The South Glos Post

South Gloucestershire’s new fleet of eleven winter gritting vehicles was officially launched last week – with a little help from the district’s primary school pupils.

Dozens of youngsters from Reception class to Year 3 had entered the council’s ‘name your gritter’ competition as part of a campaign to highlight the importance of winter road safety and the vital role of the winter gritting fleet.

The winning entries were announced at a special ceremony at Cherry Garden Primary School, Bitton by council Chair Mike Drew and Executive Member for Communities James Hunt.

Winning names included ‘SS Great Gritter’, chosen by children at Oldbury-on-Severn CEVC Primary School and ‘Rocky’, which was suggested by children at The Manor Church of England Primary School in Coalpit Heath.

Children at Cherry Garden School were singled out for special praise after two of their entries – Comet and Crystal — were selected by the judges.

Councillor Hunt said:

“Well done to all the children who took part in this competition. We had some really imaginative entries and it has been a great way to get young people thinking about the important work of our gritting fleet during the winter months.”

More: See the full list of names chosen by local schoolchildren »

Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Rail campaigners in South Gloucestershire have welcomed assurances by the industry that local services will improve.

It follows concerns raised by South Gloucestershire Council’s transport chief about disruption that has been occurring on local rail services, particularly cancellations affecting passengers on key commuter services on the Severn Beach line and the Gloucester-Yate-Bristol Parkway-Bristol Temple Meads line.

On various occasions, there have been cancellations or curtailments to morning peak trains which have been attributed to shortage of crew, trains late from depot and train breakdowns.

On the Severn Beach Line, the main casualty has been the 07.18 from Severn Beach which has been either cancelled in entirety or curtailed to start at Avonmouth – stranding passengers at Severn Beach.

In addition, cancellations have also been occurring on other lines, including:

• The 6:26am train from Bristol Parkway to Temple Meads and destinations beyond (this is the first train of the day in that direction from Bristol Parkway and used by passengers with onward connections at Temple Meads)
• Local services on the Gloucester – Yate – Bristol Parkway – Bristol Temple Meads line
• Local services on the Cardiff – Newport – Patchway – Bristol Temple Meads line

More: First Great Western chief gives assurances »

Source: Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council

Young people are being offered the chance to learn what it takes to become competent drivers through a course aimed at the 16-year-olds.

Would-be young drivers will learn road safety and have the chance to get behind the wheel on a private road network. During these practical sessions, they will learn basic car handling skills in a safe environment, on this special course which is run in partnership with North Avon Driving Instructors’ Association and South Gloucestershire Council.

The Junior Drivers course targets young people before they reach their 17th Birthday, to help raise awareness about the responsibilities involved in becoming a driver and to stress how important the right attitude is in keeping them safe. Those attending the course will be offered practical advice on applying for their provisional licence, taking a theory test, basic car maintenance and the Highway Code essentials. The course also teaches youngsters about the possible consequences of road traffic accidents, highlighting the high crash statistics involving young drivers, in an attempt to make them think twice about taking any unnecessary risks behind the wheel.

Alan Hale, senior road safety officer, said:

“This course is invaluable for young people looking to gain the confidence and skills required to become a competent driver. Nationally, one in five newly qualified drivers will have a crash within six months of passing their test. And with 17 to 25 year old drivers representing just 7% of licensed drivers, it is alarming to see that they are involved in 13% of all injury accidents.”

More: Dates of upcoming courses »

Source: South Gloucestershire Council

A number of overnight road closures have been scheduled for the M32 junction 1 and Coldharbour Lane during September.

The closures take place between 8pm and 6am and form part of work to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow prior to completion of the showcase bus corridor scheme in Spring 2012.

On the M32 junction 1, the northbound slip road from the ring road onto junction 1 of the M32 will be closed on 8th, 9th, 10th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th September for resurfacing works. Temporary diversion routes will be clearly signed.

Coldharbour Lane will also be closed on 5th, 6th and 7th September for resurfacing works, again with clear temporary diversions. On 19th, 20th and 21st September there will be lane closures at Coldharbour Lane but the road will still be accessible to traffic.

Read on for full details of the diversions that will be in force »