones and 2-Metre sets while driving. Eating and drinking while driving also were added to the discussion. Councillors were in favour with being specific and stating that mobile phones only should be singled out in the legislation. It was thought that if accidents were caused while eating or using 2 Mitre sets that they could be done for driving without due care and attention. It is the concentration on driving that is severely impaired by the use of mobile phones. It was pointed out by members of the public that while one could drop a sandwich or 2 Mitre microphones, liquid were difficult to drop when both hands are needed.
Good Samaritans needed special consideration in court according to a member of the public. Councillors thought that it was a problem the Court System needed to address and it might not be in their remit. They felt it should be addressed.
A member of the public asked about parking on the pavement and Cllr Summers reminded everyone that it was illegal to park on pavements. However, there are several incidents where parking on pavements puts pedestrians at risk.
Seatbelts were discussed and the draft bill mirrors what is happening in the UK.
Speed limits were discussed with a lively debate about whether 50 MPH should be allowed on the MPA Road. The speed limit, according to a member of the public, could be 35MPH on certain straight roads in Stanley. However, Cllr. Clausen noted that in centre town especially around the school should be a reduced speed area. It was noted that a former (not in the Islands) magistrate said it was unlikely for a prosecution to take place if a person’s speed was 48 MPH on the MPA Road. Two Councillors stated tat they drove according to the road conditions and not according to the speed limit. Brought up in this section was the MPH – KMH conversion and the fact that Military vehicles will in due course have speed governors on them.
There was a debate on the one-way system in Stanley and it was thought it would work if Ross Road has a two-way traffic flow. It was noted that people have accepted the clearway and they will get used to a sensible one-way system.
Several potential zebra crossing locations were discussed as well as the addition of railings at the crossings and pedestrian operated lights. It was thought to be too sophisticated for the small amount of traffic we have in Stanley. Drivers were not consistent in how they approached Zebra Crossings and pedestrians also were not schooled in etiquette used in crossing via Zebra Crossings. A proposed crossing by the Jetty Centre at the bottom of Philomel Hill needs further work.
MOT certificates for vehicles over 3 years old were discussed. Focus was given to Taxis and private hire vehicles for safety reasons. Licensing requirements need to reflect this. It would be up to the Police to administer the programme. However, it was pointed out by one Councillor that Police know what vehicles should be taken off the road and won’t hesitate to do so.
Licensed Garages could be the answer but it was said that per head of population we had the highest number of vehicle mechanics who might not want to go to a garage whose owner was less qualified than the driver.
Age limits and medical checks for drivers of PSVs were deemed to be age discrimination and would likely be dropped from the proposed law.
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