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Driving whilst under the influence of drugs is set to become a specific criminal offence punishable by up to six months in prison and a £5,000 fine under tough new measures being proposed by the Government.
Motorists under the influence of drugs can only currently be prosecuted if police can prove their driving has been impaired.
Under these measures , offenders would also face an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months.
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Did you know that even if you are in a relationship with or married to the rider, if he drops the bike and you are injured you can get compensation from his insurance? There is no risk, as no win, no fee is available, and you do not need to go to the firm of solicitors suggested by the insurance agents, who will almost certainly be paying for the referral.
If you are in an accident, call Chris Johnson at Motorbike solicitor 01606 551066.
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I went to the NEC show to drool and dream along with everybody else, and fell deeply in lust with the MV Agusta Brutale. I think the good folk at MV missed a trick however, as the bikes were kept on their paddock stands, thus making them seem more uncomfortable and “wristy” than they actually are.
I also made arrangements to test ride the Moto Guzzi Griso.
Why the interest in Italian bikes? Why not? Build quality has improved immeasurably over the years, but the prices are now reasonable compared to the Japanese rivals, and when it comes to “wow factor” and desirability there is no comparison. The down side is that the insurance is steep.
Which has set me thinking about insurance. Too many people think it is worth taking a risk and not insuring their bikes. The trouble is that if you are caught on a bike with no insurance that is an automatic 6 to 8 points at least, and if the Court believe that you are deliberately flouting the law they will ban you.
It is no defence that you thought you were insured. If your mate tells you he is insured to ride your bike, and he isn’t, you are both guilty of an offence and facing the points. Only if you have made all reasonable enquiries are you able to avoid the points on the grounds of Special Reasons for not endorsing, but even then it is subject to the Court’s discretion.
You might like to think about that before you swap bikes with a mate. There may be more at stake than “you break it it’s yours”!
More important is the fact that if you are uninsured and are involved in an accident which results in the death of someone, you face prison for up to two years, and when you come out you are also facing a claim by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau for reimbursement of anything they have to pay out in compensation on your behalf.
SO. If you get yourself in that kind of trouble, or you are not sure of your position, call us on 01606 592159 and ask for Chris Johnson. We will be happy to assist.
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Those of us who keep our bikes taxed all year and continue to use them have been treated to one of the most amazing autumns I can recall.
Remembrance Sunday was a case in point. Out for breakfast at Llyn Brenig, (The breakfast at the café there is substantial and cheap), we got there with fingers still working and toes we could feel, despite a little bit of mist when on really high ground.
The sun broke through a few times, and by the time we set off back home the roads were dry.
Breakfast runs are wonderful. The roads tend to be almost empty, and sparsely policed, and this year the weather has tended to be glorious at sunrise and for the next few hours.
Obviously, the roads are now damp at sunrise, and with wet leaves on the roads it would be foolhardy in the extreme to ride without due caution. The Nant-y-Garth and Clogynau Forest are both to be treated with respect in such conditions, but are still rewarding to ride, and going up towards Llyn Brenig what looked like sand all over some bends proved to be pine needles.
Coming back to Cerrigydrudion the local Remembrance Sunday parade and service were underway, right at the crossroads in the middle of the village. We were by no means the only bikers out, and we all stopped and killed our engines until the event was over.
Unfortunately another couple of bikers arrived and sat there with their engines running, despite signals from one of the event marshalls for them to turn them off. I suspect that that sort of disrespect for others tainted the views of the locals not just about the two of them, but also for the rest of us there, and bikers in general.
That vollage is one which must have hundreds of bikers visiting each Sunday, and we each have a responsibility not to spoil things for the rest of the biking community.
Which brings me to the point for today. Not only is it an offence to ride dangerously or carelessly, it is also an offence to ride without due consideration for other road users (which includes pedestrians and priests conducting open air services) It is punishable by a fine of up to £5000, 3 to 9 points, or a disqualification.
If you do find yourself before the Court for this or any other offence, Phone MOTORBIKE SOLICITOR on 01606 551066.
Do you know that if you are driving other than in accordance with a licence you are facing 3 penalty points?
That includes failing to abide by the terms of your licence, such as no L plates, carrying an unauthorized passenger, or riding a bike which is not restricted to conform with the law.
But there is more. If you are in an accident your insurance company can avoid the cover. That means that they will pay up on your behalf, but then recover what they have paid from you.
Finally, if your presence on a road causes a death, even if it’s not your fault, you are facing up to two years imprisonment.
If you do get into a tangle with the law, don’t struggle on your own. Motorbike Solicitor is able to attend police station interviews at no cost to you.
We can also advise and represent you through Court proceedings, with Legal Aid available subject to eligibility.
So if you are in trouble, contact Chris Johnson or Adam Antoszkiw at motorbike Solicitors on 01606 592159.
I took my CB1300 to SPA Francorchamps for the annual Bikers Classics meeting. We were there to support a friend, Andy Smith from Leigh, as he “Paraded” the TZ350 he raced in the 70s. The weather was mixed, but warm, the circuit magnificent, and the accommodation with Neil and Anne Leigh at Ardenne and Eifel Aventures (www.aeaventures.com) was great. One of our number fell off in Germany, and spent nearly two weeks in hospital. Although they live some 80 miles from the hospital and live very busy lives, they both visited him in hospital twice after we had to leave, and their visits were very welcome.
They are a top couple, devoted to bikes and biking, and their “Motorsport lodgings” are very welcoming. Where else do the hosts hand you a cold beer the moment you take your helmet off on arrival? Heartily recommended.
Simon, who had the accident, is recovering well. He is an example of how important it is to have your documents in order if things gowromg.
Big thanks also to Joe Caffari of Leigh for coming to our rescue and collecting the bike and Simon’s kit and returning them to England in his van.
Proof, if proof were needed, that bikers are good people.
Category : Uncategorized
Taking your bike abroad is a wonderful adventure, but it is imperative to prepare properly.
The bike:-
You will be putting in high daily mileages and will be wanting to enjoy as much of your time as possible. Tyres are more expensive in Europe and in many places more difficult to source. The same applies to chains, brake pads and parts. It is frustrating spending part of your hard earned holiday looking for a bike shop and hanging about whilethey fix your problem, always supposing they have the time.
Make sure that your tyres and brake pads and chain have plenty of life in them. Carry a tyre repair kit and a tin of foam, spare levers against a low speed spill, a supply of zip ties, and a roll of duck tape.
Carry a ratchet strap too, unless you have your knot-tying badge from the Scouts as not all ferries provide them.
Legally you have to carry spare bulbs, a yellow bib for breakdowns, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle.
You:-
Legally you have to have your bike insurance, your V5, and a photocard licence. And of course your passport.
It is also a good idea to carry your EH1C (and check it isn’t expired), travel insurance, (Watch out, the majority limit motorcycling to 125cc) and a separate bundle of copies for all of all your documents. You do not want to be in the ambulance or A & E arguing over the method of payment before they do anything.
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As the TT approaches it is good to see that Guy Martin doesn’t seem to have suffered any lasting effects after his horrific crash last year. As I write this he is 2nd in practice on the superbike, and being with the T.A.S./Relentless Suzuki squad he has to be a good bet for breaking his duck and getting that first TT win.
Also nice to see that Connor Cummins is back on the bike for this year, although it appears that his injuries are likely to result in a year of retrenchment rather than honours.
After the tragic events in the sidecar practice, we at MOTORBIKE SOLICITOR wish all competitors and spectators a safe week, and a safe return home.
Good luck, guys and gals.
According to rank and file officers the new powers to tackle careless drivers are “waste of time” because there are no police to use them. Fixed penalties of three points and £80 to £100 fines for careless drivers were announced last month to target motorists who tailgate or cut up other road users. But the Police Federation has said the powers will be useless without the officers to exercise them.
If you have been caught by a speed camera or have been stopped by the police for any sort of motoring offence speak to the experts at mosshaselhurst by asking for our specialist department – motorbike solicitor.
Wilmslow 01625 538816
Northwich 01606 74301
Winsford 01605 592159
The recent media speculation concerning the Environment Secretary Chris Huhne should serve as a warning to all motorists. If your vehicle is caught by a speed camera exceeding the speed limit, you will receive a ‘Notice of Intended Prosecution’. This notice requires the keeper of the vehicle to disclose to the police the identity of the driver at the time of the offence. The temptation to ask someone else to ‘take the points’ is not only a risky strategy but also a criminal offence. Perverting the course of justice is regarded by the Courts as a very serious offence which on conviction will usually result in a prison sentence. You may think that the speed camera only records the car number plate. In fact modern speed cameras also take a picture of the driver.
If you have been caught by a speed camera or have been stopped by the police for any sort of motoring offence speak to the experts at mosshaselhurst by asking for our specialist department – motorbike solicitor.
Wilmslow 01625 538816
Northwich 01606 74301
Winsford 01605 592159
www.mosshaselhurst.co.uk
www.motorbikesolicitor.co.uk