QUAD BIKES THE RULES

 

 

 

 I get a number of complaints regarding the use of Quad Bikes on the road in the Oscott area and I have also had parents asking me questions about their use.

With that in mind I hope the information below is of use.

Quad bikes: the rules

Quad bikes must be approved, registered, taxed and have an MOT (if needed) to be used on the road.

Most quad bikes can’t be used on the road because they don’t meet road safety standards.
Check with the manufacturer if your quad bike has been approved for road use. If your quad bike hasn’t been approved but meets road safety standards you can apply for type approval.

Rules for riding quad bikes

Registering and taxing

You must register your quad bike with DVLA and the bike must have front and rear number plates.
You must also display a valid tax disc.

MOT certificates

Quad bikes used on the road need a valid MOT certificate if they are more than 3 years old.

Driving licence

To drive a quad bike on the road you need to have a full car licence or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997.

Insurance

You must have third party insurance to drive a quad bike on the road.

Passengers

A quad bike can only carry passengers if it is designed to do so and has the right number of seats. Check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure.

Crash helmets

Quad bike drivers and passengers don’t have to wear crash helmets, but it’s recommended.

BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCING UPDATE

Work to start erecting fencing on sections of the Burford Road Boundary are now according to my latest correspondence with the Education Asserts team due to start next week and is expected to finish in mid November.
I will be continuing to press for this work to be finished by the expected completion time.

DISABLED BAY MARKING GOES IN CENTRAL RESERVATION KINGSTANDING ROAD AT LAST.

After months of trying to get a new disabled bay marking on the Kingstanding Road Central reservation car park (opposite the Kingstanding Police Station) I have been pleased to see one has been laid down.
A number of disabled residents have requested an extra bay in the area and this should be of help to them.
I would request able bodied drivers honour this bay marking to allow disabled driver to use it

BANDYWOOD ROAD CLOSURE STARTS WEEK ENDING 3RD OCTOBER

What’s Happening, Where and When?

What:              Carriageway Maintenance

Where:            KETTLEHOUSE ROAD TO LAMBETH ROAD - 2 No

When:             Expected start during week ending 3/10/2014

How long:      Approx. 5 days between the hours of 9.30am and 4.00pm

(for updated start / finish dates see yellow signs at either end of the road)

Parking and Property Access

A road closure will be in place and access to your property will be restricted. Amey must ask that vehicles are not parked on the road during the works. Vehicles obstructing their works will be removed by the City Council and a charge levied for release.  Amey do understand that vehicle access may be essential for some medical / personal reasons.  If you need to get a vehicle to your property during these works please ask Amey personnel on site or call 0121 303 6644 (Option 2).  Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Traffic Information

Details of any bus diversions that are in place can be found at http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/temporary-diversions/.  Alternatively you can visit your local Travel Shop or call 0121 254 7272.

Works Information

The condition of the existing road has been assessed and localised repairs pot holes and so on will be taking place.

The opening description in this letter says where the works will be taking place as Amey do not always include the whole road length. 

Amey apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this necessary road maintenance and they will endeavour to complete the work with as little disruption as possible. Amey would like to Thank you for your patience whilst they work to improve your city’s streets.

This work is needed and I will be doing what I can to ensure Amey do this work as quickly as possible.

                                                 

BOOTHS LANE DEVELOPEMENT WORKING PARTY TO HOLD FIRST MEETING

The first meeting of the Booths Lane Taylor Wimpey development working party will meet tomorrow.
It is hoped that this meeting between Community representatives Taylor Wimpey and my self will be able to arrange a serious of as needed meetings to discuss issues of concerns, residents and Taylor Wimpey may have in regards to this development. It is further hoped that issues may be resolved before they become major ones and consultation between residents and the developers will be improved.

I will continue to try and keep residents updated on this blog.

 If you have any concerns you would like me to raise please
email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov .uk
or leave a message on 303 2039

CONTRACTORS SHOULD TAKE THEIR STREET BARRIERS HOME WITH THEM.

I sometimes feel Amey (the private contractor the previous Council administration gave a 25 year contract to to upgrade our streets) just do not understand they need to clear up after they do work in our streets in Oscott. They have a habit on a number of occasions of leaving barriers, sand bags and other items on our streets when they Finlay finish their work and leave.
Other utilities do leave equipment behind to.


If you are aware of any barriers, sand bags or any other equipment that Amey may have left behind please email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov .uk
or ring me on 303 2039 and leave me your details and the details of what has been left behind and I will try and get Amey to remove ANY equipment left behind.

NEW PATH TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO WALK FROM QUESLETT ROAD OR CADDICK ROAD TO SANDY LANE

Following a recent site visit I have got Persimmons to agree to open up a foot path from their section to the other section of Booths Lane re Taylor Wimpy in order for pedestrians not to have to walk around the site via the Queslett Nature Reserve. This should take place shortly. You will again be able to walk from Caddick Road to Sandy Lane.
(see previous post re road opening situation)
They will also be putting up signs reminding drivers at the moment their is only access to frontages on the development.

BOOTHS LANE RESIDENTS WANT THEIR POLLING STATION BACK

I am supporting the demands of residents living in the Booths Lane, Bowman and Caddick area, for the return of their "hut" polling station.
This hut was in place for many years in order for local residents to be able to vote without having to travel for long distances.
Contrary to a widely held belief by the powers that be there are some (especially elderly residents ) who still want to make the effort to go out and vote.
Postal votes are a good alternative but there should be an alternative.
The situation has not been made easier by the fact that although the developers Persimmons would now be happy, as agreed to open up Booths Lane to traffic the new developers Taylor Wimpey feel they are not able to open up their section of Booths Lane due to health and safety reasons.

I shall be meeting along with Local residents representatives with Taylor Wimpey as part of a working party to discuss various issues of concern, this week.

FRIENDS QUESLETT NATURE RESERVE ACTIVITY SESSION 27TH SEPT

There will be a Friends of Queslett Nature Reserve Activity Session on Saturday27th September.
The session will begin at 11am, meeting at the Ashworth Road entrance.
There will be light pruning and litter picking.
be prepared to roll up your sleeves and where appropriate clothing and shoes.
Children are welcome under the supervision of an appropriate adult.
If coming by car please to not obstruct local residents drive ways when parking.

FOREST TYPE TREE OSCOTT SURVEY

I am currently trying to get the powers that be to understand that many residents in Oscott like me feel the way the old forest type street trees in Oscott are not being pruned vigorously enough.

 I am not calling for them to be all pollarded but just pruned more than they are in many cases.

I am continually being told that they are and being quoted Council and government statics on the subject and that minimum standards are being met.

If this minimum standard about how trees are pruned is correct then the minimum standard of pruning needs changing in my view.

With that in mind I am lobbying hard Amey, the Birmingham City Council and with the help of the Perry Barr MP the government on the subject.

To use the popular in word I would like to “engage” with Oscott residents on the subject.

• If you live in Oscott in a road with large forest type trees in it what do you think?
• Do you think the trees in your road are not being pruned enough?
• Do you think the trees in your road have been pruned well?

If you would like to let me know your view on the subject I will pass on your comments.

Please email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

 Leave me a message (with your name and address) on 303 2039

Or if you have one of my “Tell me your concerns" cards send it in.

I am sure you will hear a lot more on this subject from others as the local elections draw closer! But I would like to know your views now.

I may not win the battle to get the large forest type trees in Oscott pruned more vigorously where needed but I will give it a go.

See also my post s on this subject dated 10.09.2014 ,20.08.2014 and 26.06.2014 or use the search facility top left and type in trees.

TRAFFIC LIGHT PROBLEMS WELL HEAD LANE

There are major delays and tail backs on the Aldridge Road and Kingstanding Road which are being caused by problems at the Aldridge Road Well Head Lane traffic lights.This included bus services like the 997 not being able to meet their time schedules.
 I have reported these problems and requested these lights be rectified ASAP.

COLLEGE ROAD SEVEN TRENT ROAD WORKS UPDATE

Seven Trent have now informed me they hope to have their road works in College Road finished by the end of the month.
I will continue to monitor their progress.

BOOTHS LANE PERSIMMONS DEVELOPEMENT UPDATE

 Following a
my meeting with senior Representatives from Persimmons this is the latest news.

The Path leading to Caddick Road needs a finale layer of tar mac and then the path can be reopened. this should be done in about a fortnight.

They have agreed with me that there there will be a new path (pedestrian) leading from the end of the Booths Lane section carriage way, of the Persimmons site to where it joins the current pavement area of Booths Lane leading to Sandy Lane. ( the Taylor Wimpey Edge) There will be no need to walk around the edge of the site then.This will replace the old path which is no longer usable.

There is a lot of on going finishing and land scape maintenance work to be completed which includes further tree planting. This work may take some months but should not unduly effect resident and will become the responsibility of Cameron Homes.

A lamppost is due to be connected by the power company at the edge of the site where it meets the old Booths Lane.
A no through Road sign will be placed as a temporary measure nearer the Queslett road end of Booths Lane

When it comes to the opening up of Booths Lane for traffic like the rest of us Persimmons are in the hands of the Taylor Wimpey developers. The Persimmons section could be opened other wise.as agreed.

I am still waiting for Taylor Wimpey to agree dates for a meeting of the residents Councillors working Party in connection with their development.

AT LONG LAST THERE IS A PROPOSED STARTING DATE FOR THE ERECTING OF THE NEW BURFORD ROAD PLAYING FIELD FENCING

The proposed start on site date is 29^th September, the works will take approximately 6 weeks and should complete on the 14^th November.

Your 3 Oscott Councillors will try and keep them to this time line

OSCOTT RESIDENT KEEP LETTING ME KNOW YOUR CONCERNS

I would like to thank all those Oscott residents who are continuing to contact me letting me know their concerns and views.

 I will always do what I can to help residents with problems although especially in these tough times when government cuts to Council funding is so extreme, I can not promise to resolve all the issues I hear or read about.

I am also willing and happy to listen to Oscott residents views of matters relating to the Council and so on, even though there may be times I do not always agree with them? (If I don't I will tell you why)

It is easy to contact me for example.

I hold a surgery every fourth Tuesday in the month at the 610 Community Centre at 9.30am
You can leave a message for me on 303 2039 (don't forget to give my name and your details)
Most Oscott residents would have received one of my Pre - Paid return cards at some time. (if you have not let me know)
You can email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.
I do regular street walk abouts in Oscott and attend a number of public meetings including the Oscott Ward Committees.
You can even see me on a bus in Oscott most days.? or from Time to time in the Queslett Nature Reserve?

I live locally and I am always out and about in Oscott and if you want to know about some of the things I am doing keep reading this blog and Twitter.

COLLEGE ROAD SEVEN TRENT REPAIRS STILL CAUSING PROBLEMS

Seven Trent have still not finished their sewer pipe repairs in College Road (see my post 3rd September).
This is clearly not satisfactory and I am continuing to request along with the Birmingham City Council Transportation department that Seven Trent  get the necessary work done ASAP and that the disruption of bus and vehicle diversions be kept to a minimum.
 However I have now been informed the work and diversions may last until well into October.

MEET THE OSCOTT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION AND NEIGHBOUR POLICE INITIATIVE

The Oscott Resident Association along with members of the Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative are available to meet residents at an informal meeting on the first Saturday of the month at the 610 Community Centre. 10.30am
You can meet Representatives of these groups in person to discuss issues of local concern  over a cup of tea.

These groups lobby Councillors, the Perry Barr MP, the BC Council and Police on behalf of residents and try to resolve residents issues and concerns.

For further details about these groups please ring 675 2349

OSCOTT ELDERY RESIDENTS GROUP MEETING SCHEDULE

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group (50 years+) meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11.15am in the 610 Community Centre. membership is free.
The room used is suitable for wheel chairs and Oscott Disability Group members are welcome.

It is a great chance to meet other residents and have a good chat and a laugh.
There are raffles
Tea and light refreshments for just 40p
from time to time there are fun light exercise sessions and speakers ( including myself now and again)
There are occasional Coach trips organised

For further details ring 675 2349

OSCOTT WARD COMMITEE 17TH SEPTEMBER 7PM

This is just to remind you that the Oscott Ward Committee (Chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring) takes place on Wednesday 17th September at 7pm. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
There will be a chase to hear updates regarding the Glenmead and Burford Road playing fields.
There will also be an opportunity to hear from local community groups and to let us know of any concerns you have.

These meetings are an opportunity for Oscott residents to discuss issues of concern with their councillors.

If you can not make the meeting and would like to inform me of a concern please email
Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

TREE PRUNING IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH

 Today I am meeting a man about trees in Oscott. He will be a Representative from Amey and although it is difficult to know where to start I will be explaining to him the way the trees in Oscott are pruned (in most roads) is not good enough.
I am a supporter of the need for trees but something needs to be done.

I have been calling on BCC administrations for years to get their act together and come up with a decent common sense approach for dealing with the City’s forest type street  trees.

There needs through re negotiating with Amey a better form of pruning and tree removal/ replacement program.

There should be in my view a time scale perhaps 20 year for the removal and replacement of all forest type street trees which are over 50 years old and are full size. This would lead to streets where trees ranged in age and size which would ultimately mean they could be pruned more efficiently when needed.

New replacement trees should preferably be native trees more suitable for a road side situation. They could also be planted in a more suitable curb side  locations enabling more home owner access to having drop curbs and where possible not effect street lighting.

Each road with over grown forest type trees should have a worked out program to remove and replace so many of these trees each year.

Those tree which need pruning should be pruned more vigorously. It is pointless sending out crews to prune so little of the trees canopy that the lay person cannot even tell what has been done. This leads to very annoyed residents.

The size of the crown of a tree also effects the size of the root system and these roots can often effect the pavements in a road.
Poor pruning can also mean too many fallen leaves which make our pavement slippy in wet weather and at times branches are falling off trees when there is only a small breeze, which can damage cars and even people.

This subject needs to be reconsidered and if national rules need to be changed the government should be lobbied.

If you are an Oscott resident and have a view on this please Email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk. or leave a message on 303 2039