New Initiatives
STREET WATCH
A concept started in the low crime area of East Hampshire commenced over two years
by Chief Inspector Kedge, East Hampshire District Commander.
According to Chief Inspectors words "Street Watch is now recognised as the only regulated model for community civilian street patrols that exist in the UK which involves the whole community"
As a result of a pilot scheme in Four Marks Near Alton in Hampshire four other small areas in East Hampshire are now operational.
Street Watch is fully supported by the Hampshire Constabulary (apparently) and over the last six months it has been promoting the scheme to other force areas and are delighted that full support for pilot schemes has been given by Surrey & Bedfordshire Police. More forces are expected to follow.
Inspector kedge has confirmed that there exits a gap in policing around the community empowerment. There is a need for police to approach communities and invite residents to work in a new partnership approach to help tackle and resolve local problems. After all, one thing is clear, we can't do it on "our own"
In The Times recently Inspector Kedge is reported thus " When some communities have a particular problems, I would like to see people working in partnership with police. Residents, working as citizens, could patrol their own communities in pairs."
Now as a result of the endorsement of East Hampshire District Council and its officials the success of this venture is now nationwide, and Bedfordshire are to have eight Street Watches commencing in April, and Surrey is setting up one at the moment to be operation in April.
Previously Street Watch members were given a yellow jacket to wear bearing "Street Watch" which are in the process of being changed to we believe Community Street Watch"
Street Watch in March 2010 wrote to the Home Office to seek its support. This seems somewhat strange to seek their approval after contacting many of the police forces in the country.
We understand that Street Watch are obviously responsible for their own actions, and to act as good citizens, and perhaps the main difference with other crime initiatives is that Street Watch members have easier access to the Police, something we all crave for but at the present time is not apparently forthcoming.
We can only await further developments, with reservations !!.
For more information go to the Street Watch web-site.
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A few years ago, we felt that using the first exit, nearest the Petersfield Town Centre from the Festival Hall Car Park was dangerous and because of a high hedge and then crossing the pavement, any motorist leaving by this exit had their vision impaired and pedestrians using the pavement where in danger of being knocked down.
Whilst the closure of this exit took much longer than it should have done, at least it is no longer a hazard. Excuses for retaining the exit, were that it was a "Right of Way" and therefore could not be closed. What about Health & Safety........ It did take a number of years to action, but success came our way!! It is an entrance to the Car Park.
The photograph of the Exit was taken some time ago!
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HAM BARN ROUNDABOUT
Unfortunately the camber of this large roundabout is faulty and as a result about 20 vehicles lost some of their load causing massive disruption. In 2007 new signs were erected as a result of pressure being exerted. Since 2007 there has been a slight improvement in the collision rate as recorded by the Highways Agency.
Recent correspondence with the Highways Agency suggests that there are no imminent improvements for this junction. This roundabout will prove a pinch point on the A3 as and when the Hindhead Tunnel becomes fully operational. No doubt at that stage further improvements/suggestions will be required !!
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A reply from the Highways Agency regarding the charging for the Toll over the Thames on the M25 which is a stratigic motorway, particularly for trade from/and to Europe that can be held up on occasions for an hour or more.
This is the response !!!
Debts associated with the construction of the bridge and tunnels have indeed now been fully discharged.
As such the powers to charge a toll at the Crossing under the Dartford –Thurrock River Crossing Act 1988 expired on the 31 March 2003. However, as from 01 April 2003, the toll charges were replaced by a regulatory charge which has been applied under the provisions of the Transport Act 2000 in order to manage the high demand for use of the Crossing.
Prior to this change the Government commissioned consultants to investigate the effect that removing charging at the Crossing would have on traffic levels. This research, published in August 2001, suggested that use of the Crossing would grow more rapidly if there was no charge to use the Crossing, which could have an adverse impact on the local community and users of the Crossing.
The increased use of the Crossing could result in longer journey times and discomfort for users. These factors could have a detrimental effect on health, the economy and the environment. As such, in summer 2001, the Highways Agency carried out a public consultation on the proposal to introduce a Charging Scheme under the 2000 Act at the Crossing.
Following this consultation it was decided to implement the Charging Scheme which came into effect at the Crossing on 1 April 2003. The Transport Act 2000 requires that the net income generated by the Charging Scheme must be spent on transport policies for a minimum of 10 years.
With the general election just round the corner, what have our political parties to say about it..!!!