All Over The Road

Aussie politician Ted Baillieu has introduced a novel idea for new number plates in the state of Victoria. The idea is to reinforce road safety messages by using them to carry slogans.

Mr Baillueu considers that there is no better place to display the timely reminders and is welcoming suggestions for the content from both drivers and pedestrians via an online facility on his own website.

The new plates will replace those bearing the state's current motto 'The place to be' and considerations of cost may force a single road safety themed replacement.

However, a quarter of those taking part in an online poll on the proposal were totally against the move.

Behavioural psychologist Dr Paul Harrison accepted that the idea was worthwhile although he predicted that it would have only a "tiny" impact on road safety. referring to the current slogan he concedes, however, that they are "better than a banal message."

Interestingly, Dr Harrison reasons that a positive message, such as 'Speed Limits Save Lives' is likely to be more effective than a negative 'Slow Down!'

A Bridge Too Far

A truck driver in Virginia, USA, has employed a device he may well have been issue with by the boffin 'Q' of the James Bond films.

Nelson Vaquiz attempted to avoid a bridge toll in New York City by fitting a revolving number plate to his vehicle. The simple arrangement used a cable which pulled the plate up when passing the recognition camera.

There have been vociferous complaints by professional drivers about the escalating toll charges. But the port authorities were unimpressed by Mr Vaquiz's ingenuity, claiming enormous losses due to such devious behaviour, and promptly arranged for his arrest.

A Quick Fix

UK hardware giant Screwfix has donated 3,000 number plate screws in a new initiative by community leaders. The company has joined forces with Cherwell Safer Communities Partnership in Banbury as the incidence of number plate theft rises alarmingly.

The deputy council leader, George Reynolds, said, "We live in a very safe area but this type of crime is on the increase nationally and this generous offer means residents can rest assured they won't fall victim to it."

Just two of the special screws are all it takes to foil would-be plate thieves, and they are available, while stocks last, from council offices and the local shopping centre.

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