Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists
JOHN F. BLACK MOTOR ENGINEERS
~Air Con ~Diesel Tuning ~Servicing ~Repairs ~Diagnostics ~Exhausts ~Tyres ~Motorhomes ~MOT testing for classes 3,4,5 & 7
Tel: 01387 267473
6B Catherinefield Ind Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PQ
The weather is changing, are your skills up to the more challenging conditions that winter may bring?
Look inside for tips on how to deal with winter conditions and see page 8 to find out how we may be able to help.
Group Committee Members for 2014/15 Chair, Chief Obs
Graeme McColm
01387 720425
Vice Chair
Jamie Wood
07759 260621
Secretary
Helen Cameron
07707 035518
Treasurer
Russell Wears
01387 263893
M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird
07919 128305
Car Coordntr Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 Committee
Andy Campbell Bob Sloan Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith Chris Wilson Karen Court
07717 798109 07764 349459 07725 941780 07952 751433 07935 381722 tba
To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
This magazine was published by: Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists. For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk Contact the Group Secretary: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk
Facebook: Dumfries & Galloway IAM (Motorcycles) Group Magazine contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor, Group or the Institute of Advanced Motorists, to which the Group is affiliated. Reg Charity No. SC 023511
Copy date: Latest article submission date for the Spring 15 issue: 13 March 2015
What’s on?: check out events at www.iamdumfries.org.uk 8 December: South of Scotland Car Club - Roland Proudlock 12 January: Rescue Dogs - Julie McMorran 9 February: Colin Golphin - team Leader Moffat Mountain Rescue Date TBA March: 10 Pin Bowling, Carlisle Date TBA April: Visit - Dumfries Air Museum 11 May: AGM and quiz Venue for meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW starting 7:30pm except where otherwise stated.
For membership and all other enquiries call: 07707 035518 or e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk Photography notice: Occasionally we may take photos during meetings, guidance sessions or at other events in order to promote the Group and its activities. Photos may be reproduced in our web sites, our magazine or through other promotions. If you wish to withhold your permission for your image to be used please contact the Group Secretary. Š Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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A message from the Chairman Welcome to the winter edition of our Advance magazine. We have been very lucky weather-wise and no doubt we have all profited from the very warm, sunny days lasting right through until the end of October. Now the clocks have changed and winter is just around the corner remember, whether a car driver or a bike rider, stay alert.
Nith Inshore Rescue boat
Our social events usually take place on a Monday night and this September we visited the independent Nith Inshore Lifeboat station, a well attended event, where we were found out about the lifeboat, crew and equipment after first having enjoyed a barbeque. October saw Duncan Livingston of Michelin Tyres introduce us to the latest motorcycle tyre technology. The evening was also well attended with over 25 members and friends turning out.
Please check future syllabus events on page 1 of this magazine or look on our website where we endeavour to post any last minute changes. Thanks to all those who give up their time to help promote safety in our region. The first weekend in November will see Helen and Stewart Cameron attending the IAM national conference in Birmingham. Hopefully they will learn of any new strategies and future plans for the IAM. Andrew Bird and I are also going along so we can find out about any changes, new rules and regulations specifically affecting the bike side. If you know anybody who would benefit from one of our driving/biking courses please bring them along to any of our events. With Christmas just around the corner how about treating your loved one to an IAM membership? It may be the best and safest present they ever get.
Give a ‘GIFT FOR LIFE’
Our ‘Skill for Life’ courses come with one years FREE RAC roadside and recovery assistance. Their patrols fix 4 out of 5 vehicles at the roadside, so there has never been a better time to become a better driver! The 'Skill for Life' package costs just £149 however the IAM Christmas Shop is now open offering discounts on both car and bike ‘Skill for Life’ courses. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Order by 16 December for guaranteed delivery for Christmas. To give a 'gift for life' this year and save £14 go to http://www.iam.org.uk/sflvouchers or phone the IAM on 0300 303 1134. I hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year. All the best for 2015.
The wheel goes full circle! Members of the public in Devon are poised to begin training in the art of minor highways maintenance. The County Council is enlisting volunteers, nominated by local communities, to carry out small pothole repairs and fill surface defects. It hopes that the ‘road wardens’ will take charge of minor repairs in some residential streets or on unclassified roads, as well as help to clean road signs and clear vegetation. This is similar to the job of a roadman who in the past was allocated a specific section of local road to look after, carrying out minor jobs like pot hole filling, hedge trimming, minor drainage and the like. The use of such people was largely phased out by the 1970s in the UK, being replaced by mobile gangs. The number of people involved in minor/routine maintenance has considerably reduced by the introduction of new working practices and now it is thought that the labour force is about one fifth of what it was in the 1960s. Under the scheme Devon County Council only covers public liability insurance and will not provide any other form of insurance cover for maintenance activities which must be undertaken at the volunteers own risk.
Country Roads safety campaign launched Motorists in rural areas are being urged to slow down before approaching bends as part of a new Government backed road safety campaign. The 'THINK!' campaign also calls on drivers to anticipate potential hazards, drive at a speed that allows them to stop within the distance they can see ahead and to give cyclists and horse riders plenty of space when overtaking. Department for Transport statistics show that an average of three people die every day on rural roads, accounting for 60% of Britain’s total road fatalities. The fatality rate of rural roads is nearly 11 times higher than that of motorways.
New observer scheme rolling out nationwide Following a trial period, the new IAM Observer Qualification process, verified by external verifiers, has now been signed off. The IAM Observer qualification is now externally accredited by IMI Awards (the Institute of the Motor Industry). There are two levels of qualification: © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Local Observer (the standard Group Observer role) National Observer (roughly equivalent to the former Senior Observer role). The scheme follows the same process for both driving and riding observers. Our group was involved in the trial period and we already have two National Observers, Graeme McColm and Andrew Bird, in the motorcycle section. The new scheme is now going ‘live’ to all regions across the country and your group will be working on the new scheme over the coming months. In time all existing observers will have the chance to become a 'Local Observer', alongside new observers who, in future, can all be trained under the new scheme. Observers learn a lot more, not just about helping other drivers/riders reach the standard they have achieved, but through a greater understanding of the principles and application of advanced driving/riding techniques. This will also help the observer improve their own standard of driving/riding. On top of this a recognised qualification is achieved, approved nationally by IMI Awards. Find out more at the IAM web site - http://www.iam.org.uk/motorcyclist/afterthe-iam-test299/111-become-an-iam-group-observer-
Update - Winter tyres, the motor insurance commitment The latest motor insurer’s Commitment on the use of winter tyre is now on line covering the period to September 2015 (https://www.abi.org.uk ). It lists the various insurers and their requirements regarding the fitment of winter tyres. Most insurers have no special requirements but some require you to notify them so it is worth checking the document if you do use winter tyres.
FULL CONTROL The IAM recommend motorcycle observers read the Full Control document which describes an effective and precise riding technique while also helping you to understand the essential physics of a motorcycle. The document is based on the original Norwegian book which has been translated into four languages with over a quarter of a million copies published. This link will take you to the document: http://www.iam.org.uk/images/stories/riders/full-control.pdf © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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Did you know? In 2012 there were just over 1.2 million licensed motorcycles in GB and 2.8 billion miles were travelled by motorcycle (DfT 2013). But motorcycle theft rates remain high, about 22/26,000 machines are stolen annually, down from 35,000 stolen in 2001 and well below the 45,000 annually stolen in the 1970s. So now might be the time to review your security measures, especially if your machine is likely to be left unattended for longer periods during the winter.
MotoGoLoco Mapping - Reuniting you with your GPS Dave Smith (Managing Director of MotoGoLoco) The advent of paper maps has inspired and guided travellers and adventurers for centuries. From the humble X marks the spot, paces, palm trees and treasure right through to contour lines and the loading up of maps with information such as distance, forests, rivers, fuel stations and twisty roads. The only real game changer being the arrival of computers and specifically the development and evolution of the - not so humble and very much maligned GPS or electronic navigation systems. Love them or hate them they are here to stay and will continue to have an ever growing influence in the way we plan our method of travel and routes. Some of us will continue to avoid them based on historical anecdotes of going over cliffs, into dead ends, and getting hopelessly and totally lost. Many of us are happier believing these stories in the same way we resisted computers and smart phones. “Got a long without you before I met you, gonna get along without you now!!!” Sound familiar? But slowly and surely we now play with GPS apps on our phones (and dare I say are amazed – even if it is secretly). Slowly but surely we are getting familiar with the GPS terms, styles and language. Slowly, but even more surely, we are converting over to dependence upon these gadgets. Very soon if you are not using these things directly you will be side-lined to the fringe and the quality of your life will no doubt be reduced to an untenable level. We will not even talk about the enlightened ones and there patronising pitiful looks and attitude towards the diehards. I was chatting to a group of classic car rallyists the other day and they referred to themselves as Map people!! They said this with pride and qualified the statement with an explanation to the effect that maps show true intelligence and give an understanding of time and place, of rationale and intelligence, of geography and direction. That the map stirs the imagination and sows the seed for adventure and travel. They did go one step further to castigate the lowly traitorous and subversive uncleans. To trash the mutinous souls who are doomed to bring death and destruction to the map and a way of life. To label © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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the cretins that are bringing down the curtain on academia and the ability to think for oneself and be inspired. You know, in the same way that the calculator has stopped the development of maths, science and space travel because it was the demise of learning tables and long division, algebra, logarithms and trigonometry. You know how the computer would stop us thinking and take away all our jobs. You know – how the digital camera was kind of nice to take holiday snaps but could never ever replace a “real camera”. The GPS is not that far removed. You are aware that it is kind of nice to key in a post code and say go. Let it find the quickest direction. But build a real route. Plan it. Work it out. Bend it. Twist it. Snap it. Separate a via point from a point of interest? Check it out on Google Earth. Incorporate things to do and see. Visualise it being created and we all turn to GPJ’s (gadget - phobic jelly’s)! Why o’ why can’t the people (I resisted saying devil’s incarnate) who build these sites use proper everyday English. Why can they not simply say what they mean? Why can they not just guide us simply without using hieroglyphics and computer speak that only 16 years olds and under can understand? Why o’ why o’ why! I suspect, nah - I know, that the guy (guys) who wrote up the software (MapSource and BaseCamp) for Garmin will go down in history along with the inventor of the white plastic chair as two of the world’s great evils. The big questions are – can we rid ourselves of the evil rulers? Can we break their stranglehold? Can digital route building and direction finding be allowed to become the domain of the common people. Enter MotoGoLoco. More specifically enter MotoGoLoco mapping. You have got to do yourself a favour and look up MotoGoLoco (www.motogoloco.com) - go to their mapping section and build a route. Next step - Lose your fear and start playing. I have often heard the most abused word “intuitive” only to find that it is intuitive to the likes of old Alb (Einstein), Stephy (Hawking) and the boys. So let’s not use the word and just say this is really simple. Even your computer illiterate and phobic Dad and Auntie Jean can do this one. It actually tells you in plain speak what to do. Heresy I hear in the background. How original is that! Heaven forbid that this approach should catch on! Heresy in the IT world here we go. Bill Gates, Steve jobs and Mark Zuckerberg – rock on. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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You got to give this a bash. What fun I have had playing explorer. I am not even going to try and tell you how to do it. You have got to go to the site and play. Simply Photos courtesy: Jonathan Cosens Photography (Moffat) start by putting in a Andrew Bird doing Clint Smith of MotoGoLoco showing how start point. Then tell it where you the mapping and GPS works it ‘old school’ way would like to finish up and then tell it if there is anywhere in between that you would like to visit. Then look at your route, if you like it – great. If you want to change it just drag the road where you want it. It is that easy peasy. Try it. www.motogoloco.com
MotoGoLoco Mapping - Creating, Saving, Sharing and Uploading
Group Members and Associates can get a free basic car wash, or two jet wash tokens when you fill up. Just show your membership card, or for Associates your IAM confirmation letter. Let the staff know you would like the free bike/car wash before you pay for your fuel. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. 7
Call us on 01387 259111 We are a friendly, local practice offering a continuity of case management from our experienced principal Veterinary Surgeon. We offer a wide range of services, using modern diagnostic aids which allow a focused approach to the healthcare of your pet. We also have a special interest in helping beekeepers successfully control Varroa Mite bees@bridgevets.com
Consulting hours: Weekdays 9:00am - 9:30am By Appointment 3:30pm - 6:00pm Open Surgery Saturday 9:00am - 10:30am - Open Surgery 24hour emergency cover
Bridge Veterinary Clinic 51 Glasgow Street, Dumfries, DG2 9AG 01387 259111 info@bridgevets.com www.bridgevets.com
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Invite you to get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGallowayCars
ADVANCED RIDER /groups/dgiam
We have helped hundreds of people hone their abilities to make their driving or riding more skillful, more enjoyable and safer. Our passion is to help you improve your driving and riding standards leaving you with the ability to make good progress whilst maintaining the highest standards of skill, safety and responsibility... it really is a ‘skill for life’. Interested in improving your skills? Get in touch, find out more. Visit our web site, e-mail or call us on 07707 035518 - see page 1 for our contact details. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC 023511
B R A I D W O O D S SOLICITORS
Property and Estate Agency Wills and Estates Commercial Practice Family Law
www.braidwoods.com 1 Charlotte Street, Dumfries DG1 2AG Telephone: (01387) 257272 E-mail: info@braidwoods.com
We offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:
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Fully trained mechanics
· MOT’s · Servicing · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle ty fe ied a s rr e e ca as k e Fr cks ple boo e ch ut e to o on ph
· Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Parts · Tyres · Accessories · Helmets · Clothing
· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Parts · Accessories · & More
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Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders
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We have an outdoor seated area and a relaxing indoor seated area with Sky TV
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Refreshments available
A701
How to find us d TESCO nwal EXPRESS Ti ns Rd Dow
A7 01
Downsway Garage
75 A wn e To entr C
A75
From the Edinburgh Road roundabout /A75 Dumfries bypass take A701 north. After 0.5 miles take 2nd exit at the roundabout (by Esso/Tesco Express) onto Tinwald Downs Road. In 0.4 miles take left into Downsway Industrial Est. then first right behind Downsway Garage - we are at the end on the left.
www.dngmotorcycles.com Tel: 01387 320312 mucker5uk@yahoo.co.uk
The Secretary reports - Helen Cameron By now you should all have received your Membership Renewal Forms (and if applicable, a Standing Order Form) for the 2014/15 membership subscription, along with the year’s syllabus. The forms are available on our web site should you have misplaced any of them, go to: http://www.iamdumfries.org.uk/ and look for the ‘Group Documents’ tab. Our first 2 events have been excellent and we have had a good attendance. Thanks to all who turn out on the second Monday of the month to support the group and enjoy the varied topics on offer. As always if you are able to talk on a subject, know of someone who could, or if you have a specific topic in mind then please let a committee member know. Four committee members attended the IAM Car and Motorcycle Conference at the beginning of November where they were updated on the five year plan. There was also a lot of information regarding the new IMI awards for Observers. All presentations are on the IAM web site if you are interested, you should find them here: http://www.iam.org.uk/iam-groups/2014-group-conference Since the last newsletter we have had 7 advanced passes: Car - Kieran Wood, Liam Wood and Ian Murray Motorcycle - Jonathon Coupland, Allister McGregor, Derek Mitchell, Jackie Rae. Congratulations to all of them and also well done to our observers who give up lots of hours to help make our roads safer. I would like to ask that everybody returns a completed Membership Renewal Form to Russell, even if they pay by standing order, as this is the only way we can keep keep track of our membership.
More than half of child car seats are incorrectly fitted! According to ‘Good Egg Safety’ around 54% of child seats are incorrectly fitted (from almost 11,000 checks between 2010 and 2013). This year saw a new national initiative to raise awareness of common fitting errors and how to rectify them to improve in-car child safety. The campaign demonstrated ‘common faults’ found from the child car seat checking events and a video has been produced to demonstrate how easy it is to rectify these. These can be found on their campaign site; http://www.goodeggcarsafety.com/ Common mistakes include loose or twisted harnesses, padded clothing, buckle crunch (where the adult belt rests on the child seat and can shatter on impact) and incorrect seat belt routing. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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O B S E R V E R’ S
COR
NER
Every driver should assess each scenario and plan the best course of action. This sections aims to help that process.
Driving in poor visibility Poor visibility is more likely to be encountered in the autumn and winter months. It is not just fog and mist that can affect the view from the driver’s seat, spray, falling snow and low sun can also seriously affect visibility - and some of these have added challenges because they affect the road surface itself. Poor visibility can reduce a driver’s perception of speed because the usual visual references cannot be seen. You should, of course, drive in accordance with the conditions so you’ll likely have to slow down. Follow the golden rule and make sure you can stop safely and comfortably in the distance you can see to be clear. If visibility is severely affected you won’t be able to see what is in front of the vehicle ahead so maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front …. especially if the vehicle ahead is using its high intensity rear fog lights. Avoid the temptation to ‘latch’ onto the lights of the vehicle in front or you could end up driving too close and too fast for the conditions. The Highway Code says: ▪ Rule 226 says you must use headlights (dipped in fog) when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres. ▪ Rule 226 also says you may use front and rear fog lights but you must switch them off when visibility improves. ▪ Rules 114 and 236 says you must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. Top tips: ▪ Use dipped headlights and certainly not main beam when behind another driver in fog. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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▪ Make sure your windows are clean inside and out before you set out, this helps prevent misting up. ▪ Use the heater and/or aircon to clear the windscreen and keep them on as necessary. ▪ Be aware that rear fog lights can mask brake lights because of their intensity – allow more distance between you and the car in front. ▪ Rear fog lights can also mask your brake lights from those behind - so think about the pros and cons of using them in a particular circumstance. ▪ Do not accelerate way from a vehicle that is too close behind you. ▪ Beware other drivers may not be using their lights. ▪ Check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes in order to warn vehicles behind you that you are slowing down. ▪ At junctions in poor visibility, stop, lower your windows and listen for traffic. ▪ Parked cars, pedestrians and cyclists will be hard to see so pay extra vigilance. ▪ Beware fog density changes so adjust your speed and lights accordingly. ▪ Straining to see through thick fog will quickly make you tired – take regular breaks. Don’t underestimate the effect fog has on what you can see or how easily you can be seen by other road users. Adjusting to the weather conditions is vital not only taking into account reduced visibility but also how the road surface is affected, for instance in wet, snowy or freezing conditions.
Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm Well it has been a busy few months, with many riders signing up for a skill for life course. Lockerbie Open Day at Lockerbie Police Station was a great success. Between the police, Blood Bikes and Institute of Advanced Motorists it was a fun, no holds barred day full of helpful information from all parties. At the end of the day we signed up 9 people for advanced training. A brilliant result and to date most have started training with a couple of riders having already passed. Congratulations to everybody who has passed their tests and good luck to some who are just about to sit their tests. We currently have vacancies for motorcycle observers, and as this goes to print there are 5 members undertaking observer training. This will lighten the workload of current observers and help out during events too. Hopefully some new blood will generate more associates. Talking about ease of workload. May I take this opportunity to welcome Les © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13
Kirkpatrick as our additional local examiner. I am sure Mike Stevens will be glad of the extra pair of hands. Thanks Mike for your continued hard work, experience and efficiency. As I mentioned in my Chairmans’s report Andrew and I along with Helen and Stewart are attending the IAM conference in Birmingham. Hopefully this will give us an insight into the latest strategies and organisation changes. November 1st and 2nd was the annual ‘All Year Biker’ event. Preparing your bike for the winter weather is a must for riders who use their bikes in all seasons. Remember the social events have started for this season so please check your syllabus for details. See Facebook and website for last minute changes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for all their efforts over the last year and wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
My road to advanced riding - Jackie Rae Myself and several of my mates attended the joint Police and IAM Bike Safe Day at Lockerbie Police Station earlier this year. We met up with some of the IAM Team who offered to take us out on an observed ride. On the observed ride we travelled over many classifications of road and on return to Lockerbie Police Station we were given a debrief. Bearing in mind that I had ridden motorbikes from the age of 8 and competed for a number of years in Endura Racing it highlighted for me, at the age of 50, the skills I was lacking to keep me and others safe on the road. It was at this point that I decided to enrol with the IAM to be guided to advanced motorcyclist standards. I started this process by attending the observed ride training sessions in Dumfries, meeting at St Michaels Street Garage every Sunday at 10am. At the end of each session we would have a debrief, over a coffee, discussing strengths and weaknesses identified. During these sessions I was taken out by several observers but most frequently by Jamie. I would have mid week training sessions with Jamie, who would meet me in Newton Stewart, and this helped me to progress on the areas needing work. After 5-6 weeks of training sessions it was recognised that I was at a level of competence to be observed by the Senior and then the Chief Observer. This lead to me taking my test which I passed on Friday 31 October this year. Without the dedication, patience and support shown by Jamie and the rest of the IAM Dumfries team this level of achievement would not have been possible. I feel these guys have given me the knowledge to be a safe, progressive and considerate motorcyclist using the IPSGA method and making my motorcycling experience safe and fun in all road and weather conditions. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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How did roads get their numbers? Ever wondered how roads got their numbers? Well the government started to think about this before the first world war as a method of classifying roads according to their importance (and location). This would be useful in determining the grant funding for road improvements. The grant funding rates at the time were 75% for ‘A’ road improvements and 50% for ‘B’ roads. The system of road numbering was published in the 1920s based on a series of zones radiating around London and Edinburgh. The boundary of these zones was formed generally by the 9 major ‘A’ roads i.e. A1 - A9. These were the most important roads at the time. Other roads were then numbered according to where they started so that all routes originating in a zone, were given numbers commencing with that zone number, no matter where the road ended or how many other zones it might pass through. The more major roads were designated with 2 numbers, less important roads were given 3 or 4 numbers. Of course the system has had to be ‘fine tuned’ over the years but remains largely in accordRoad numbering zones - nts ance with the original proposals with the exception of the motorways which came along from the 1950s - they didn’t fully fit the parameters of the existing system so a revised system had to be introduced for motorway numbering. In the case of motorways the rule that a road, starting in a zone, uses the zone number still applies (England and Wales). 6
For one thing the motorways then become the major routes and these don’t tend to focus just on London and Edinburgh, they are much longer and potentially pass through more than one of the old zones.
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In Scotland the motorway numbering system is more simple however, with a few exceptions. Since Scottish motorways, in the main, run alongside the old ‘A’ road they just use the existing number of the adjacent main road. E.g. the M8 runs adjacent to A8 and so uses its number.
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Motorway zones (England & Wales) - nts
© Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 15
Britain’s happiest drivers live near you Britain’s happiest drivers are likely to be called Daniel or Wendy, live in Dumfries and Galloway and may well drive a Teal Blue or Yellow Škoda – that’s according to independent customer car review site, WeLoveAnyCar.com. Using data supplied by more than 650,000 motorists who have independently rated their cars, WeLoveAnyCar.com has been able to identify not only the models that British drivers are happiest with overall but also who the drivers are and where they come from. According to the statistics the most frequently seen name for a male motorist happy with his car is Daniel, closely followed by Jack; while for female drivers it’s Wendy and Jane that lead the way in the happiness stakes. So if you see Dan or Wendy, on the road, you now know why they are smiling!
Don’t be idle Fleet operators are now starting to train their drivers in the dangers of idling, both to the environment and to the bank balance. This is in line with policies brought in by major cities worldwide, which suffer from vehicle derived pollution. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that if the UK’s drivers switched off their engines for one minute rather than idling on every journey they make, this would reduce annual emissions by almost 1 billion kg of carbon dioxide every year and save over £500 million in fuel costs. This is why so many vehicles are now fitted with stop/start technology since there are significant savings to be made, over and above the cost of the technology. Payback calculators are available which estimate the potential savings in both cash and pollution. For instance take a 2hr urban journey when a vehicle is held up for just 10 mins (jams, traffic lights etc) then over 230 days per year a light van or car could waste around 64 litres of fuel, just idling, whilst a 40t lorry would use 116 litres idling in the same conditions. Operate that 40t articulated lorry 300 days per year, 8 hrs per day in a city with just 10% hold-ups wastes around 600 litres of fuel and emits 1600 kg of Co2. In reality, for city travelling, idling can account for about 40% of journey time, which for that lorry equates to 2400 litres of wasted fuel and 6400 kg of CO2 annually, enough too fill 1.3 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Islington, in London is cracking down on idling vehicles in what is thought to be the first campaign of its type in the UK. Enforcement officers are tackling hotspots in the borough, informing and educating drivers about the advantages of turning off their engine but will also issue on-the-spot fines for those drivers who do not switch off their engines when asked. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists
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St. Michael’s Services St. Michael’s Street Dumfries, DG1 2QD Tel: 01387 254304 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Car wash ~ Jet wash ~ MACE convenience store ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
mor e pe r f or ma nc e , le s s pollut ion
Wigtown Road Services Wigtown Road Newton Stewart, DG8 6JZ Tel: 01671 403157 ~ BP ultimate fuels & BP Autogas ~ Jet wash ~ Snack bar/ coffee machine ~ Large Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum/fragrance machine ~ Nectar Points ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
Benmar Garage Station Road Moffat, DG10 9EL Tel: 01683 220010 ~ Esso Energy and Energy Supreme Fuels ~ Jet wash ~ Mace convenience shop ~ Air/Screenwash/Vacuum ~ Cash point ~ Special offers for Dumfries Group Members
Crossflags At Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area. Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW 01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472 www.crossflags.co.uk