Got back today to a letter from my MP, Andrew Lansley, the Shadow Health
Minister. In it he enclosed the following letter from the Shadow
Transport Minister, Chris Grayling:
"Thank you for forwarding me the letter from your constituent Tony Raven
about the revised draft of the Highway Code, recently published and laid
before Parliament by the Department of Transport.
I am a great supporter of cycling as it is a green and sustainable mode
of transport and I firmly believe that it should be encouraged. Our
roads must be made as safe as possible for all road users and I have
grave concerns about the number of cyclists injured and killed on our
roads each year.
I recognise the concerns Mr Raven has raised about the wording of the
new code and completely understand the widespread frustration that the
impressive response from cyclists to the Government's consultation on
the Code has not been reflected in the final version. It is of course
hugely important that the wording of the Code does not give rise to
claims of contributory negligence and I am extremely worried that the
draft as it stands does exactly that. The examples of poorly maintained
and ill-thought out cycle paths raised by the CTC clearly demonstrate
that it is not a sensible move to change the wording of the Code from
"wherever practical" to "wherever possible".
On this basis the Conservative Party will force a debate on the draft
Highway Code in the House of Lords where we have a chance of stopping it
being passed. I am hopeful that we will be able to persuade the
Government to think again on its proposed changes"
Well clear, concise, addresses all the points I raised and everything he
says I agree with. I'm almost tempted to vote for them if it would give
us a Transport Minister with that attitude.
--
Tony
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell