MAG is pleased to report that Warwickshire Council Highways Engineers heard a presentation from GET A GRIP! today and as a result are prepared to trial the new composite non-slip manhole covers as part of their road resurfacing schedule.
This is fantastic news, because it is an acknowledgment that even when budgets are at their tightest, local authorities who are committed to road safety, will actually consider new infrastructural developments in any way that they can.
It adds to the boost that the GET A GRIP! campaign recieved yesterday, when Bedford Borough Council officially endorsed the campaign by agreeing to provide the use of their Borough ‘shield’, or logo, in connection with the campaign. This is the first Local Authority to very publicly back us and join the likes of the Institute of Highways Engineers and the Asphalt Industry Alliance.
The further good news, is that as Bedford and Warwickshire were beginning trials, North Somerset Council, who have also been talking to MAG activists, placed an order for 5 covers to begin trials.
We have now made contact with 5 more Local Authorities who want to get involved and with the producer of an innovative non-slip overbanding material.
Seems like it’s going to be really great year for motorcyclists, I just hope the weather is too!
Paddy Tyson, MAG’s Campaigns manager said “If anyone is going to be at the MCN Bike Show in London this weekend, please come along to the GET A GRIP! stand and see the non-slip manhole covers we are so excited about. As soon as you stand on it you’ll know why I am convinced “this is a major contribution to Road Safety”. And you’ll get a free keyring, which is invaluable!”