In This Issue:
 



 

 
 

 
 

 
Congratulations
Congratulations to members who have passed their Advanced Test recently:
 
Gold:
 
 David Ashford (C)
 
 Mark Badham (M)
 
 Neil Burton (M)
 
 Angus Davidson (M)
 
 Dave Henley (M)
 
 Nigel Hitchings (M)
 
 Mike Ibbitson (M)
 
 Steve Kendal (M) 
 
 Richard King (M)
 
 Lee Morris (C)
 
 Cam Mowbray (M)
 
 Peter Pemberton-
 Bennetts (M)
 
 Neil Southwell (M)
 
Silver:
 
 Jill Brunsdon (M)
 
 Chris Hearn (M)
 
 Paul Snowdon (M)
 
Bronze:
 
 Bob Preston (M)
 
 Colin Stitfall (M)
 
Welcome
A warm welcome to new group members:
 
 Gary Butler (M) 
 
 Mark Coleman (C)

 Joe Hill (C)

 Lee Morris (C)
 
 Stacey Newton (C)

 Trevor Parkinson (C)
 
 Rosalind Richardson
 (C)
 
 Derek Spooner (M)
 
 Alex Whitfield (M)
 
Articles needed
If you have interesting snippets or would like to write a short article for this newsletter then please let us know. 
 
All contributions welcome.
 
Second editor needed
This is our first monthly newsletter for a while. 
 
It has been compiled using a simple Mail List Provider and, to keep things easy, future editions will use the same template
 
The Committee would like to invite someone else to be Co-Editor and the plan is that each Co-Editor produces a newsletter every second month.
 
Full training given.
 
Interested?
 
Call Stephen Wilkinson-Carr on 07976 644485 for more details.
 
Next edition
 
Traffic UK website

Reporting potholes
 
New speed limiter
law
 
Speed cameras to 
target Glos hotspots
 
Op Snap outcomes
 
and more...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Newsletter
November 2021
 
 
 
Chair's Introduction
 
Dear Member
 
In common with many voluntary groups, our activities have been severely curtailed over the last 20 months. We’re still in the fourth wave of the pandemic and, in line with government advice, restarting indoor events / activities too soon would not be sensible.
 
We are still running some motorcycle and car training and motorcycle SkillShare has been running monthly over the Summer. We’re also helping Glos Police run their BikeSafe events. Many thanks to the Tutors and Organisers who've kept things going.
 
Phil Wesley (WebMaster) has been working very hard reformatting, refining and refurbishing our website. He has done a superb job and we hope to have it back online in its new form as soon as possible. These things do take time though so please be patient. I’d like to thank Phil, personally and on behalf of the group, for his amazing support and for giving up so much of his valuable time for the benefit of the group.
 
As we are not able to offer a full range of member benefits at present we are still not charging anyone a subscription. However, those fees will be charged from 1 April 2022.
 
In the meantime, planning is well underway for Approved Tutor training, Advanced Tutor training, Low speed riding skills and Group events. 
 
If you have a good idea that we can develop then please let us know.
 
Until next month...
 
Stephen

 
Future Plans
 
Group events and other activities should be re-starting around February next year, subject to Covid-19 rules, and we’re planning to run:
  • Approved Tutor (Car and Motorcycle) initial and refresher training
  • Advanced Tutor (Motorcycle) training
  • Advanced Tutor (Car) training
  • Low speed motorcycle skills event
  • Group outdoor events, ideas include but are not limited to:
    • Rally School
    • Drone experience
    • Digger experience
    • Forklift truck experience
    • Truck driving experience
    • Formula Ford at Castle Combe
    • Off-road driving
    • Skid pan etc
 
If you can think of an event that would interest members then please feel free to add to that list. All ideas are welcome.
 
Anthony Howlett has kindly volunteered to organise one of those events for us which is great news. However, we need more organisers, even if it’s for just one group activity.
 
Are you that willing volunteer who’s just waiting to be asked? Please let the committee  know if you are (contact details at the end of this newsletter).
 
We are very short of Tutors in the car section and it’s a good time to consider whether you’d like to volunteer for the Approved Tutor training in February. Why not call for more information?
 
Many of you have asked about group motorcycle rides and, subject to a Committee-approved revision of the Group Riding Guide, we hope to run at least one group ride monthly with the first as soon as late December to the Two Hoots Cafe at Devil's Bridge near Aberystwyth.
 
 
Rally School by Phil Wesley
 
Cotswold Driving Experience (formerly Gwynne Speed)
Rally School - Sunday 1st August 2021
 
Cotswold Driving Experience
 
After numerous attempts to secure a date at The Rally School event thanks to Covid delays and member calendar clashes, Andrew Cook secured two separate group bookings on different dates with no extra cost. These bookings were heavily discounted, by Gloucestershire RoADAR. The location was a gravel-based circuit at Down Ampney, Cirencester with tyres as the obstacles to drive around instead of anything more solid.
 
Initial thoughts on turning up and being confronted with an immaculate Citroen C2 rally car shown below outside the reception office got me excited immediately.
 
Cotswold Car
 
Just round the corner however, we saw the vehicles we were actually getting our hands on and initial disappointment that we weren’t getting group B rally cars or the like (as if) quickly dissipated as it very quickly became apparent that it doesn't matter what you drive - the fun is in controlling (or trying to at least) the vehicle you are actually driving.
 
Perfect driving conditions were enjoyed - dry and sunny – with 7 of us driving in our group, sharing 2 Citroen C2s. Plastic screens had been installed between driver and instructor and masks worn and surfaces cleaned between driver swaps - all very Covid-safe.
 
We were fortunate to have two great instructors - shouting great encouragement all through the laps on where to head for, when to turn, when to back off and why we span out of control when we did (frequently) and how to do it differently the next time.
The whole afternoon was a great deal of fun balanced between socializing, cursing all the simple mistakes we made, laughing, admiring how others seemed to be flying round the course, and laughing when drivers spun out on the bends (frequently).
 
The driving comprised two sets of practice laps comprising 3 laps in each set, followed at the end with 2 laps timed against a stopwatch with the tutor recording the time of each and picking the fastest of those laps. We then finally all got treated to a couple of laps as a passenger with our instructors taking the wheel to show us how it all should be done. What a difference when you see how it should be done!
 
DC Demo drive
David Collicott being treated to a demo run by his instructor:
 
We were all given a score sheet at the end with lap times, penalties (10 sec penalty for hitting a tyre or car abuse - missing gears/hitting rev limiter/spinning) and marks out of 10 for Steering, Braking, Gear Changing, Throttle use, Driving Line and overall summary comments.
 
I can't remember who recorded fastest with a score of 93 out of 100 and a fastest time of 1m 32secs (cough), with the runner up just 1 second slower which as the instructor reminded us could be down to just the time to hit the stopwatch between runs!
 
A few of us chose to buy the in-car videos of our efforts to take home and study to see just exactly where things could have been improved (everywhere to be honest).
Would I go again - you bet! Everyone seemed to have a great afternoon packed with fun and excitement.
 
Thanks go to Andrew Cook for organizing this event and his tenacity for getting it sorted and Cotswold Driving Experiences (link below), their instructors and Holly who looked after us all very well throughout.
 
 
Phil Wesley
 
 
New Trailer Rules
 
 
You can no longer take a car and trailer driving test. They stopped on 20 Sep 2021.
 
What's changing?
 
The rules on towing a trailer are changing on 15 November in 2021. Until then you must continue to follow the current rules about what you’re allowed to tow based on when you passed your car driving test. 
 
Licence issued before 1 Jan 1997?
You will not be affected by the changes if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997.
 
Licence issued between 1 Jan 1997 to 18 Jan 2013?
You can currently drive either of the following:
  • a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
  • a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)
You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.

Licence issued after 19 Jan 2013?
You can currently drive either of the following:
  • a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
  • a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
 
What will change on 15 November 2021?
If you passed your car driving test after 1 January 1997, you’ll be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM when the law changes.
 
You can be fined up to £1,000, be banned
from driving and get up to 6 penalty points
on your driving licence if you tow anything
heavier before the law changes.
 
Driving a car and trailer for the first time?
It’s best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start driving a car and trailer.
 
Full details here
 
Tutor Training (Car & Motorcycle)
 
Car Tutor Masked
Tutor training for existing and new car and motorcycle Approved Tutors will take place in Spring 2021 (theory day in February and practical day in March).
 
The training will be co-led by Chief Instructor (Motorcycle) – Tony Dix and Chief Instructor (Car) - Adam Slaughter with assistance from Motorcycle Diploma holder Geoff Brown (our Treasurer).
 
If you would like to train as an Approved Tutor then please e-mail either Tony Dix at chiefinstructormc@glos-roadar.org.uk or Adam Slaughter at chiefinstructorcar@glos-roadar.org.uk
 
More details to follow.
 
Advanced Tutor Training (Motorcycle)

 
Advanced Motorcycle Tutor training for eligible Approved Motorcycle Tutors will begin in early 2022.
 
The training will be co-led by Stephen Wilkinson-Carr (Advanced Tutor) and Mark Sealey (RoSPA Diploma) and will comprise 6 evening theory sessions and 3 full-day practical riding sessions.
 
The training will prepare you for the following:
  • A theory test of Roadcraft and The Highway Code
  • A test of the candidate’s ability to carry out vehicle and driver checks and discuss aspects of basic maintenance to the standards of the current edition of Roadcraft
  • A practical RoSPA Advanced Tutor Riding Test
  • A scenario test in which the candidate acts the part of an Advanced Tutor, with the person assessing them acting the part of a trainee Group Tutor.
 
To be eligible you must have been trained as an Approved Tutor, have passed the advanced test at Gold and have trained up to 5 associates to test level. 
 
If you would like more information or to discuss your eligibility then please call Stephen on 07976 644485 or e-mail him at chair@glos-roadar.org.uk
 
Recommended Books (Clickable)
 

 
 
   
 
Highway Code update
 
The Highway Code was updated on 14 September 2021 and published on 1 October 2021.
 
The updated online version is available here 
 
As yet there do not appear to be any hardcopy 2021 versions on sale.
 
Unfortunately there are some rogue sellers online who will try to fool you into thinking they're selling the 2021 version when in fact you'll end up with the 2015 version (don't ask me how I know ).
 
 
 
Flying Motorbike For Sale
 
Flying Motorcycle
Flying cars have been around for a while, so why not flying motorcycles?
 
Jetpack Aviation (JPA), which already makes vertical people propellers, has successfully tested its jet-driven flying motorcycle prototype and intends to produce two consumer versions for everyday use.
 
The Speeder has an intuitive system that works the same as a typical motorcycle and automatically stabilizes the machine in flight. Vertical take offs and landings are possible from most surfaces and it only needs as much space as an average family car. It can even be programmed to fly itself.
 
The planned ultralight version [no pilot’s licence required] should be available within two years. It’ll be restricted to 60mph and have a 15-minute flight time.
 
The experimental version (basic pilot’s licence required) should follow that within six months. It’ll be capable of 250mph and have a 35-minute flight time.
 
Flying Motorcycle Landing Gear
The Speeder’s automatic landing gear deploys as it nears the ground.
 
Future planned versions include ones for the military, emergency services and safety organisations. They’ll have detachable wings that will increase range and storage bins for fire retardants, medical equipment or injured personnel.
 
JPA has already begun accepting pre-orders for the consumer versions at an initial price of £277,250 ($381,000).
 
There’s a neat video of the Speeder here
 
I want one!
 
Why Advanced Driving / Riding?

What are the benefits? 
 
These are some of the benefits enjoyed by advanced drivers and riders after training with Gloucestershire Advanced Drivers And Riders:
 
    Increased safety; keep yourself, your passenger(s) and other road users safe
 
    Reduced risk; using anticipation and planning skills
 
    Increased awareness; being more observant and using enhanced handling
    skills to anticipate changes around you
 
    Increased passenger comfort; with good forward planning and anticipation,
    your driving / riding will become smoother and more relaxed
 
    More enjoyment; experience the satisfaction of driving / riding from A to B more
    smoothly with more time to react to the unexpected
 
    Greater control; by understanding and knowing how to deal with the various
    forces that affect your vehicle
 
    Increased confidence; learn how to anticipate and deal with expected and the
    unexpected road and traffic situations
 
    Reduced wear and tear; get more out of your vehicle by learning advanced
    machine control methods 
 
    Discounted insurance; many insurance companies offer a discount to
    advanced drivers / riders
 
    Save money on fuel; using defensive driving / riding and forward planning
    techniques to achieve greater control and better fuel efficiency 
 
    Enhance your CV; gain a professional qualification you can put on your CV
 
 
What is advanced driving / riding?
 
Advanced driving / riding is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to progress unobtrusively with skill and responsibility.  
 
This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving / riding competence based on concentration, effective all-round observation, anticipation, and planning.  This must be co-ordinated with good handling skills.
 
An advanced driver / rider will always have their vehicle in the right place on the road, at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always stop safely on their own side of the road in the distance they can see to be clear (DSA, RoADAR, IAM, 1997).
 
 
What will you learn?
 
Our driver / rider training is provided on a one-to-one basis. All our tutors are volunteers and have passed the advanced driving / riding test, hold a current tutor qualification and are registered with RoADAR HQ.
 
You will learn how to drive / ride:
 
    Safely – By being safer you give yourself more time to react, to both expected
    and unexpected situations, and improve your own and passenger confidence in
    your ability.
 
    Systematically – By doing things in a systematic way, one thing at a time,
    you will learn how to ensure your vehicle is in the right place, at the right speed,
    in an appropriate gear and capable of being stopped, on your own side of the road,
    in the distance you can see to be clear.  We use the Police System of Car /
    Motorcycle Control acronym IPSGA (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration).
 
          
 
    Smoothly – By learning how to use vehicle controls in a smoother, and more
    controlled, way you and any passenger will feel more comfortable and relaxed.
 
    At an appropriate Speed – Learn how to drive at the appropriate speed, making
    progress and showing restraint when necessary.
 
 
What does it cost?
 
Training is free for car drivers who use their own vehicle with an assigned Tutor. 
 
Motorcyclists pay a £10 contribution toward the Tutor’s costs per training session.
 
It’s important that you to commit time to regular training sessions.
 
 
Car and Motorcycle Tests
 
The RoSPA advanced test is widely regarded as the highest civilian driving / riding standard available. The test is based on the Police Foundation publication 'Roadcraft: The Police Drivers Handbook' or 'Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Riders Handbook' and the Highway Code. A thorough understanding of both Roadcraft and the Highway Code will be required to pass the test at a high standard.
 
 
Test Standards 
 
Gold is only awarded to the driver / rider who shows a consistently high standard of driving / riding throughout the test. The driver / rider will demonstrate a confidence in their ability together with a thorough understanding of the principles contained in Roadcraft / Motorcycle Roadcraft and how to apply those principles to situations that occur during the test.
 
Silver is awarded to candidates who display a skill level well above the average. They will show a thorough understanding of the principles contained in Roadcraft / Motorcycle Roadcraft and how to apply those principles to situations that occur during the test. The driver / rider will make safe systematic progress however not demonstrating the consistency, final polish and smoothness of the Gold grade candidate.
 
A Bronze grade will be awarded to those candidates who show that they have an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the principles of advanced driving / riding demonstrating a good level of observations and anticipation, but not doing so consistently throughout the test. They will however drive / ride in a safe and legal manner, to a standard that is significantly above that required to pass the appropriate DVSA test.
 
 

 
 
Did You Know?
 
    
 
The old GB sticker used on the back of vehicles when abroad ceased being valid on 28 September 2021, the United Nations (UN) has outlined. Instead, motorists will have to replace it with a UK sticker to drive on foreign roads.

Government guidelines state that UK nationals planning to drive outside the UK must display a UK sticker on the rear of the vehicle if the plate’s number has a GB identifier with the Union flag, a euro symbol, the flag of England, Scotland or Wales or if it only contains numbers and letters. 
Full details here
 
A Quiz

 
 
 
Here's a short video quiz produced
by Stephen Wilkinson-Carr as a fun
way to test knowledge of the
Highway Code.
 
Can you score 25/25?
 
 
 
 
The Committee
 
Chair - Stephen Wilkinson-Carr 
chair@glos-roadar.org.uk

Secretary - Rebekah Yarranton    
secretary@glos-roadar.corg.uk

Treasurer - Geoff Brown 
treasurer@glos-roadar.org.uk

Membership Secretary - Mike Ibbitson 
membership@glos-roadar.org.uk

Acting Car Coordinator - Stephen Wilkinson-Carr 
cars@glos-roadar.org.uk

Motorcycle Coordinator - Paul Smith
motorcycles@glos-roadar.org.uk

Chief Instructor: Car - Adam Slaughter
chiefinstructorcar@glos-roadar.org.uk

Chief Instructor: Motorcycle - Tony Dix 
chiefinstructormc@glos-roadar.org.uk

SkillShare Coordinator - Phil Wesley
skillshare@glos-roadar.org.uk
 
WebMaster - Phil Wesley
webmaster@glos-roadar.org.uk
 
Newsletter Editor - Stephen Wilkinson-Carr 
editor@glos-roadar.org.uk
 
Regional Coordinator (RoSPA) - Martin Powell
mpowell@rospa.com
www.glos-roadar.org.uk
Membership Secretary: Mike Ibbitson  membership@glos-roadar.org.uk
Secretary: Rebekah Yarranton  secretary@glos-roadar.org.uk