News, links and Development
23.5.08
West of England Road Safety Partnership awarded The Wheels Project a grant as part of its overall initiative to reduce the number of road traffic collisions involving new moped riders. The monies are aimed at educational, hands on programmes for new riders living in geographic areas identified by the Social Research Agency (www.sraltd.co.uk) as high risk. Other initiatives include 'Keep your Wheels' (www.keepyourwheels.org.uk)
Go to :- Programmes/Kick Start Plus Mopeds
18.2.08
In its report ‘World Class Skills
’ the government accepted the challenging targets recommended by the Leitch report and set out its agenda for raising skills levels.Raising numeracy/mathematics skills is one of the biggest challenges. An estimated 6.8 million adults currently have skills at below entry level 3 numeracy and the government has set a target of an additional 390,000 adults achieving at least a numeracy Entry 3 level by 2011
1.2.08
1% of all road users in the UK are motorcyclists. 20% of all Road Traffic Accidents that result in Death or Serious Injury invole a motorcylist. 1 in 3 of these riders are 16-17 year old moped riders. ( Social Research Associates (SRA) and the University College London (UCL) , 2008. www.sraltd.co.uk)
Part of this study conducted by the SRA and UCL revealed that in Bristol most of these riders lived in the most deprived areas of the city and from 150 16-17 year old moped riders who lived in these areas:-
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25% had not taken Compulsory Basic Training
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25% admitted to de-restricting their mopeds (invalidated their vehicle insurance)
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50% had been involved in a Road Traffic accident and gave multiple causes such as:-
Poor road surfaces (83%)
Dangerous Driving by others (75%)
Dangerous Driving by self (60%) ''That's the point'' ''That's what we do it for''
Moped in poor condition (34%)
Anti Social Behaviour Orders(ASBO)
A report published by the South Bank University in November 2007 revealed that ASBOs are increasingly being used as a 'second sentence' on offenders rather than a stand alone deterrent. ASBOs are seen by practitioners and residents as working best when they were accompanied by various forms of support. In most of the boroughs surveyed the level of support given to ASBO recipients was found to be poor (and stood, by implication, a significantly higher risk of failing to be effective)
Assessing the use and impact of ASBOs: www.policypress.org.uk
Youth Justice
Every year an estimated 70,000 school-age offenders enter the Youth Justice System. By using the average cost associated with each crime committed, together with information on the total number of convictions, the estimated cost of youth crime for
Safe travel
Safetravel has created an interesting public interest website at www.safetravel.co.uk which focuses on a wide range of safety issues, home and abroad. It's packed with useful tips, advice and information.
Highway Code
On line version of the Highway Code can be accessed via www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode
In any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, please note that only the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Code should be relied upon.
Theory Test
For information and practice for the theory test go to :- www.theory-tests.co.uk
Motorcycling news
A new practical motorcycle test is planned to be introduced from 29th September 2008.
Visit www.dsa.gov.uk/mptc for details
You can apply for your provisional moped licence upto 3 months before your 16th Birthday
In February 2007, the Driving Standards Agency launched the Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT). RPMT trainers are eligible for possible insurance discounts once they have registered. The deadline to be accepted on to the Register via the Prior Accredited Learning route (Grandfather Rights) is 1st February 2008. If you are interested in joining the Register, have passed your motorcycle test and hold qualifications in motorcycle instruction you can purchase a Starter Pack (price £6.99) by calling 0191 201 8089 (lines open Mon-Friday, 10am - 4pm) or send an E mail to RPMT@dsa.gsi.gov.uk For further enqiries call 0115 901 2527 / 2595
In November 2007, the DSA officially introduced the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS). Any rider who shows the required level of competency on training delivered by an RPMT will receive an Enhanced Rider Insurance Certificate (ERIC). They can present this certificate to major insurers to be in line for possible discounts of between 15 and 17%. Further, they will also be eligible for contined discounts by receiving additional developmental training in future years. This applies to ALL riders taking RPMT training such as new riders, experienced riders and those returning to riding after a break. For further details visit www.transportoffice.gov.uk/rpmt
Queen's Speech 2007
Overview of Queen's speech 2007 info4local: Quick guide to the Queen's Speech 2007 (updated)
NEW PROGRAMME FOR NEW MOPED RIDERS AT WHEELS
In November 2007, we introduced a new programme for new moped riders - Kick Start Plus Mopeds.
The aim of the programme is to :-
- Equip new riders with the skills and knowledge required to reduce their risks of involvement in a serious road traffic accident
- Prepare new riders to ride their moped on the road legally
- Provide an alternative for new riders to access the world of work
6 programmes are fully sponsored to 31.3.08 between
the West of England Road Safety Partnership www.bristol.gov.uk
and Quartet Community Foundation www.quartetcf.org.uk
Go to Programmes/Kick Start Plus Mopeds for details
ACCREDITATION AT WHEELS
Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) Examining Board
From September 2007 we are able to offer some groups the opportunity to gain an OCR accreditation across all of our courses apart from our Entry level programme, Kick Start Karts.
We currently deliver 3 modules contained in the OCR's National Skills Profile in motor vehicle studies Third Grade (Basic skills Entry 3 level) :-
Module Title
3 Find out about vehicle layouts
4 Carry out practical tasks in motor vehicle maintenance and repair
5 Carry out maintenance/safety checks on a motor vehicle
| OCR Qualifications are nationally recognised and represent the most respected names in education. www.ocr.org.uk/ - 18k - Qualifications - www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/qualifications.html Past Papers - www.ocr.org.uk/publications/publications_pastpapers.html Publications - www.ocr.org.uk/publications/publications.html Examiners & Moderators - www.ocr.org.uk/.../examiners_and_moderators.html |
The Wheels Project is an Approved OCR Centre (centre no. 50738)
Contact David Glossop for more information david@wheelsproject.org.uk
Does your Community group need a vehicle?
In September 2008 we are planning to run 3 more Community Vehicle programmes and are looking for community groups to support.
Our groups will select a project from applications received and plan to GIFT a vehicle to the chosen Community group by the end of May 2009.
If your community group (non profit making) needs a vehicle but is unable to meet the cost of buying one then contact us with details of :-
- who you are with website address and any other background information
- why you need a vehicle,
- what specifications you require
- when you need it
- how you will meet the running costs once it is gifted to you
- a copy of your most recent audited accounts
We run Community Vehicle programmes for up to 2 groups each academic year (usually year 11 and either disadvantaged or disaffected).
Each group undertakes a basic introduction to motor vehicle repair in term 1 during which time the learners will consider community groups they wish to support. We will let the learners know of your initial application and learners will draw up a short list of 'possibles'.
Representatives from these community organisations will be invited to make a 30 minute presentation about their organisation and vehicle needs to the learners during their first term with us- usually Septemder/October but occasionally later if groups are late starting.
The group of young people decide which vehicle to work on based on cause,cost, feasibility and general approval of the community group (registered charity or public sector). They will notify all groups considered with their decision.
The Learners then set about acquiring the vehicle with our support - sometimes it is gifted to us but occasionally we have to buy one. We aim to acquire a vehicle that meets the needs of the community group selected and that can be completed realistically within our timeframe (4 to 5 terms) and to MOT standard.
The vehicle will usually be handed over following our own Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI), to the recipient organisation during terms 5 or 6 (May/June).
Media coverage will be involved during that presentation and we will expect to work with each group and community group closely towards producing a press release.
The Community group can be local, regional, or national .
The only costs incurred by the recipient are for replacement parts that are not a standard feature of the vehicle, Road Tax, insurance and transportation of the vehicle to the recipient’s HQ.
I hope this is helpful and look forward to hearing from you soon
Best wishes
David Glossop
General Manager
Tel: 0117 977 1717
email: david@wheelsproject.org.uk
NOVICE DRIVER DEVELOPMENTS
July 2007
The House of Commons Transport Committee’s report on Novice Drivers offers an excellent insight into many of the issues – and there is a growing concern around the high casualty rates for young drivers.
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmtran/355/355i.pdf
Contained therein is some useful information for prospective new drivers.
Mock Theory Tests now available on line at
www.driving-tests.co.uk