Dates For Your Diary
Next meeting is on 9th March, From 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start .
Our very own Paul Prictor discusses Farm vehicles and their impact on our roads from the perspective of a farmer.
Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker? Please contact speaker at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
SkillShare & Social
7 March 2026 meeting at the REME Cafe, Lyneham. 9.30 am for 10 am start. See main section for more details.
Bike Ride-Outs on the 3rd Saturday of every even numbered month and the 3rd Sunday of every odd numbered Month. Email will be sent out to Bikers and added to the Forum.
Next ride out Sunday 15 March Details will be forthcoming via email to all bike members.
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Congratulations
Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:
Please welcome the following to the Group:
Adrian Stew – Bike
Catherine Glass – Bike
Martyn Jefferies – Bike
Peter King – Car
Matthew Mansfield-Avery – Car
Jane Woods - Car
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We are reviewing the process for purchase of branded clothing - please bear with us |
Newsletter Content
We are always looking for more articles, ideas and news for the newsletter. Have you been somewhere interesting recently that would make a good story? If you attend any group events then take a camera and send us your pictures!
Please forward all contributions to newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
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What a wet month we have had making driving and riding even more challenging. There is an ever-growing selection of potholes with which we must cope, although I understand Wiltshire is one of the least affected (what must the other Counties be like?). There have been times where I have travelled by car rather than my motorbike due to rain, wind and standing water all of which increase the risk of an unfortunate event in any vehicle. I have been thankful for my advanced training which has helped keep me safe, both in vehicle choice and on my journeys; I am sure you are all feeling the same.
The subject of distraction by in-car technology has been covered in a previous newsletter but I thought I would share a personal experience. I was driving a car with apple CarPlay and had selected a podcast to entertain me during my trip. My journey was sufficiently long for the podcast to finish before I reached my destination and so I started to choose another one. I was astonished at how distracting this was and whilst I thought I was paying attention to the road I had no recollection of the couple of minutes driving I had just negotiated whist choosing my entertainment. This is something I must put into my driving and riding plan for 2 reasons: to avoid distraction whist I am driving and to anticipate distraction of other road users with whom I am sharing the road.
Here’s to better weather and safe driving and riding
Bob
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It is not often we are asked for our opinion (although many will offer it even when it is not required!!) but there is a couple of live Government consultations regarding the Road Safety Strategy. I encourage you all to read them and to fill in the questionnaire (it does take a bit of time I am afraid) but the more of us who offer an onion from an advanced driving and riding perspective the better. We will not be offering a “group” response as it will mean us making a new survey, and I suspect RoADAR HQ will not be doing anything as they do not have the capacity to set up a survey (many of you may have answered the IAM one I am sure).
There are 2 surveys where our opinion will help shape Government policy:
Here is the link to the improving moped and motorcycle training, testing and Licensing consultation.
Here is the link to the proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences.
Both consultations close on 31 March 2026.
RoSPA have also called for a bold new Road Safety Strategy and you can read more on this here
Stay Safe
Bob
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Government road safety strategy
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Recently, the UK Government has issued a Road Safety Strategy document which sets out a clear and ambitious path to improve road safety in Great Britain. The government’s commitments are grouped under four key themes, each supporting the overarching targets.
Overarching targets
- 65% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in Great Britain by 2035, using a 2022-2024 baseline
- 70% reduction in the number of children (under 16) killed or seriously injured on roads in Great Britain by 2035, using a 2022-2024 baseline
These four themes are listed below:
- Supporting road users
- Taking advantage of technology, data and innovation for safer vehicles and post collision care
- Ensuring infrastructure is safe
- Robust enforcement to protect all road users
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Notices
Merchandise
The eagle eyed of you will have noticed the merchandise section of the newsletter has been removed. There is little demand for this and we do not really hold any stock (a poor use of our money). We are looking at a way of providing branded clothing to those who need it and will publish the results of our efforts as soon as we can – please bear with us.
Committee Members
A number of people have asked who is who in the zoo. The list of Officers for the Group is on the website here. Feel free to join us (I know the list of Committee members is a little out of date as Nick Carrington is a member, we have lost Steve Allsworth – thanks for your time and effort Steve, and have gained Scott Bonnell – thanks for your commitment Scott)
Calne Bike Meet - 25 July
We have booked a stand for the Calne Bike Meet this year. more details to follow but please do book some time in your diary to help on the stand if you can. We recruit a lot of members, mainly bikers, but we do get the message across to car drivers as well. Please come and support the group recruiting efforts - and have some fun into the bargain.
Atwell Motor Museum
We are hoping to have a stand in the annual festival at the Atwell Motor Museum near Calne. More details to follow but again please help out at this promotional events. This is a great opportuity to chat to motoring ensthusiasts and to see some classic cars.
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Group meetings
Pete Genet and Steve Tucker continued with the Roadcraft theme and took us through Chapter 1 – What makes a better rider/driver. In particular, we looked at Identifying faults, Analysing the cause and putting in place Rectifying the fault.
A good turn out with loads of discussion sharing experiences and where we’ve all made mistakes!
Next meeting, Monday 9th March, we hear from Paul Prictor and his farming vehicles – from a farmer’s perspective!
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Saturday Social
Due to popular demand, we’ve decided to change venue for our monthly Saturday Social. We are now meeting at the REME Museum Café in Lyneham.
Bring a friend and join us on the first Saturday of the month at the Wiltshire RoADAR Saturday Social.
Come and meet your fellow members; exchange notes with other associates; meet some of our tutors and pick their brains.
We usually stay chatting eating cake and drinking tea until 11 ish.
The first Saturday of the month - 09:30 - REME Museum, Calne Rd, Lyneham, Chippenham SN15 4XX
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Have you been up to anything to do with Riding or Driving lately? If so, then please let us know as we would love to include it here; photos would be great too!
Rideout - A Cotswolds mystery tour
The original plan to ride the ford's route was changed last minute due to the rain causing serious flooding at the fords, with one being closed off. The ride happened, but it was a mystery until the day. Cake was found and eaten, of course.
The plan was originally to do a ford's tour. However, on the recce I encountered police road closure (flood), a lot of mud and gravel in the lanes, wide and fast flowing fords. So the route was modified.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_ifAl_eAUoDNbT_d2dktdtwSHElLsJ-EOfzRBSbtU14/edit?usp=drive_link
We set off up the Churn valley, through Cheltenham up Cleeve Hill; through Winchcombe around Bredon hill and across to Broadway. Up Fish Hill and lunch at the café at Broadway Tower. One member departed at this point. This was because he had moved his daughter’s car to get his bike out and ridden off with the car keys, DOH! However, another member arrived to join the ride having had bike issues earlier in the day.
Broadway Tower is an 18th-century building of limestone and is four storeys high, hexagonal, with three round corner turrets, battlements and gargoyles. It is the second-highest point of the Cotswolds, at an elevation of 312m. Although sometimes referred to as a folly, it is a functional building with interior rooms, the top three floors being used as a museum. The rooftop viewing platform can be accessed for good views.
Following a drink and a snack, we headed via Moreton In Marsh to the Broadwell ford. This had calmed down since the Monday recce, so we all took the opportunity to cross and cross back. Onto Shilton ford which was still pretty wide, deep and flowing; so we just photographed that one.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gfFx8-bwebVIf6qt5RzyR6QmGRn83Wua/view?usp=sharing
It was 3pm by this time, so we dispersed at that point heading home in time to catch the rugby - Wales v Scotland. Fortunately, the English attendees missed their game!
Mark Sealey (from Cardiff, just in case there was any doubt!)
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Upcoming event - A camping trip!
A trip is being planned for the first May bank holiday weekend. Saturday 2 nd May, riding down to Caffyns Farm campsite, staying overnight, and riding back the next day. See their website for more information https://www.exmoorcoastholidays.co.uk/
This is open to all members of the group, including car members.
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The Great Tommy Sleep out
Having spent a few days over the winter following my associates through wind, hail snow and rain. I thought it would be a breeze to spend a night out under canvas to support our veterans.
So here goes.
Thank you those I caught at The Crown REME SkillShare and at The February Meeting. You all gave generously.
If you want to give now or give again just scan the QR code below.
Or you can see how the money is being raised and more importantly where it will go to help support homeless veterans.
I will be doing the sleep out on Saturday 28th March if anyone wants to join me!
See if you can help me beat my target of £500.00 I have got to £615.00 so far…
If you want to chat about it I will be at the next SkillShare and the February meeting at Liddington or get in touch by phone or WhatsApp on 07917 866740
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DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN
THINK! has launched a new campaign reminding young drivers of the risks and the consequences they can face if they choose to drug drive. Between 2014 and 2023, there was a 70% increase in drivers killed where drugs were present. Young men are overrepresented, with around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions being male, and 40% aged between 17 and 29 years.
Overconfidence and a tendency to underestimate the risks are widespread, with 32% of young men believing it is OK to drive after taking drugs if they ‘feel fine’, while 46% report knowing someone who drives after using drugs.
To tackle this growing issue, THINK! has launched campaign – ‘Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat’. The campaign creative uses the driving seat as a constant setting, with a rotating camera effect revealing how one poor decision can lead to devastating consequences.
The assets highlight the impact drug driving can have on a person’s night, life and future, as well as the risk of injuring themselves or others – consequences that research shows resonate strongly with this audience.
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ACU National Road Rally (NRR)reborn
For those bikers who like to clock up big miles and have a challenge you may be interested in this.
The NRR was first run in 1933 and has always been a popular event. Last year the event was not run due to a lack of a viable committee. The ACU wishes to re-establish the event and the response to the call for volunteers has been excellent. Although it's early days, there is a working committee of 7 volunteers who are confident there will be three rallies in 2026, the Welsh NRR (9 May), the NRR (4/5 Jul) and the Scottish NRR (12/13 Sep).
The rallies take the format of a Navigational Scatter Rally and there will be a variety of classes to suit individual needs. The aim is to modernise the event by using electronic Apps instead of the paper format. I know that comes with risk, but it's about attracting and retaining younger riders.
The ACU have reviewed the Regulations, it appeared the event rewarded speed. Although previous organisers have assured this is not the case, but the intention is to review and potentially set average speed limits which must not be exceeded.
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British Medics request to curb the proliferation of SUVs
Experts writing in the BMJ, a leading medical journal, have called for urgent policy intervention to curb the proliferation of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), citing their significant harms to public health and safety. The opinion article highlights that the increasing size and popularity of SUVs – which now account for nearly half of new car sales globally – is directly responsible for greater risk on the roads, particularly for vulnerable users.
Evidence cited shows that a pedestrian or cyclist faces an alarming 44 per cent relative increase in the likelihood of death if struck by an SUV compared with a standard car, largely due to the vehicle’s taller, squarer bonnet striking the victim higher and creating greater driver blind spots. Beyond trauma risk, these heavier, larger vehicles exacerbate air quality issues through increased non- exhaust emissions – fine particulate matter from brake and tyre wear – which now dominate pollution in many European cities and are linked to chronic illness. Furthermore, the greater use of raw materials presents a major hurdle to climate goals. The experts urge governments to reverse this trend through immediate policy changes, including reforming tax charges on large vehicles and implementing weight-based parking fees, alongside the introduction of a ‘child visibility test’ within safety rating programmes like Euro NCAP.
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CHANGING THE LANGUAGE
The RoadPeace 'Crash not accident' campaign calls for policy makers and the media to stop using the word 'accident' when referring to road crashes, and to adopt appropriate,
constructive and accurate terminology such as 'crash' or 'collision.'
Jo Shinner, Chief Constable of Sussex and national lead for road Policing, is actively supporting a change in the language we tend to use.
Use this link to listen to her speak about the difference it can make.
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POLICING THE "FATAL FOUR"
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) has produced a report looking at how the UK currently monitors and enforces two behaviours within the “Fatal Four” that remain stubbornly risky yet comparatively under-policed in terms of Mobile phone misuse while driving and seat belt non-compliance.
In 2023, 64.9% of fatal collisions in Great Britain involved at least one Fatal Four factor. Speeding is most prevalent (56.1%), but seat belt non-use and mobile phone distraction persist and are under-detected.
Observed seat belt wearing is high (≈97–98% drivers; lower for rear seats), yet unbelted occupants are over-represented in fatalities. Similarly, less than one percent of drivers are typically observed using mobile phones yet the risk they present is disproportionate due to visual and cognitive distraction effects. Traditional roadside observation cannot scale to the true prevalence of offending. New technologies offer credible detection, deterrence and
data to target interventions.
The traditional approaches to monitoring and enforcement of compliance with seat belt laws are through observational surveys, post-crash reporting and on-the-spot police observation and enforcement. Similarly, mobile phone use while driving is typically monitored via observational surveys. These are evolving from data collection by roadside observers to video/image review, improving safety and sample size. Post-crash assessment by the police can also attribute mobile phone use as a contributory factor but it is likely that this underestimates true involvement due to evidential thresholds and phone forensics limiting detection.
Emerging technologies provide a credible opportunity to address these under-detected risks. AI-enabled roadside cameras, in-vehicle monitoring systems, and phone-limiting apps are already showing potential to detect and deter dangerous behaviour at scale. Trials in the UK, including those run by Acusensus with National Highways and police forces, have demonstrated that AI systems can identify thousands of offences within hours. When the findings are publicised, they also create a measurable deterrent effect, helping to change driver behaviour and support safe roads across the country.
You can find a copy of the report here
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Roadcraft updates
October 2025 saw introductions of new versions of Roadcraft.
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Promotional activities
SkillShare - returns in the new year but if you know someone who wants to learn about the Group bring them to the Saturday Social on the first Saturday of the Month at Crown's Cafe at the REME Museum in Lyneham.
Successfully supported by Wiltshire RoADAR motorcycle tutors and WABAM Observers. Dates for 2026 are below:
All are on a Sunday at Devizes Police Station unless otherwise stated:
March 8th
Wiltshire Police (Devizes Fire Station), Devizes Fire Station, 39 Southbroom Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5BN
April
12th
19th
26th
May
10th
July
5th
12th
September
13th
October
4th
Calne Bike Meet and Atwell Motor Museum
We are returning to the Calne Bike Meet - 25 July 2026 - and the Atwell Motor Museum - dates tbc.
If you have any ideas for events, then please get in touch with the committee using the committee email address :
Look forward to hearing and discussing your ideas.
Presentation material
A generic set of slides has been created for use if you are asked about Wiltshire RoADAR and have the opportunity to present. This could be at a local club, workplace etc. Please send a mail to committee@wiltshireroadar.co.uk and the slides will be sent over to you.
We also have flyers and business cards so ask for these via the same means.
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New year, new motorcycle touring company!
After planning, organising and enjoying several motorcycle trips to places such as the Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees and Ireland, amongst others, Peter Genet has, along with a couple of advanced riding, albeit IAM, friends set-up www.tiptoptours.co.uk These tours are encouraging riders to explore and enjoy more their riding amongst like-minded riders. After all, “I ride not to go anywhere, but to ride. I ride for riding’s sake. The great adventure is to ride!”
Look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter Genet |
Taking both Car and Bike tests?
We have a handful of people who have passed both their car and bike tests. If you wish to do the same it can be confusing as we include the training in your memebrship of Wiltshire RoADAR but your membership of RoSPA only covers one free retest. My thanks to Ryan Jones who calrified the situation with RoSPA.
If you are a bike member,
you can just pay for an interim car test @ £55. My main membership would
be bike (first one to pass) so "free" retest would be bike. Car retest
would be same interim @ £55.
One hopes (by extrapolation) it is the same if your intial membership is for a car - please let us know if you find any difference. (Although we know the Bike test is more expensive than the car test.)
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Booking a Retest
Please be aware you need to book your 3 yearly retest directly with RoSPA via their website. Sadly we cannot book it for you as it is all done electronically. You may also need to check when your re-test is due if you have not been paying your subscriptions to RoADAR as they will not remind you.
Tutors will be happy to conduct a refresh should you wish one prior to a re test.
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Membership and GDPR
Due to GDPR we are required to remove an individual's details from our Group database when they are no longer required by us. We remove a lapsed member's details if they have not paid a subscription by the 31 Dec following the AGM (3 months after the subscriptions are due). If a member has forgotten to pay their subs and pays after 31 Dec we will require a joining form to be completed so we can replace them on the database.
It all seems a bit strange, but we do not want to get on the wrong side of the Government's Information Commissioner. We understand if members forget or are late with their subscriptions, but please help us to keep our database accurate and compliant.
This is, of course, separate to those of you who maintain a membership with RoADAR HQ.
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Committee minutes
These are available from the Group Secretary if any member wishes to see them. If you are interested in reading the minutes, then please send a mail to the Group Secretary whom will promptly forward them onto you.
Test results
Reminder to let the Membership Secretary and your tutor know when you have taken your Advanced Driving/Riding Test and result. This is so our database is kept up to date; there is no need or pressure at all to have the result published on the website or in this newsletter if you wish to keep your result confidential.
If you have read this far, thanks! If you have any feedback or suggestions about content for your newsletter, then drop us a line at newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk If you can't leave constructive feedback though, then we don't want to hear from you!
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