04/12/2023
You should be under no illusion if you get behind the wheel whilst under the influence you not only risk your licence, get a fine or prison sentence, but you are risking lives too – that is the message being driven by North Wales Police as they launch the Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, alongside Dyfed-Powys Police, Gwent Police and South Wales Police.
The national month-long operation against driving whilst under the influence began on Friday, 1st December and police forces across the country will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the festive period.
North Wales Police will be using social media as well as a digital advertising campaign to drive home the message of the consequences surrounding drink or drug driving. This will include a digital ad van which will travel across areas of North Wales on key dates throughout December, and digital billboards in shopping centres in Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Wrexham which will also carry our messaging for the duration of the campaign. A poster campaign with licensees and secondary schools and colleges is also underway.
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01/12/2023
Many of us fondly remember the excitement we felt throughout December, desperately hoping we’d have a new bike when we came downstairs on Christmas morning and longing to show it off to our friends at the earliest opportunity.
Being overjoyed at having 5, 10 or what seemed like a ridiculous 15 gears - how times have changed! As technology has progressed rapidly, we now have the luxury of e-bikes to assist us when we’re pedalling; a welcome benefit when riding up a steep hill, of which we have many in Wales.
If you are looking to purchase an e-bike for Christmas, it’s important to check that what you are buying is safe and legal. With so many models available, and second-hand e-bikes offering big savings compared to new models, some people may be unaware that the item they have spent their hard-earned money on could be illegal to use on the road or in a public place.
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29/11/2023
Residents will continue to be updated and have opportunities to identify roads which may be considered as exceptions to 20mph, in a phased way, Flintshire Council has confirmed.
The Council has taken a phased approach to assessing restricted roads in the county, which initially involved local county councillors nominating roads for assessment. As a result 12 roads are now in the process of reverting back to 30mph, following consultation during the summer, and details can be found on the Council's website.
Phase 2 will give residents the opportunity to propose roads for an exception.
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22/11/2023
All scheduled work to repair the Gelligaled Park footbridge in Ystrad has now been completed Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC.
The scheme has future-proofed the structure to maintain this important local link between Pontrhondda Avenue and Gelligaled Park.
The footbridge was damaged due to Storm Dennis and also required a series of emergency repairs last year after further extensive damage was found during an inspection.
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17/11/2023
Arriva, a leading UK bus operator has created road safety resources in a bid to encourage children aged up to 16 to 'Stop and Stay' at the kerb, before they cross the road.
With many children taking the bus to and from school, Arriva has devised a booklet, which schools will be sharing with pupils to highlight the need to stay alert when crossing the road.
The bus operator has also launched posters on buses, so that pupils can see the dangers of crossing the road without looking for traffic and finding a safe place to cross, clear of the moving bus.
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17/11/2023
Following the conclusion of Series 4 of The Crash Detectives, which provides a unique insight into the specialist work of Gwent Police’s forensic collision investigation unit (FCIU), it has once again highlighted the devastation that ensues in the aftermath of a road traffic collision.
From those directly involved in a collision, to those that witness the tragedy unfold and our emergency services and health service colleagues who provide crucial, expert assistance at the scene and post-collision, the catastrophic effect of these life-changing incidents should not be underestimated.
Unless you have had a personal involvement in such an incident, it can be impossible to imagine that you or a member of your family could end up in this position yourselves, but it is testament to the production team and the FCIU at Gwent Police for delivering frank and open accounts of the impact these collisions have and revealing the professionalism and determination that go in to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
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16/11/2023
Construction of the new cycle and pedestrian active travel bridge in Newtown is progressing well, confirms Powys County Council.
Work to start building the long-awaited bridge across the River Severn began on-site in June and is being funded by the Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales. The steel, single span, open arch structure will span approximately 53 metres and connect the riverside path on the west of the river to Pool Road on the east.
Whilst the bridge superstructure has been fabricated and painted offsite in contractor premises based in Wrexham and Mold, much of the groundworks have been progressing on site, including clearing and excavation, as well as construction of the bridge foundations and temporary supports to facilitate bridge assembly.
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15/11/2023
Shoppers heading into Swansea city centre this Christmas can travel on buses for free every Saturday and Sunday during November and December.
Swansea Council has confirmed the 'Free-Ride Swansea' public transport offer will be back up and running for the festive period and follows a successful free travel initiative which ran throughout the summer holidays.
Starting on Saturday November 18, the latest free offer will run every Saturday & Sunday in the run up to Christmas Day and will continue for a further five days from 27 - 31 December.
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08/11/2023
The Welsh Government has published a Consultation Document, outlined below:
Road Safety in Wales - A New Road Safety Strategy
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08/11/2023
Riding in the rain - it’s probably fair to say that bikers in Wales will have lots of experience of this!
Nevertheless a few hints and tips from Wales By Bike will hopefully provide a useful reminder of how to ride safely in wet weather.
- Traction is greatly reduced in the rain; it’s especially important that tyres are undamaged, inflated to the correct pressure and with good tread depth
- Ride as smoothly as possible with careful, progressive use of the brakes and throttle
- Wear proper rain gear, one or two sizes larger than you normally wear, so it fits over your normal PPE
- Choose your lane position to avoid large amounts of surface water; look for dry tracks made by vehicles in front of you, as these sections allow greater grip for your tyres. Avoid puddles wherever possible - they may even be hiding a pothole
- Use common sense; slow down in the rain and keep a safe extended following distance - at least double the distance you allow in dry conditions
- If they really can’t be avoided safely, take slippery spots such painted lines and manhole covers as straight on as possible
- A rainbow patch on the road surface could be oil mixed with rainwater so early observations will allow you to avoid this hazard
- Being tense on a your bike affects control and puts you at greater risk; stay relaxed and if the weather really becomes too bad, pull over
- Bikers are even harder to see in the rain. Make yourself as visible as possible; hi-vis rain gear can be a good option. And remember to use your lights
- Remember, when visibility is low it becomes even more important to ride so you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear
Rain or shine, each ride should ideally be smooth, relaxed and confident. Look well ahead and try to enjoy the experience, even if you’re soggy around the edges!
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