Driver improvement interview

The other remedial measures program is for drivers convicted of non-drinking and driving related Criminal Code offences who have no previous alcohol-related convictions. You must undergo a Ministry of Transportation driver improvement interview.

If you have not completed the driver improvement interview by the time your Criminal Code suspension expires, your license will be further suspended until you have completed the remedial requirements.

This program also applies to Ontario residents convicted of driving-related Criminal Code offences in any other province of Canada, or equivalent offences in the states of Michigan and New York, as well as to out-of-province drivers who are convicted in Ontario.

Vehicle Impoundment Program

If you are caught driving while your license is suspended for a Criminal Code offence, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for a minimum of 45 days. This applies whether the vehicle is borrowed from a friend or family member, used for business or employment purposes, rented or leased. The owner of the vehicle must pay the towing and storage costs before the vehicle will be released. This program applies to all motor vehicles including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks and buses.

The Vehicle Impoundment Program makes vehicle owners responsible for ensuring that anyone driving their vehicles is not suspended for a Criminal Code conviction. People loaning or renting their vehicles can verify that a driver’s license is valid by phone at 1-900-565-6555 or online at www.mto.gov.on.ca. You can also get a driver’s abstract at Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Offices or Service Ontario Kiosks. There is a nominal fee for each license checked.

Broken rail probable cause for derailment

The ATSB has found that a broken rail emanating from rail defect was the most probable cause of the derailment of a freight train in South Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has today released its final report into the investigation of a derailment on 10 June 2007 near Bates in SA in which 11 wagons in the middle of the train derailed and 4 overturned and were extensively damaged.

The investigation established that the derailment probably resulted from an undetected flaw in the rail which caused a section to break away under the train. While track at the derailment site had been ultrasonically tested for cracks in the past, the frequency of these inspections did not adequately take into consideration issues such as the rail quality, age, ambient temperature profile and train impact loadings.

In the interests of enhancing future rail safety, the Australian Rail Track Corporation has been proactive in adopting a number of measures to address the safety issues identified by the ATSB. These include an increase in rail testing frequency and a review of their Code of Practice to enhance engineering maintenance/testing procedures in relation to ultrasonic rail flaw detection.

Graduated licensing requalification

Under graduated licensing, novice drivers (Class G1, G2, M1and M2) progress through a two-step licensing process by completing the mandatory time periods for each level and passing the required road tests. Except for Class M1, novice drivers have five years to complete the graduated licensing process. However, if your Class G1, G2 or M2 license is about to expire and you have not completed the process, you can regain or retain the same class of license by passing a test and paying the five-year licensing fee. This is called ‘requalification.’ A notice is sent to Class G1, G2 and M2 drivers before their license expiry date to inform them of their options. If you do not complete the graduated licensing process or prequalify before your G1, G2 or M2 license expires, you will not have a license to drive and you must reapply for a Level One license.

Keeping Your Driver’s License

Ontario has a one-piece driver’s license. The license card has a photograph and signature of the driver. All drivers in Ontario should have a one-piece license card.

You must carry your license with you whenever you drive.

WSDOT collects pavement samples along Hoquiam streets

HOQUIAM - The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is advancing the construction of pontoons to restore the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge over Lake Washington in case of a catastrophic failure. The Port of Grays Harbor industrial property, next to the mouth of the Hoquiam River, will be evaluated as a possible location to construct the pontoons.

The proposed project may bring heavier than usual truck traffic. To help gauge the potential effects of heavier truck traffic on street pavement, we would like to test several pavement sections leading to and from the potential construction site at the Port of Grays Harbor property. Crews will be testing the structural capacity of the pavement on several streets within Hoquiam. Crews will use a core drill mounted to a truck to extract a pavement sample. After restoring the roadway portions disturbed, the crew will then drive to the next location where the process will be repeated.

Crews will test the pavement up to 10 – 15 inches underground along several streets in Hoquiam in the following locations:

• Three pavement samples on South Adams Street between SR 109 and 5th Street
• Four pavement samples on Paulson Road and Airport Way between SR 109 and 5th Street
• Five pavement samples on 5th Street between Paulson Road and Earley Industrial Way
• One pavement sample on Earley Industrial Way between 8th Street and 5th Street

Each sample takes approximately 20 minutes to collect. Crews will conduct the pavement tests on Thursday, April 24, 2008 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Crews anticipate closing one lane of traffic for the work. Flaggers will maintain the flow of traffic in two directions while the work is completed.

Advance green light or arrow

When you face a flashing green light or a left-pointing green arrow and a green light, you may turn left, go straight ahead or turn right from the proper lane. This is called an advanced green light because oncoming traffic still faces a red light.

Pedestrians must not cross on a flashing green light unless a pedestrian signal tells them to.

Information and direction signs

These signs tell you about distances and destinations. They are usually rectangular with a green background and white letters. Other signs with different colors guide you to facilities, services and attractions.

New package of measures to improve stretched limousine safety

The first part of a new package of measures to help improve the safe operation of stretched limousines and keep unlawful vehicles off the road has been unveiled today by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

New guidance, published today, will sit alongside new stringent pre-registration checks coming into force in the summer to make sure stretched limousines with more than eight passenger seats meet GB safety and environmental standards.

Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"The popularity of stretched limousines has soared in Britain and we are determined to ensure that they are used safely. We all know that limousines are great for parties, but it is important that these vehicles meet the required construction standards and are properly licensed and registered.

"This new guidance will help operators to ensure that their vehicles can lawfully be used on our roads. In the summer we will also be introducing a strict pre-registration check to help make sure unsafe stretched limos are kept off our roads."

The new guidance - developed after seeking the views of the limousine industry - details the safety, registration and licensing requirements needed to be met before passengers can lawfully be carried.

The new pre-registration safety inspection will ensure that new larger limousines comply with GB construction standards. Only vehicles that meet strict requirements on weights, dimensions, turning circle, seating, brakes, tyres, doors, lamps and reflectors and glazing will be able to pass the inspection.

The publication of the guidance comes as the Government tightens the law around Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing. From today, owners of vehicles with up to eight passenger seats - including limousines - which were previously considered exempt from PHV licensing under the "contract exemption" must be licensed as a PHV. This means that passengers in these vehicles - including children or vulnerable adults - can be assured that the driver, vehicle and operator will have been through the proper checks.

At the garage:

* Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle running at maximum efficiency, reducing the fuel you need to buy and the pollutants your vehicle emits.

* Keep your vehicle’s engine well tuned. Worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid or a transmission not going into high gear can increase fuel consumption substantially.

* Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual to maximize fuel efficiency.

* Have any fluid leaks checked by a specialist to avoid engine damage and harming the environment.

* Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce your fuel bill, emissions and tire wear.

* Have your vehicle’s alignment checked regularly to reduce uneven tire wear and fuel consumption.

If a tire blows out

Blowouts can cause tremendous steering and wheel vibration, but don’t be alarmed. Take your foot off the gas pedal to slow down and steer the vehicle firmly in the direction you want to go. Bring the vehicle to a stop off the road.

Blackpool's iconic tram set for £85million upgrade

Plans to move forward with a £85.3 million refurbishment of the historic Blackpool and Fleetwood tram system were announced by Transport Minister Tom Harris today, with the Government contributing £60.3million to the scheme.

The upgrade will bring the network up to 21st century standards and boost regeneration of the area. This investment is the centrepiece of the Government's forthcoming response to the Blackpool Task Force report which recommended ways to regenerate the area.
Improvements will include refurbishment of the track and tram stops out to Fleetwood, as well as 16 new fully accessible trams. The historic trams will continue to serve Blackpool's famous seafront promenade.

Today's decision means that Blackpool Council can now start detailed planning for the work. Subject to successful procurement of the materials required, the full refurbishment could start in late 2009.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"At over 120 years old, the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway is part of the local heritage as well as an important part of the local transport system.

"I want to make sure that tourists and local people alike can continue to enjoy the tram in years to come and make sure it lies at the heart of the town's current regeneration plans.

"We will continue to work with the Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council and local MPs so they can deliver a modern tramway that is attractive to passengers and value for money for the taxpayer. I am glad that we are working towards safeguarding the future of this iconic system for future generations."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears added:

"This tram investment is a huge boost for Blackpool and an important part of our package of measures in response to the Blackpool Task Force report. I am determined to ensure that we do everything possible to boost jobs, skills, transport and regeneration in Blackpool."

The Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway carries nearly 4 million passenger trips a year, around 75% of which are visitors to Blackpool.

Blackpool's good news comes on the same day that Tom Harris also announced the final go-ahead for a £102million package of improvements to Manchester Metrolink.

Rain

Rain makes road surfaces slippery, especially as the first drops fall. With more rain, tires make less contact with the road. If there is too much water or if you are going too fast, your tires may ride on top of the water, like water skis. This is called hydroplaning. When this happens, control becomes very difficult. Make sure you have good tires with deep tread, and slow down when the road is wet.

Rain also reduces visibility. Drive slowly enough to be able to stop within the distance you can see. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. If your wiper blades do not clean the windshield without streaking, replace them.

In rain, try to drive on clear sections of road. Look ahead and plan your movements. Smooth steering, braking and accelerating will reduce the chance of skids. Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead in case you have to stop. This will also help you to avoid spray from the vehicle ahead that can make it even harder to see.

Stay out of puddles. A puddle can hide a large pothole that could damage your vehicle or its suspension, or flatten a tire. The spray of water could splash nearby pedestrians or drown your engine, causing it to stall. Water can also make your brakes less effective.

MULTI-MILLION POUND TRANSPORT BOOST TO SUPPORT NEW AND EXISTING COMMUNITIES

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TO GET £27.32 MILLION FOR TRANSPORT

Northamptonshire is to take a £27million share of transport infrastructure cash to support expanding communities, new homes and jobs for the next generation the Government announced today. The Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), established by the Department for Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, will provide funding for ten new transport schemes in Northamptonshire, Peterborough, Essex, Aylesbury and the Thames Gateway worth a total £51million. ODPM Minister Phil Woolas said:

"Over the last 30 years we have seen demand for new homes increase by a third as house building rates have halved. This is simply not sustainable. For the sake of the next generation we must act now; however, providing new homes is not just about bricks and mortar, it's about building communities supported by the right infrastructure - transport, education, healthcare and green spaces. The projects we are announcing today will ensure that around 10,000 new homes will be delivered hand in hand with new transport infrastructure."

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said:

"Sustainable communities need good transport links. These schemes will open up access to around 10,000 new homes in the East and South East of England.

"Road improvements will ease congestion in and around Northampton, meaning quicker and more convenient journeys around the area.

"And the Aylesbury North Parkway project will serve planned developments in Berryfields and Weedon Hill, and relieve congestion in the centre of Aylesbury."

Provisional approval is being given to three road upgrades to the west of Northampton (£19.9m), which will unlock development of 4,000 houses, ease traffic congestion in the centre of Northampton, and create a more sustainable, orbital tranport system for the town. These improvements are subject to further work to ensure that the environmental impacts can be mitigated and are not of an unacceptable scale.

And £6.1million has been earmarked to support development to the north of Corby and ease traffic congestion at a Corby Northern Orbital Road. Finally, further work will also be taken forward on proposals from Northamptonshire County Council for a new Park and Ride scheme for Northampton. Discussions are continuing on how to shape this project and it is hoped funding will be announced shortly.

Elsewhere the funding announcement today gives the green light to a variety of projects including:

* Aylesbury North Station (£8.17m), which will go towards the reopening to passenger use and upgrading of a 3 mile stretch of track and signalling, to create a new Parkway station, and provide a new public transport link for a sustainable extension to Aylesbury of 3,800 houses.

* Fletton Parkway (£7.01m) a project to widen two junctions on the A1139 in Peterborough and create a new single carriageway linkroad, to support up to 2500 new homes.

* * Green Links in Bishops Stortford (£1.98m), which will make improvements to walking and cycling in the East Herts / West Essex area

Phil Woolas added:

"There is no quick fix to providing transport infrastructure but we are clear that it will be delivered hand in hand with new homes, that is why today a consortium of local authorities is publishing an ODPM funded study of growth and transport links between Bedford, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Aylesbury as part of ongoing work on planning for more sustainable growth in the sub-region now and in the future."

Emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicles include fire and police department vehicles, ambulances and public utility emergency vehicles.

Drowsy driving

Drowsiness has been identified as a causal factor in a growing number of collisions resulting in injury and fatality. Tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers. They have a slower reaction time and are less alert.

Studies have shown that collisions involving drowsiness tend to occur during late night/early morning hours (between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.) or late afternoon (between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.). Studies also indicate that shift workers, people with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders, and commercial vehicle operators, are at greater risk for such collisions.

Always avoid driving when you are feeling drowsy. Scientific research confirms that you can fall asleep without actually being aware of it. Here are eight important warning signs that your drowsiness is serious enough to place you at risk:

* You have difficulty keeping your eyes open.

* Your head keeps tilting forward despite your efforts to keep your eyes on the road.

* Your mind keeps wandering and you can’t seem to concentrate.

* You yawn frequently.

* You can’t remember details about the last few kilometers you have travelled.

* You are missing traffic lights and signals.

* Your vehicle drifts into the next lane and you have to jerk it back into your lane.

* You have drifted off the road and narrowly avoided a crash.

If you have one of these symptoms, you may be in danger of falling asleep. Pull off the road and park your vehicle in a safe, secure place. Use well-lit rest stops or truck stops on busy roads. Lock your doors, roll up your windows and take a nap.

Stimulants are never a substitute for sleep. Drinks containing caffeine can help you feel more alert, but if you are sleep deprived, the effects wear off quickly. The same is true of turning up the volume of your radio or CD player and opening the window. You cannot trick your body into staying awake; you need to sleep. Remember, the only safe driver is a well-rested, alert driver.

Roadside stop

When you need to stop by the side of the road for a short time — to check something outside your vehicle or to look for directions on a map, for example — follow these directions:

1. Before slowing down, check your mirrors and blind spot to see when the way is clear.

2. Turn on your signal before slowing down unless there are vehicles waiting to enter the road from side roads or driveways between you and the point where you intend to stop. Wait until you have passed these entrances so that drivers will not think you are turning before the stopping point.

3. Steer to the side of the road, steadily reducing speed, and stop parallel to the curb or edge of the road. You should not be more than about 30 centimeters away from it. Do not stop where you will block an entrance or other traffic.

4. Turn off your signal and turn on your hazard lights.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, put the gear selector in park and set the parking brake. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, set the parking brake and shift into neutral if not turning off the engine, or shift into low or reverse if turning off the engine. When parking on a hill, turn your wheels in the appropriate direction to keep your vehicle from rolling.

Passing on the right

Most passing is done on the left. You may pass on the right on multi-lane or one-way roads and when overtaking a streetcar or a left-turning vehicle.

Passing on the right can be more dangerous than passing on the left. If you are driving in the passing lane with a slower vehicle in front of you, wait for the vehicle to move to the right. Do not suddenly change lanes and pass on the right; the driver in front may realize you want to pass and move to the right at the same time you do.

Passing on the right

Most passing is done on the left. You may pass on the right on multi-lane or one-way roads and when overtaking a streetcar or a left-turning vehicle.

Passing on the right can be more dangerous than passing on the left. If you are driving in the passing lane with a slower vehicle in front of you, wait for the vehicle to move to the right. Do not suddenly change lanes and pass on the right; the driver in front may realize you want to pass and move to the right at the same time you do.

MINISTER GIVES FINAL APPROVAL FOR BATHSIDE BAY CONTAINER TERMINAL

Transport Minister Derek Twigg today announced that he would grant final approval to the proposals for a container port at Bathside Bay, Harwich, Essex.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also issuing a letter today granting approval for the planning applications relating to the same proposal.

The final approval comes after a public inquiry in 2004, following which the inquiry inspector recommended in favour of the proposals, subject to conditions.

In a letter of 21 December 2005, the Secretary of State indicated that he was minded to approve the development, subject to some matters which required further clarification. These including making sure that the right conditions were imposed on the development to secure the necessary highways improvements in good time to provide congestion relief. Further representations were received at the end of January, which were circulated to all the interested parties that took part in the Inquiry for further comment.

Commenting on the announcement, Derek Twigg said:

" After careful consideration of all relevant representations that we have received, I am satisfied that all the outstanding points have been addressed and that the project should be allowed to proceed.

We are committed to sustainable distribution and this new project would play a large part in securing that aim. We understand at the same time that the new terminal will have a significant impact on the environment. This is why we have imposed controls on the development, to provide new road and rail infrastructure so that congestion does not increase, to provide compensatory habitats for wildlife displaced by the scheme, and to reduce other environmental impacts such as noise, pollution and the visual impact."

Dealing with particular situations at a roundabout:

Consider large vehicles

Allow extra room alongside large vehicles (trucks and buses). Large vehicles may have to swing wide on the approach or within the roundabout. Give them plenty of room.

Pull over for emergency vehicles

If you are in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, exit at your intended exit and proceed beyond the traffic island before pulling over. If you have not entered the roundabout yet, pull over to the right if possible and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Driving a large vehicle in a roundabout

A driver negotiating a roundabout in a large vehicle (such as a truck or bus) may need to use the full width of the roadway, including the apron (a mountable portion of the centre island adjacent to the roadway) if provided. Prior to entering the roundabout, the vehicle may need to occupy both lanes. Give large vehicles plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Right turns

Unless signs or pavement markings tell you not to, always begin and end a right turn close to the right side of the road.

To make a right turn, signal well before the turn and move into the right-hand lane when the way is clear. If the right-hand lane is not marked, keep as far to the right of the road as possible. Look ahead, left, right and left again before starting to turn. If you have not seen any smaller vehicles or pedestrians, check your right rear blind spot. Let cyclists, limited-speed motorcycles, or moped riders go through the intersection before you turn. When it is safe, complete your turn into the right-hand lane of the road you are entering.

CONSULTATION ON ACCESS TO THE UK VEHICLE REGISTER LAUNCHED

A consultation paper seeking views on access to information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) vehicle register has been launched today by the Department for Transport.

The provisions governing the release of this data have, in effect, been in place, for over 40 years. When these provisions were originally introduced they did not envisage the introduction of electronic databases, the large number of vehicles now on the roads, or the range of bodies now requesting access.

This consultation seeks views on:

* the organisations that should have information from the vehicle register and the reasons for their having it;
* how we manage access to the register; and
* the audit regime for those who are granted access.

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said:

"We think it's very important to protect privacy and confidentiality, and I understand why many people have serious concerns about the kinds of organisations that receive information from the vehicle register.

"The rules were put in place a long time ago, but the time is now right to look again at whether these rules are right for today's circumstances.

"We want a system that protects people from misuse of their personal details, but that enables organisations and individuals with a good reason to identify the keeper of a vehicle to do so."

MINISTER OPENS NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL EXTENSION

Transport Minister Karen Buck today officially opened the new Newquay Airport terminal expansion to cater for the airport's future growth.

The £2.8 million project includes the construction of a single storey extension to the existing building and will improve facilities for passengers as well as increasing the airport's capacity from 300,000 passengers a year to 400,000.

The cost of the scheme, which also includes improvements to the airport's road network, aircraft hardstandings and security, has been met with help from a European Objective One grant of £1.25 million and an £800,000 grant from the Department for Transport. The rest of the funds have been provided by the airport's operator Cornwall County Council.

Karen Buck said:

"I am delighted to be opening these new facilities at Newquay Airport which will improve comfort for passengers, increase capacity and provide greater flexibility for airlines and service providers.

"Newquay Airport plays an important role in Cornwall's economic regeneration, both in terms of tourism and business development, and it is encouraging to see money from Europe, central and local government being used to help secure its longer term future."

The extension increases the terminal area by 20% (to 290 sq m) and includes a new conservatory-style arrivals lobby and new main entrance.

New drop-off areas for buses, coaches, taxis and cars have also been created along with an additional 90 car parking spaces and new taxi rank.

During her two-day visit, the Minister is also due to visit the Isles of Scilly where she will announce details of a Department for Transport grant to improve ferry quays on some of the islands and planned improvements to St Mary's Harbour.

Radical skin pack: rFactor

12 skins for the Radical 1.4 mod for rFactor.
While cleaning my hard-drive, found these, hope its useful
to anyone!
Download here
A special thanks to ElPolaris for the support.

Controlled intersections

At a controlled intersection where you face a green light, drive carefully through the intersection at a steady speed. If the light has been green for a while, be prepared to stop when it turns yellow. However, if you are already so close that you cannot stop safely, drive through the intersection with caution. Where you face a red light, come to a complete stop and wait until the light turns green.
When you approach an intersection on a main road, and the intersection is blocked with traffic, stop before entering the intersection and wait until the traffic ahead moves on. This does not apply if you are turning left or right.
At a controlled intersection where you face a yield sign, slow down or stop if necessary and wait until the way is clear before driving through the intersection.
At a controlled intersection where you face a stop sign, come to a complete stop. Drive through the intersection only when the way is clear.

Sharing the road with cyclists

Bicycles and mopeds that cannot keep up with traffic are expected to keep to the right of the lane; however, they can use any part of the lane if necessary for safety, such as to avoid potholes and sewer grates. Cyclists need a meter on either side of themselves as a safety zone. When passing a cyclist, allow at least one meter between your car and the cyclist.
If the lane is too narrow to share, change lanes to pass the cyclist. When turning right, signal and check your mirrors and the blind spot to your right to make sure you do not cut off a cyclist. When parked on the side of the street, look behind you and check your mirrors and blinds spots for a passing cyclist before opening a door.

BTWC 2008 : Released

My great friend Snowy, as done it again...:)
BTWC 2008 is here!
You need RaceX mod and the new Vectra from Locke.
Be sure you read the "read me" :)
Download BTWC 2008 for RaceX

Thank you Snowy .
Special thanks to Eurostc and Audir8fan for their invaluable
contributions to this addon.