Bird's Eye

8th November 1963, Page 93

8th November 1963

Page 93

Page 93, 8th November 1963 — Bird's Eye

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you any idea how many road users were killed

on an average day in Britain last .year? And do you ImoW just how much road accidents cost the country in !')02? In fact, though there were 199 fewer deaths on our roads last year than in 1961, on average 18 people died on the roads each day. And according to information conrained in " Road Accident Statistics 1962 ", published recently by RoSPA, road accidents last year cost us :noroximately £227 m. •

More startling information presented was that in the first 62 years of this century total road casualties in Great Britain numbered 9+ m., including 275,000 fatalities. Sobering facts indeed. With vehicles on our roads increasing at a great rate each year it is interesting to consider what the road accident position might be in, say, 1972.

Back to the Old Abacus ?

detect a touch of sarcasm in the letter which the " Scottish Development Department has just sent to the Lorth Bridge Joint Board? After commenting that, even if Forth Bridge traffic in the first year reaches the somewhat optimistic figure of 4 m., the 'annual revenue will be £500,000, the letter points out that maintenance will .take £145,000 of this, leaving only £355,000 to meet the first year's interest repayment of £875,000. So even if traffic rises at the rate of 8 per cent a year, the loan (now £14 m.) would not be paid Off in the intended 30 years—or even in 60 years, In fact, by the time traffic reaches the bridge's foil capacity figure 22 years from now, the loan would reach 122 M. and still be increasing!

The tongue-in-cheek pay-off comes in the last paragraph which reads: "The Secretary of State would be grateful if this letter could be brOught to the attention of the Board so that they may comment on these points and let him have an explanation of the assumptions on Which their decision to propose a toll of 2s. 6d. was based, together with their revenue estimates over the 30:-year period during which i he loan is to be repaid".

Looks as though that 2s. 6d. toll is gettim!, very vulnerable already,

Voudez-vorts Acheter • .?

ACOMMENDAIME scheme to assist British businessmen to become better equipped to carry on overseas trade as announced by the London and Birmingham Chambers of Commerce last week. Under this scheme examinations, in foreign languages which have their emphasis on conversation and comprehension rather than on academic knowledge, can be taken by candidates throughout Britain.

Tests will be conducted in many languages not just French and German and for the first time thousands of businessmen, technicians, salesmen, etc., will have agreed standards at which to aim.

I understand that the initiative for establishing these examinations came from education officers of 11 firms in the Birmingham area, who met to consider how commonly accepted standards could be attained. Examinations will be in three grades—clementarY, intermediate and advanced —and certificates will be awarded to successful candidates by the Birmingham and London Chambers.

Old Car Wanted. .

HAS anybody got an old car with bodywork in good condition, that they don't want? I understand that Mrs. Win Morton, wife of Bill Morton, the East Midland's R.H.A. area secretary, is looking for a vehicle to install in a children's "adventure playground".

If anyone thinks they have the answer to Mrs. Morton's dreams, perhaps they would contact her through her husband.

Any Offers?

I HAVE received another request --strangely enough from 1 Nottingham again—this time from a geography school master who wants to borrow, or hire, a lorry. He wants it. to take some of his pupils on a three-week tour of Yugoslavia next year. Any offers ?

Too Much Luxury ?

THE new luxury coach used by West Brormvich Albion (which I commented upon last week) did not bring them much luck last Saturday. The coach, carrying the Albion for their away fixture with West Ham United at Upton Park, broke down. Alternative transport was found in a hurry, I am told, but from what I hear it was not .exactly luxurious. The team arrived safely at the ground in due course. Within minutes of the start, though, their left-half had put through his own goal. Ultimately they were hammered " 4-2!