Teenager killed on A31 named as Jade Clark (From Daily Echo)

Although this is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Jade, there was absolutely no need for the Police to close the M27 and A31 for 14+ hours.

And if it was considered necessary, traffic could have been diverted at Cadnam (Junction 1), Emery Down, Burley or just east of Ringwood itself as well as Ower (Junction 2).

Instead ALL vehicles were being diverted at Junction 2 which is some 20 miles or so from the scene and caused near gridlock to the west of Southampton during the rush hour.

I'm sure the Police will come up with numerous reasons why the road was closed for so long, but I'm wondering if common sense is one of those reasons!

eurogordi wrote:
Although this is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Jade, there was absolutely no need for the Police to close the M27 and A31 for 14+ hours.

And if it was considered necessary, traffic could have been diverted at Cadnam (Junction 1), Emery Down, Burley or just east of Ringwood itself as well as Ower (Junction 2).

Instead ALL vehicles were being diverted at Junction 2 which is some 20 miles or so from the scene and caused near gridlock to the west of Southampton during the rush hour.

I'm sure the Police will come up with numerous reasons why the road was closed for so long, but I'm wondering if common sense is one of those reasons!

common sense is clearly not one of your strong points. Closing the road where they did gave people several options to circumnavigate the incident, closing at Cadnam would have brought traffic to a complete standstill since lyndhurst would have jammed solid. The accident scene is a potential crime scene so has to be treated as such. Forensic inspection and traffic accident specialists takes time and daylight hours, they could not do all the work required in the dark....having to avoid a area for a few hours is not important compared to the possibility that a criminal act has taken place leading to a death of this poor girl. I am not saying it has, and it could have just been a tragic accident but the police do not know that until they investigate thorougly.

eurogordi wrote:
Although this is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Jade, there was absolutely no need for the Police to close the M27 and A31 for 14+ hours.

And if it was considered necessary, traffic could have been diverted at Cadnam (Junction 1), Emery Down, Burley or just east of Ringwood itself as well as Ower (Junction 2).

Instead ALL vehicles were being diverted at Junction 2 which is some 20 miles or so from the scene and caused near gridlock to the west of Southampton during the rush hour.

I'm sure the Police will come up with numerous reasons why the road was closed for so long, but I'm wondering if common sense is one of those reasons!

Common sense would dictate that as the A31 is the main trunk road across the south coast carrying hundreds if not thousands of HGV's a day then any diversion would have to be suitable for said large HGV's. The A35 is therefore virtually the only option without devoting valuable Police resources to manning a far more complicated and unnecessary diversion route, but then I'm sure you'd have moaned about that too being the armchair expert that you are?

It's about time our new police commissioner started work and the first thing he/she or it should do is get a time and motion study done on why it takes so long to clear up after an accident. Are the men on the scene dragging their feet to log up plenty of overtime for doing nothing as by no stretch of anyone's imagination can it take six plus hours of daylight to take a thousand photos. ten minutes of video and take a lot of measurements from a single point, that is if they have the latest laser equipment, but doing all those measurements with a two foot carpenters collapsible rule would take time. The last remark is one for the police's excuses of why it took so long, caused misery to thousands and added considerably to every politicians jump on wagon, global warming. PS Does anyone know if we actually have a police whats it in this county; if so has it done any work yet and most importantly what is it costing us for them doing nothing that we've heard of.

befriendly wrote:
It's about time our new police commissioner started work and the first thing he/she or it should do is get a time and motion study done on why it takes so long to clear up after an accident. Are the men on the scene dragging their feet to log up plenty of overtime for doing nothing as by no stretch of anyone's imagination can it take six plus hours of daylight to take a thousand photos. ten minutes of video and take a lot of measurements from a single point, that is if they have the latest laser equipment, but doing all those measurements with a two foot carpenters collapsible rule would take time. The last remark is one for the police's excuses of why it took so long, caused misery to thousands and added considerably to every politicians jump on wagon, global warming. PS Does anyone know if we actually have a police whats it in this county; if so has it done any work yet and most importantly what is it costing us for them doing nothing that we've heard of.

you moron.... you don't "clear up" a suspected crime scene, you investigate it.... a young girl is dead and it maybe criminal. Show some respect and stop posting insensitive garbage on a thread like this....

befriendly wrote:
It's about time our new police commissioner started work and the first thing he/she or it should do is get a time and motion study done on why it takes so long to clear up after an accident. Are the men on the scene dragging their feet to log up plenty of overtime for doing nothing as by no stretch of anyone's imagination can it take six plus hours of daylight to take a thousand photos. ten minutes of video and take a lot of measurements from a single point, that is if they have the latest laser equipment, but doing all those measurements with a two foot carpenters collapsible rule would take time. The last remark is one for the police's excuses of why it took so long, caused misery to thousands and added considerably to every politicians jump on wagon, global warming. PS Does anyone know if we actually have a police whats it in this county; if so has it done any work yet and most importantly what is it costing us for them doing nothing that we've heard of.

you moron.... you don't "clear up" a suspected crime scene, you investigate it.... a young girl is dead and it maybe criminal. Show some respect and stop posting insensitive garbage on a thread like this....

As was noted on an earlier article on this story, the road through Ringwood really does need looking at.

There are entrances from the A338, Ringwood High Street, and the Texaco garage all with woefully short slips, people switching lanes for Matchams and the spur road, plus through traffic on the way to Ferndown/Wimborne. All of this traffic is travelling at somewhere between 70/80 and joining from virtually a standing start, and many of these vehicles like the moped in this case, but also lorries cant accelerate or brake quickly.

For the Highways Agency to say that there arent enough injuries/fatalities to look at this stretch is disgusting.

My thoughts go out to Jade's family, but also undoubtedly the next victim of what is a dreadful stretch of road.

Ps drove past the other way around 5-30 tonight, it was really sad to see some teenagers putting flowers out, I guess they were friends of Jade.

johnintheuk wrote:
As was noted on an earlier article on this story, the road through Ringwood really does need looking at.

There are entrances from the A338, Ringwood High Street, and the Texaco garage all with woefully short slips, people switching lanes for Matchams and the spur road, plus through traffic on the way to Ferndown/Wimborne. All of this traffic is travelling at somewhere between 70/80 and joining from virtually a standing start, and many of these vehicles like the moped in this case, but also lorries cant accelerate or brake quickly.

For the Highways Agency to say that there arent enough injuries/fatalities to look at this stretch is disgusting.

My thoughts go out to Jade's family, but also undoubtedly the next victim of what is a dreadful stretch of road.

Ps drove past the other way around 5-30 tonight, it was really sad to see some teenagers putting flowers out, I guess they were friends of Jade.

agreed. the whole system is a 70s road plan only with 2010s traffic... the speed limit from forest exit to the Bournemouth exit should be 50mph with average speed limit cameras fitted....

eurogordi wrote:
Although this is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Jade, there was absolutely no need for the Police to close the M27 and A31 for 14+ hours.

And if it was considered necessary, traffic could have been diverted at Cadnam (Junction 1), Emery Down, Burley or just east of Ringwood itself as well as Ower (Junction 2).

Instead ALL vehicles were being diverted at Junction 2 which is some 20 miles or so from the scene and caused near gridlock to the west of Southampton during the rush hour.

I'm sure the Police will come up with numerous reasons why the road was closed for so long, but I'm wondering if common sense is one of those reasons!

I'm presuming your extensive experience with RTA and crime scene investigation qualifies you to state that there was absolutely no need for the police to close the road for so long.

Naturally, the police are by nature a bunch of sadistic sods who enjoy nothing more than closing a road off and causing chaos for hundreds of commuters, just for a laugh, in the middle of investigating the death of a young girl.

This is a very sad occurrence and the family and friends have my sympathy. As usual, the immediate reaction is to suggest the reduction of speed limits but this rarely improves rates of collision. The real issue here is why a young, inexperienced rider on a scooter (potentially) restricted to 30mph was on a fast trunk road with multiple lanes. This may or may not be the case but I have seen these vehicles on the motorway, which is just as suicidal. No doubt I will be accused of callousness and we can ignore the likelihood or not but other riders will still be put into danger by travelling on inappropriate roads.

I was at in traffic jam, I was late for meeting, It took me 3.5 hours to get to Bath from Shirley - but who cares, who really cares...luckily I will be here tomorrow, and hopefully the next day and so on, life is so very precious. Please think before you write such nonsense. May she Rest In Peace x

I was at in traffic jam, I was late for meeting, It took me 3.5 hours to get to Bath from Shirley - but who cares, who really cares...luckily I will be here tomorrow, and hopefully the next day and so on, life is so very precious. Please think before you write such nonsense. May she Rest In Peace x

This outrageous collision needs the fullest publicity to bring home the message that drivers have a responsibility to give way to slower and inexperienced road users at all times, irrespective of speed limits or so called rights of way.

The turn off onto the A31 coming from Verwood, is absolutely horrendous. Drivers come hurtling down from under the Ashley Heath flyover as such speeds that getting swiped coming onto the road is always a close call. What makes things worse is half the drivers are in the wrong lanes and never indicate! The fact 'Highway Chefs' want a certain amount of injuries (including deaths) to have taken place in order to justify a reduction of the speed limit is farcical! Whoever the hell these 'Highway Chefs' are should be ashamed of themselves (not that they will). Their jobs should be to access potential risks and eliminate them from ever potentially occurring! Instead they wait for the tragedies to happen, and then still they'll sit on their backsides and let the numbers stack up. FU!

**** about why the Police take so long could easily countered by a series of articles in all the South's Echos explaining why it does take so long. Then we'd know.

I too fail to understand why Westbound non-HGV traffic could have been allowed to get much nearer before being diverted? It could have been allowed to use all the exits up to and including the Waitrose roundabout at Ringwood.

Complaining about why the Police take so long could easily countered by a series of articles in all the South's Echos explaining why it does take so long. Then we'd know.

I too fail to understand why Westbound non-HGV traffic could have been allowed to get much nearer before being diverted? It could have been allowed to use all the exits up to and including the Waitrose roundabout at Ringwood.

Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

Stmarysstadium wrote:
I was at in traffic jam, I was late for meeting, It took me 3.5 hours to get to Bath from Shirley - but who cares, who really cares...luckily I will be here tomorrow, and hopefully the next day and so on, life is so very precious. Please think before you write such nonsense. May she Rest In Peace x

Very true, who cares about when the road was re-opened or if a few hours people where stuck in traffic.
This young girl has sadly lost her life, thoughts go out to her family and friends, rest in peace Jade

A crime scene would suggest that this poor girl's death was intentional, but I have heard nothing in news reports to suggest that this is the case. Neither do I blame the teenager for riding a moped on a busy road which is perfectly legal being an "A" road.

However, I still believe that the Police are increasingly and unnecessarily closing major roads for unacceptable periods of time following accidents, irrespective of whether there have been fatalities ie. A326 last Friday.

Added to which, as others have written, a phased diversion between the M27 and Ringwood could have been introduced and the closure at Ower was in itself implemented in very dangerous manner.

At 8.30 am this morning there were no warnings that the M27 was closed until reaching the westbound slip road at Junction 2 and, within the space of a few seconds, I witnessed several drivers having to swerve unexpectedly when realising the road was blocked.

Yes, perhaps these drivers should not be approaching a junction at speed, but why weren't warning signs placed further down the approach roads to what is a very busy motorway junction?

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

R.I.P Jade Clark my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

eurogordi wrote:
A crime scene would suggest that this poor girl's death was intentional, but I have heard nothing in news reports to suggest that this is the case. Neither do I blame the teenager for riding a moped on a busy road which is perfectly legal being an "A" road.

However, I still believe that the Police are increasingly and unnecessarily closing major roads for unacceptable periods of time following accidents, irrespective of whether there have been fatalities ie. A326 last Friday.

Added to which, as others have written, a phased diversion between the M27 and Ringwood could have been introduced and the closure at Ower was in itself implemented in very dangerous manner.

At 8.30 am this morning there were no warnings that the M27 was closed until reaching the westbound slip road at Junction 2 and, within the space of a few seconds, I witnessed several drivers having to swerve unexpectedly when realising the road was blocked.

Yes, perhaps these drivers should not be approaching a junction at speed, but why weren't warning signs placed further down the approach roads to what is a very busy motorway junction?

potential crime scene..... is not the same as a crime scene.... what is wrong with you ?

I cannot express enough sympathy for Jade's family and brothers and sisters. I wouldn't have cared if they'd shut the road for 100 years if it meant that this horrible accident never occured.

Jade was a wonderful girl and I shall never, ever forget her. Sleep tight, God Bless.

Julian Ward, Jade's Junior School teacher.

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

I am so sorry for the family and friends of this young lady. Today I drove home from Kent and on joining the M3 from the M25 was, as usual, confronted on the M3 by a permanent 50mph speed limit enforced by speed cameras. If the Highways Agency can justify this speed limit on a motorway why will they not introduce a 50mph limit on a very dangerous stretch of road. Their excuses so far do not hold water, and I sincerely hope they will now wake up and do what those who know best, the locals, demand. Hopefully before another life is lost.

Julian Ward wrote:
I cannot express enough sympathy for Jade's family and brothers and sisters. I wouldn't have cared if they'd shut the road for 100 years if it meant that this horrible accident never occured.

Jade was a wonderful girl and I shall never, ever forget her. Sleep tight, God Bless.

Julian Ward, Jade's Junior School teacher.

Unfortunately shutting an arterial road for '100 years' is somewhat out of the question (as is lowering the speed limit to 50, that's not even considerable for such a long road). Bless her, but she was an inexperienced rider and did take a moped on, essentially, a more dangerous road than a motorway. I don't see many of those on a-roads for a reason. RIP

eurogordi wrote:
A crime scene would suggest that this poor girl's death was intentional, but I have heard nothing in news reports to suggest that this is the case. Neither do I blame the teenager for riding a moped on a busy road which is perfectly legal being an "A" road.

However, I still believe that the Police are increasingly and unnecessarily closing major roads for unacceptable periods of time following accidents, irrespective of whether there have been fatalities ie. A326 last Friday.

Added to which, as others have written, a phased diversion between the M27 and Ringwood could have been introduced and the closure at Ower was in itself implemented in very dangerous manner.

At 8.30 am this morning there were no warnings that the M27 was closed until reaching the westbound slip road at Junction 2 and, within the space of a few seconds, I witnessed several drivers having to swerve unexpectedly when realising the road was blocked.

Yes, perhaps these drivers should not be approaching a junction at speed, but why weren't warning signs placed further down the approach roads to what is a very busy motorway junction?

Nope. Any time an RTA results in a fatality, it's assumed to be a crime scene until investigations show otherwise.

By the way, it needn't be intentional to be a crime. Manslaughter? Death by dangerous driving? Do you really believe all deaths are murders?

The police treat no incidents as accidents until they have satisfied investigations, a bump may take 30mins, some may take longer,

if the traffic (non HGV) was allowed to continue the you have 70mph cars all trying to turn off into Ringwood, which would've clogged Ringwood, with no easy exit.

Where as the A35 is a fast major road

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

I'm sure the authorities will give your suggestions all the attention they deserve.

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

That is exactly the problem, many drivers see in the media what others get for stuff like speeding and decide they can get away with it, I've caught several drivers jumping reds, drivers cutting myself and others up, even caught HGV's cutting cars up, bullying them just because their truck is so much bigger, even caught a sainsburys delivery driver break the law yesterday by parking in the cycle lane on Bursledon road opposite Thornhill Primary, there are also double yellows there and the house they were delivering to had a driveway although it didn't have a dropped curb or they could have parked down a side road and taken the persons shopping round to the front door on the trolley but it's as you say, punishment needs to get severe and fast.

Ginger_cyclist wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

That is exactly the problem, many drivers see in the media what others get for stuff like speeding and decide they can get away with it, I've caught several drivers jumping reds, drivers cutting myself and others up, even caught HGV's cutting cars up, bullying them just because their truck is so much bigger, even caught a sainsburys delivery driver break the law yesterday by parking in the cycle lane on Bursledon road opposite Thornhill Primary, there are also double yellows there and the house they were delivering to had a driveway although it didn't have a dropped curb or they could have parked down a side road and taken the persons shopping round to the front door on the trolley but it's as you say, punishment needs to get severe and fast.

Pot-Kettle-Black.

Torchie1 wrote:

Ginger_cyclist wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

That is exactly the problem, many drivers see in the media what others get for stuff like speeding and decide they can get away with it, I've caught several drivers jumping reds, drivers cutting myself and others up, even caught HGV's cutting cars up, bullying them just because their truck is so much bigger, even caught a sainsburys delivery driver break the law yesterday by parking in the cycle lane on Bursledon road opposite Thornhill Primary, there are also double yellows there and the house they were delivering to had a driveway although it didn't have a dropped curb or they could have parked down a side road and taken the persons shopping round to the front door on the trolley but it's as you say, punishment needs to get severe and fast.

Pot-Kettle-Black.

How so? Please explain.

Ginger_cyclist wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

That is exactly the problem, many drivers see in the media what others get for stuff like speeding and decide they can get away with it, I've caught several drivers jumping reds, drivers cutting myself and others up, even caught HGV's cutting cars up, bullying them just because their truck is so much bigger, even caught a sainsburys delivery driver break the law yesterday by parking in the cycle lane on Bursledon road opposite Thornhill Primary, there are also double yellows there and the house they were delivering to had a driveway although it didn't have a dropped curb or they could have parked down a side road and taken the persons shopping round to the front door on the trolley but it's as you say, punishment needs to get severe and fast.

Nobody cares. You know, you're not actually obliged to spew your anecdotes about how much you hate motorists every time there's a story involving roads in some way. We get it. You're an annoying cyclist with a smug attitude who thinks he's better than everyone else. Go away.

Georgem wrote:

Ginger_cyclist wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Torchie1 wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:

good-gosh wrote:

Buzzard2 wrote:
Of course we have now developed generations who have been taught that everything is everyone else's fault and restricting speed will solve everything. These sad incidents will continue until ALL road users are taught to think less about their rights and more about their responsibilities to others and their own safety - the two are interlinked.

Agreed. The road arrangement has its hazards but it is also clearly visible and obvious as to how the traffic is likely to cross lanes along the section. Speeds can easily be adjusted to suit the conditions and if that means 15mph for 1/2 mile to give safe passage to cyclists or mopeds then do it. The public road is for everybody and drivers have a responsibility to ensure the safe passage of slower traffic in their vicinity.

...And the chances of that happening are? I am a keen cyclist and there are some roads I would never venture near. The A31 is certainly one I would not touch between Cadnam and Ferndown as I know the risks and have too much respect for my own safety. The speeds are there to enable rapid - and relatively safe - progress from one point to another; introducing a vehicle at an inappropriate speed is not sensible and is suicidal - there are always alternative and more suitable routes.

Only the suicidally insane or the totally innocent novice would take a bicycle or a little putt-putt moped on to the A31 even though they can in the eyes of the law. I regularly use that road when I come to the area and It wouldn't occur to me that anyone would attempt to use such a form of transport. Road going tractors, recovery vehicles and large laden articulated transporters travel faster but have to display orange flashing beacons because they are still slower than the average traffic speed. A sad death that will hopefully serve as a warning to others thinking of doing the same thing.

Just because many drivers of this generation are selfish anarchists doesn’t mean that they will always be so. Education is the thing, something these particular drivers don’t like for some reason – the nobody is going to tell me what to do generation - but it needs to be force down their throats - by media blasting, surveillance, prosecutions, eye watering punishment, massive fines, decade long bans, vehicle confiscations. Start the campaign tomorrow and see the change in 10 years' time

That is exactly the problem, many drivers see in the media what others get for stuff like speeding and decide they can get away with it, I've caught several drivers jumping reds, drivers cutting myself and others up, even caught HGV's cutting cars up, bullying them just because their truck is so much bigger, even caught a sainsburys delivery driver break the law yesterday by parking in the cycle lane on Bursledon road opposite Thornhill Primary, there are also double yellows there and the house they were delivering to had a driveway although it didn't have a dropped curb or they could have parked down a side road and taken the persons shopping round to the front door on the trolley but it's as you say, punishment needs to get severe and fast.

Nobody cares. You know, you're not actually obliged to spew your anecdotes about how much you hate motorists every time there's a story involving roads in some way. We get it. You're an annoying cyclist with a smug attitude who thinks he's better than everyone else. Go away.

I've never once said I hate motorists, how dare you accuse anyone of anything when you don't even know them, I only hate bad ROAD USERS, not just motorists in general, I don't think I'm better than anyone else and if you look closely here, I'm not the only one saying that punishments for offenses committed while driving should be stricter and the others agreeing are actually motorists themselves, so you're the one who should go away.

tragic accident my thoughts are with jades family and friends xx. Totally apart.....its important to find the cause of this acccident if ecessive speed contributed then i agree maybe the speed limit needs looking at.But unfortunately it is only down to driver error ....the masses shouldnt be penalised. Councils today make drivers life a misery we pay dear to be on the road and deserve better ...the police need to make sure all evidence is documented but i believe like the council they have no respect for the motorist and take far too long to clear accident scenes.
secondly have to agree clearing the scence after vital evidence is gathered is way too long. Roads are the the life blood of the economy motorists pay

u