91热爆

I have just found out that 拢2million has been spent by Nottingham City Council to put in place 3 'information kiosks'with links to some obscure European cities. Can this be good use of our money?

Dave
Nottingham

Let's hear it for the new Government-free state of Bogush. No taxes. No speed limits. No public transport. No concern about the environment. No concern about society. I sometimes wonder if Bogush is actually a plant by the 91热爆 to get some debate going. Look mate, unless you are Margaret Thatcher you will agree there is such a thing as society to which we all contribute. That means we have to have some controls on our behaviour either through taxation or laws. I am sure the chance of someone dying after being hit at 40.001mph is not much greater than someone hit at 40.000mph, but maybe the idea is to slow somewhat faster drivers. Likewise, high fuel prices discourage people from driving those SUV's down Angel Row at 1mpg. How ironic it would have been if The People's Fuel Lobby protest was during the floods.

Stanley
Basford, Nottingham

in reply...

Fear not - All the views in this column in no way reflect the views of the 91热爆.

Graeme
91热爆 Nottingham Online

stop complaining about the buses!! I bet you use the friday/saturday night late bus after a good night out SO STOP COMPLAINING!!

Jason
Long Eaton, Nottingham

As a resident of Cliff Road in the city centre I am well placed to be able to observe hte antics of our boy racer population - all be it with my ears rather than my eyes. My house is on the end of our street right by Canal Street, so whether they are using the Cliff Road circit or the main road, barely a night goes by where I am not woken by the sound of revving engines, screaching breaks, back firing cars or their shouts of encouargement. I understand that the council and police are aware of the problem but I have yet to witness any action being taken. The noise has eased off this week, probably due to the road works on Canal Street, but no doubt it will return in the near future - probably just before I have a course-work deadline!!!

Mark
Nottingham

Mark - you've been bogushed

How much could be raised in fines from the boy racers, if anything? How much of that would go to the police or council? And could you actually do anything without deploying "resources". Contrast that with middle-aged "racers" caught "speeding" on the dual carriageway ringroad by the new digital cameras. Et Voila! You have your answer.

bogush
nottingham

The council and highways agency has spent many thousands of pounds providing a cycle network around Nottingham, but virtually no money is spent on its maintenance. The cyclepaths are strewn with broken glass causing punctures. This is why cyclists refuse to use them.

On the subject of road tax. This tax goes straight to central government, whilst most roads except trunk roads and motorways are paid for by local councils, so it is actually the council tax payers who are paying for our roads.

Also, you pay the same tax whether you drive 50 miles or 50,000 miles per year. I am a cyclist and motorist so if cyclists were charged I would end up paying twice. What is really needed to encourage people to cycle is a segregated network of linked up cycle routes. Many of the current routes are provided "on the cheap" by painting a white line down a road or pavement. By providing facilities on the pavement, the council are giving out the confusing message that it is Ok to cycle on certain pavements but not others.

Why do people tend to lump all cyclists together as "Lycra-clad, law breaking tarmac terrorists". Some motorists break the law by speeding, etc but this does not mean that all motorists are law breakers. The same is true of cyclists!!!

Trevor Adams
alias Fat Man on a Bicycle
Carlton

and in reply

..... "On the subject of road tax. This tax goes straight to central government" ..... PLUS the rest, amounting to 拢35 Billion ..... "whilst most roads except trunk roads and motorways are paid for by local councils" .... BUT .... it is ......NOT ....."actually the council tax payers who are paying for our roads" ....... 拢25 BILLION is kept by the government for NON transport purposes, 拢5 BILLION is spent by the government, or passed on to other bodies, to SUBSIDISE public transport. Guess where the left-overs go. Yes on "roads" (ie cyclepaths, yellow lines, bus lanes, speed cameras, "traffic calming", etc, etc). Oh yes, and not all the money that the government gives to councils for spending on "roads" gets spent on them. A lot of it manages to find its way onto things even 2Jags wouldn't classify as roads spending.

bogush
nottingham

William Hague is keeping quiet about the recent rail disasters. Wasn't it his government who privatised the railway causing less investment in the safety of railways. When nationalised wasn't it his government who invested less in railways. We can see what a future Conservative Government would do. Help out the shareholders and neglect public services

Gwynneth
Newark

more on our transport system...

It was the tories who privatised the railways, but it was supposedly because the new owners would be in a position to invest the vast sums required to modernise them and make them safe. (So what happened there?) I can't remember who Beeching worked for when he axed the railways. But I do know that it's Labour who are carrying on with the plans to privatise air traffic control. Scary, or what? Col Gaddafi must be laughing his head off!

bogush
nottingham

more on our transport system...

So Railtrack are closing the West Coast line in Scotland for safety checks. What on earth is going on? Would they have closed the line if there had not been an addident last week? It seems that the policies of the last government are still coming home to roost for this administration. Years of under investment by Railtrack, caused by the privatisation of the rail network has meant danger for anyone travelling on the railways. Putting the management of such an essential service into the hands of a private company, motivated only by making as much profit as possible may still cost more lives.

On the subject of fuel, the price of petrol has not increased in real terms over the last 25 years according to one report, but the cost of travelling by public transport has risen dramatically. If this is true, we have got to see public transport costs slashed to make it more attractive. I think we have a very good transport system in Nottingham, but when it costs me around 90 pence in petrol to travel to and from work each day rather than over £2 by bus - why should I pay double to do so?

There's no doubt that we have to reduce the number of cars on the road, but ubtil public transport is much cheaper, cars will always be favorite, not only that but for those that travel all over the UK in their jobs, like I used to, the cars is the only means of transport available.

Finally, for all those calling for cheaper taxes on fuel, where do you want to pay more? Increased income tax or VAT, no tax free earnings allowance? These would actually increase the tax burden on a greater number of people than are currently affected by fuel charges for filling their cars.

Andrew Garner
Nottingham

more on our transport system...

Has anyone in the Government through about reducing Vehicle Excise Licence Duty if good vehicles move during the night. I was absolutely frustrated by the amount of lorries on our motorways completely blocking both nearside and middle carriageways of our motorways. The lorries up to, and over 40 tonnes try and overtake slightly slower vehicles only to improve their speed limit about 2/3mph more and they block the roads for miles. Move at night-time and you reduce the amount of goods vehicles at peak times and when traffic flow is at its highest. The extra saving on excise duty could pay drivers for the unsocial hours they would work.

LittleJohn
Mansfield

more on our transport system...

".... Can I assure you that the speed cameras on the Nottingham Ring Road HAVE reduced road accidents in the short time they have been installed ....." ... NO, you can't I'm afraid - they haven't been up long enough for any meaningful statistics to be generated. In fact, they probably haven't collected any statistics yet. "..... It costs money to reduce roads accident because the idiots who speed and cause them will not drive within the speed limits - they think they now better ......" .....Again, no. At least not on a dual carriageway. If there's an accident there, it's not because someone was doing 41mph, rather than 39.99mph. "..... If anyone can suggest a better way to reduce the casualty rate then lets hear of it ....." YES! As I've mentioned before, if they really wanted to slow people down to the speed limit, they would paint the cameras day-glo orange. But then people wouldn't speed, no one would be fined, and they'd lose all that extra revenue which t! ! hey don't need to add to the official tax burden figures! Or they could put speed traps outside schools, instead of on steep, fast roads somewhere near them. Or they could pull up motorists for doing 25mph instead of 10mph near kids playing on a residential road with a MAXIMUM IF SAFE TO DO SO 30mph limit, or they could pull up people for ACTUALLY DRIVING DANGEROUSLY and get them locked up. But then that would cost money, instead of raising it!

bogush
nottingham

I get so fed up with local government officers suggesting that speed cameras are the only solution to reducing the number of road deaths. If a child cannot cross the road under control (lights - pedestrian crossing) then during rush hour the amount of traffic on the ring road between QMC & Mansfield doing 40 mph without gaps will not be safe. Let the council spend money improving crossing points including using technology to monitor the crossing so that if the pedestrian moves away from the crossing, the lights do not change instead of hammering the motorist.

Graham Shenton
Nottingham

and in reply...

Re the post about speed cameras raising revenue.
When I read about the introduction of new digital ones in Nottingam: the revenue that would be generated was quoted, but no mention of how many lives would be saves. Just goes to show the real priorities of those in charge!

bogush
nottingham

more on the subject of speed cameras...

Proof positive that the council and government have no interest in stopping accidents with the speed cameras, only in raising revenue. As I read in a post elsewhere - if speed cameras were meant to save lives, the expected revenue would be ..... 拢0 !!! (As they would be making people drive within the speed limit - for those of you that are having trouble following this, and other supporters of Tony and TwoJags). And anyway, they would be day-glo orange if they were meant to reduce speeding, instead of raising revenue.

Bogush
Nottingham

So the council are now claiming that between April and September accidents went down by a third, and speed related accidents went down by a quarter. Presumably because there were less cars on the road because of the fuel blockades? But doesn't that mean that there was a relative INCREASE in speed related accidents ?!? They also repeat the claim that the cameras are not intended to raise revenue, and they would be happy if nothing was raised. Then proceed to tell us how much they expect to be raised. When are they going to paint them day-glo orange, which does actually reduce speeding?!?!?!!?!??

bogush
Nottingam

on traffic calming...

Instead of spending thousands of pounds on traffic calming measures, that money would be better spent on educating drivers to respect speed limits and conditions. As a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists we are taught to not only respect the speed limit, but to look at the conditions in front of us. So if if you are approaching a school you should be aware of the possibility children will be about. If in a built up area again be aware of pedestrians or children playing and adjust your speed accordingly. use you eyes to scan what is up ahead not just the car in front. This goes for all driving situations, if drivers respected what is common sense then there would not be the accidents involving pedestrians but accidents in general.

Ian Revill
Kirkby Woodhouse, UK

The 'Big Issue' has indeed become a major problem in Nottingham. This is largely due to the fact that the management over the last few years has been extremely slack and irresponsible. The 'Big Issue' was originally designed as a short-term aid for those who had fallen on hard times and needed an opportunity to rebuild their lives themselves. However, in Nottingham over the last few years, there has not been the regulation by the 'Big Issue' management that is required to make it 'a hand up not a hand out'. Vendors are left to employ whatever tactics they see fit to sell the magazine. They are able to disregard the guidelines that say you should not be: aggressive; under the influence of drink or drugs; begging while vending; or a long term vendor. I suggest that those who are angered by the situation contact those responsible for the management of the 'Big Issue' or the Police to report any aggressive Vendors or beggars. It is true that if you choose to give !

a beggar money he/she has the right to choose it as they like. However, it is also a right to choose not to give money to beggars or buy the 'Big Issue'. There are more responsible ways to help people in need and to safeguard against giving to those who are not really in need. Why not donate to a reputable charity who support the homeless or perhaps, buy a homeless person a hot drink or sandwich. You'll find that those who are not really in need will probably refuse your offer. I think it is also worth mentioning that the Evening Post vendors stand outside all day, in all kinds of weather without being aggressive or under the influence and they don't get 60p per copy like the 'Big Issue' vendors do. I'm all for helping people (in fact I have worked for homeless charities) but I refuse to accept the bullying and intimidation that seems to be occurring on the streets of Nottingham.

Anon
Nottingham

another comment on the Big Issue...

Nottingham is my home town and although I now live in Perth Western Australia, like many comments I've read here you have to live away from a place to get a different perspective. Every town or city has it's good and bad points. Sure the Big Issue sellers can be annoying and the beggers can be a problem too. I was last there between April-June 2000 and have to admit that the people of Nottingham really could do more to help the litter problem and generally do more to look after a fantastic city. The tourist places just don't do enough to sell the city, maybe more money is needed in that area along with some good ideas. What I really miss about my home city is the history of the place. Something that Perth will never have, Oh and the nightlife, it's excellant I always want to be in my favorite bar with my mates! It's range of bars, pubs and clubs are just great. Outside of London, Nottingham is a great place to live with so much to see and do, a real thriving place to! ! live or visit. Too many people who live there just don't see what Nottingham has to offer...get off your arse and make the most of a great place! More importantly is how much better it could be if people made an effort, too many people just don't care about how the city looks. I just hope it doesn't turn into a smaller version of London. Still I'd rather have one summers day in the Market Square with a pint in my hand surrounded by hundreds of people out for a good time than an entire Australian summer. Perth is a great place and beautiful it maybe, with plenty of friendly people...but it's DULL!

Ian Towle
Perth, Western Australia

another comment on the Big Issue...

I have a job but still live at home because I cannot afford my own house, which means I live by my parents 'house rules'. If the big issue sellers 'toed the line' when they lived at their home, they would have a proper job and better still a roof over their head! Then we wouldn't have to put up with them invading our space in city centres

s
Loughborough

In response to an earlier mail concerning speed cameras:

Can I assure you that the speed cameras on the Nottingham Ring Road HAVE reduced road accidents in the short time they have been installed. It costs money to reduce roads accident because the idiots who speed and cause them will not drive within the speed limits - they think they now better. If anyone can suggest a better way to reduce the casualty rate then lets hear of it.

LittleJohn
Mansfield

Nottingham's peasant problems are getting worse and worse ... cries of "Big Issue" and "Can you spare some change" are the constant sounds that one will hear in there ears as they walk through the city centre ... that is unless you refuse where upon your ears will be ringing with the sound of verbal abuse!!!

ANDY
NOTTINGHAM

Back to the 1970's don't like the government then blockage oil refineries, cause economic collapse and force them out office or to give in, wonderful!

If the price of petrol is so high why is the traffic increasing and why are some many people buying 4x4, surely they cannot afford the petrol.

Cheaper fuel would mean more traffic, although I am sure someone will stand market economics on it's head and tell it make no difference. Time is money and cheaper fuel will cost us more in the long run.

If National insurance paid for the NHS, pensions and social security as people think the protesters might have a point, but is it does not pay for anything like £150bn spent, this comes from things like fuel duty.

I think the government should try to defuse the protest by cutting road fund tax, which is far higher here than in Europe, particularly on lorries. I think road tax in the UK for lorries is over £3000 where as in France they pay less than £1000 for a similar vehicle.

William Davison
Nottingham

I chose to write about skateboarding in the square. I like the skaters in the square. They are talented and they need somewhere to pursue their sport. The skaters are discriminated against because people think that they are threatening. However, if you have ever walked through the square when there are people skating, you will find that they will always either stop skating or move out the way for you to get past.

They are never rude. They are not rowdy.

They are just wrong for doing something they enjoy. They have no where else to go. If the public don't like them in the square, get the council to build a skate park for them.

drape
Nottingham

What can be done with the complex problem of the ever increasing numbers of beggars and big issue sellers that constantly pester visitors to our city centre?

Anon.

and more...

every time we come to nottingham shopping all we here is "big issue big issue"they are every few yards and are a pest all i can say to them is get a job because if they look hard enough they would find one and probably earn more and get off the streets

terry
newthorpe notts

and more ...

Beggars - arrest & lock 'em up, preferably throw away the key. Big Issue - ban the sellers, there's probably a bye law against it anyway, if somebody cared to look. How about re -opening the workhouses ?

Bert Fegg
North Notts

and more...

The positive things that people have highlighted about Nottingham are all true, it's a pretty good place to live. However, am I the only one to take exception at the City Council's 'go easy' policy on beggars ? This policy now seems to be pulling in a very unsavoury social group into our fine city. I can just hear the P.C. brigade getting highly upset by my comments (how dare he attack those poor homeless people ?), but consider the following points: 1. Every 100 yards you walk in the City centre you now get hassled to buy a Big Issue. If you don't buy one you often get a smart comment from the seller as you walk by. Even the 'thanks anyway' comments have a sarcastic edge to them. 2. If it's not the Big Issue it's simply - 'can you spare any change mate ?'. This is usually right near the bank ATM machine. You work yourself to an early grave all week - get some of this hard earned cash out and some beggar seems to think that you're going to give him/her a free handout. 3. Beggars seem to have a liking for dogs. Have you noticed the huge increase in Dog Droppings in the City Centre. I have a two year old toddler - and I don't like the idea of her falling into a pile of that filth. According to Nottinghamshire Police statistics very few of these so-called 'homeless' are actually such. The majority actually have accommodation paid for by the DSS and the begging more often than not is to fund a drug or alcohol dependency. It is my opinion that allowing the sale of the Big Issue has just served to encourage this influx of vagrants into the City. For every 'legitimate' Big Issue seller there seems to be a beggar to follow. When are the City Council going to wake up to the fact that there's no point in investing money in promoting Nottingham's image if by a misguided policy (well meaning I'm sure) they are giving our City such a dreadful reputation for begging.

Jeremy Heald
Gamston

and in reply...

Hear hear JEREMY HEALD. I agree with everything you say. Lets rid the streets of Nottingham of all the beggars many of which you rightly say already claim benefits and the big issue sellers. I for one feel very intimidated by these people and the council should do something about them.

Wendy
Nottingham

and more on the subject...

Why are people getting so steamed up about beggars - specifically Big Issue sellers? There are worse things in the world than being asked for money, or to buy a magazine. If you're so concerned about being harrassed, here's a tip: as soon as you get into town, buy a Big Issue. Carry it in your hand and wave it gently at all the other Big Issue sellers as you approach. They won't bother you then. Alternatively, of course, you could actually give these people some money - just out of the goodness of your tiny, tiny hearts.

Paul
Nottingham

and in reply to Paul...

Why should we buy a Big Issue just to keep these people off our backs when we are in town shopping. Everyone has the right to say no without being given snide remarks. And why should I give to these beggars out of the goodness of my heart when half or more of them probably already claim benefits and who are we to know that the money you give would not be spent on drink or drugs.

Wendy
Nottingham

and in reply to Wendy...

What difference does it make to you what they spend the money on? Perhaps next time you give someone money (unlikely I know) you should ask to see details of their savings account - or even accompany them to the shops to make sure that they buy something 'useful'. It isn't about them - it's about you, and your mean spirit. You avoid these people, yet at the same time claim to have an insight into what they really get up to with their drink and drugs and benefits and.... you should pay less attention to the rubbish you read in the tabloids and stop being so determinedly nasty. Have you ever wondered why you get those snide remarks?

Paul
Nottingham

and in reply to Paul...

I will spend my hard earned money how I wish. I choose not to give to these beggars and Big Issue sellars. Big Issue sellars are in effect legalised beggars. If you want to give your money thats your prerogative but next time you read in the Evening Post of a beggar or Big Issue sellar that died from an overdose just think that your money might have gone to feed his or her habit.

Wendy
Nottingham

and more on the subject...

l reckon we should try and get people of the streets. because they will die qiuckly and they don't know why this has happenned.

Emma Bennett
Location Unknown