Northamptonshire Highways Newsletter Summer 2016

Northamptonshire Highways
Providing high quality, sustainable highway and transport services
to the people of Northamptonshire
In this issue
• Scheme update
• Road safety
• BikeSafe2016 coming to Northamptonshire
Highway and Transport news
Summer 2016
Keeping you informed
Contents
Highways
• Northern Orbital. Having your say
• Billing Bridge. Ahead of programme and loved by
all
• Kettering junction eases flow
• St Giles Street gets a makeover
• A43 Daventry Link Road
• Oundle residents applaud bridge completion
• Surface dressing thank you
• Micro Asphalt
• Pedestrian marshals - here to help
• The signs are good for Nordis
Road Safety
• Safer Routes to School
• Operation Fix It
• Redeployable speed cameras
• Cameras to stop road worker abuse
• STEM
• Ride to work week
• Our City Challenge
• Life’s better on two wheels
• CarKraft
• BikeSafe 2016 - Rockingham event
• Summer of Cycling
Easter Egg Challenge 2016
Northamptonshire Highways made a HUGE DIFFERENCE
to the children across Northamptonshire.
A phenomenal 6198 Easter eggs were collected by
various Northamptonshire County Council partner
organisations. Some of the Easter eggs went to four
children’s homes, across the county, some to families NCC
are currently working with in Corby, Kettering,
Wellingborough and Daventry and, of course,
Northampton.
This ‘eggstraordinary’ collection of Easter eggs meant
they could also be given to children and young people
who have left NCC care but continue to use the services.
It’s really great when you can put a smile on
children’s faces and Northamptonshire Highways are
proud to have been able to support this great cause.
Team Talk - Community Liaison Team
Hot Topics - Giant Hogweed and grass cutting
Communicating with us
Street Doctor
Sneak preview of BikeSafe programme
The programme for July planned works is online now .
You can find the newsletters and programme
details on the website at northamptonshire.gov.uk.
Remember, you can report highway faults online with our
Street Doctor service.
www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/streetdoctor
Front cover image - BikeSafe 2016
If the fault is categorised as an emergency, our
telephone number will be displayed so that you can call
us instead. This enables us to prioritise the most
dangerous hazards in the county.
Welcome to the
Summer
Northamptonshire
Highway and
Transport news
I hope you enjoy this edition and I look
forward to bringing you the next one in
September.
Tell us what you think at rmiller@kierwsp.co.uk
@nnhighways
@rsnorthants
@cyclenorthants
Building on the success of the final stage of the 2016
Aviva Women’s Tour, which saw thousands of fans at the
roadside throughout Northamptonshire fans are now
being urged to get on their bikes for the official sportive.
Our Cycle Northants team are busy raising awareness of
the Tour Ride Northamptonshire, the official sportive of
the Aviva Women’s Tour takes place on Sunday 17 July,
starting and finishing from Delapre Abbey in
Northampton.
@motorcyclenorthants
@rsnorthants
The ride celebrates the route of Stage Five of this year’s
Aviva Women’s Tour, giving amateur cyclists the chance
to take on one of three routes, including key climbs
tackled by the world’s best.
Across the county the Summer of Cycling has also kicked
off with events almost every weekend for cyclists of all
abilities.
For more information on transport and
highways and to read all the past newsletters
and
programmes, please go to
www.northamptonshire.gov.uk
The highways team produce a programme of
works on the network each year. A lot of factors
determine the priority of a road on the list and
include the state of the road’s surface, whether
the road is actually failing structurally, the road
classification, proximity of schools, hospitals or
other vulnerable users.
The programmes are weather dependent and as
a result we may need to change the schedule.
Want to suggest an article?
Just let me know and we will consider for the
next edition.
Welcome to our Summer Northamptonshire Highways
newsletter, the publication that keeps you up to date
about what is happening across the county in transport
and highways.
It’s been a great few months for sport in the county
with Cobbler’s winning football’s League Two title by 13
points and the Aviva Women’s Tour, which
Northamptonshire Highways supported with traffic
management and as part of the organising team. It was
a thrilling last stage from Northampton to Kettering and
even better that we had a Briitsh overall winner, Lizzie
Armitstead.
Rebecca Miller, communication manager
Summer 2016
The team have also been feverishly preparing for
BikeSafe2016, the National Show and Track Experience.
For the first time ever this is coming to
Northamptonshire and the Rockingham Circuit and
promises to be a spectacular day for everyone on
Saturday July 16th.
Read on to find out more about what is happening in
your area and the many services we provide.
As always, your views are important to us and you can
get in touch in many ways.
We recommend all issues or defects regarding transport
and highways are reported to Street Doctor. This service
means your contact is logged and you will be able to
track progress.
Available online and for mobile devices this is a great
way to report anything you are concerned about.
You can also find the newsletters and programme details
together with detailed information on all of our the
services at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk.
We would like to thank everyone for the interest you take
in our services.
It is very important to us to work with you and within
local communities to improve the transport and
highways services across the county.
Rebecca.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Highways
Northern Orbital
Having your say
Road users from across the county had their say recently
during the Northern Orbital Road Northampton
consultation earlier this year.
The Northampton Northern Orbital Route is a proposal
for a new road which will relieve traffic from the north of
Northampton and surrounding villages.
While a preferred route has still to be determined, the
proposed new road will link the A5199 and
Northampton North West Relief Road between
Kingsthorpe and Chapel Brampton with the A43 north
of Moulton. The new road will also connect with the
Moulton Park industrial estate.
Benefits of the scheme
By completing a new ring road to the north of
Northampton, the new road will reduce the amount of
traffic passing through northern parts of Northampton,
and a number of surrounding villages such as Boughton,
Moulton and Pitsford. The road will also create a new
route for traffic heading to the Moulton Park industrial
estate.
Northampton Northern Orbital Route is also needed to
support the growth proposals to the north and west of
Northampton where some 10,000 new homes are to be
built at sites such as Dallington Grange, Buckton Fields
and Northampton North. The road is expected to create
capacity for future development beyond that already
planned.
The route options can be found on the
Northamptonshire County Council website and we are
currently analysing the responses and these will be
reported to our Cabinet in September 2016 along with a
recommended way forward.
The road is expected
to create
capacity for future
development
beyond that already
planned
Schemes
Billing Bridge
Ahead of programme and loved by all
Works started in April on the bridge that carries The
Causeway over the River Nene, between Billing and
Cogenhoe.
The works consisted of repairs on two sections of parapet on
the bridge which have been damaged due to a road traffic
accident in October last year.
Due to health and safety risks to the workforce and general
public the repairs were constructed under a full road closure
for the duration of the works but Northamptonshire
Highways completed the works a week early and opened it
up to all traffic.
Among many of the compliments received by the team was one from a local resident who had been watching, with
interest, the progress of the work.
“I live in Cogenhoe, and use the Billing Bridge virtually every day. My wife and I walked down to the bridge on Saturday
and were pleasantly surprised to see the work had been completed. The standard of workmanship is excellent.
The resurfacing will also make a huge difference.
This morning we were surprised to find the road marking had been done and the bridge in full operation, so we arrived
in plenty of time at the station to enjoy a coffee, well before our day’s outing.
The team are to be complimented on a job well done and for completing a week ahead of schedule. I was, however,
annoyed to find the first vehicle across, while I was waiting at the lights, was an HGV. They take no notice of the warning
signs on the approach to the bridge. “
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Schemes
Kettering junction eases flow
Kettering Borough Council and Northamptonshire Highways have been working in partnership to implement town
centre improvements at the Northampton Road, Sheep Street, BowlingGreen Road, Station Road and Headlands
junctions in Kettering. Completed in May the new layout minimises the delay for the movement of traffic east west
through the junction whilst maintaining the pedestrian movement to and from the Town Centre to the Rail Station
and Headlands.
In addition, essential maintenance was undertaken comprising of improvement to the road structure and resurfacing
on Northampton Road. This extends from the crossing at the bottom of the hill through to Bowling Green Road.
Road users in the area are aware that there is a high volume of traffic. However, after monitoring and counting traffic,
it was established that one of the reasons for this is that it is unable to free flow due to the sets of traffic signals in the
area. By removing these lights, whilst maintaining a dedicated safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, the build up
of traffic and delays can be reduced.
There is still a heavy movement of traffic east west through the Northampton Road /Bowling Green Road junction
and therefore there is a need to balance the needs of this cross town movement with the requirement to cater for the
important pedestrian movement to and from the Town Centre to the Station and Headlands.
The main features of the scheme include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improved traffic flow.
A Toucan (too can - pedestrian and cyclists) crossing to link the west and east side across Sheep Street to link The Headlands, the rail station to the town centre and all the facilities.
Improved and simplified crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The creation of a more pedestrian friendly space including the proposed removal of
current guard rails at crossing points.
Two drop kerb uncontrolled crossings points on The Headlands at the bus stop and at the Bowling Green Road end of the road.
The use of high quality paving materials on Sheep Street to enhance the area and to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
The existing decorative hanging baskets will remain and we will enhance further with planters and blooms.
Schemes
St Gile’s Street gets a
makeover
Northamptonshire Highways have completed the first
phase of the improvement works on St Giles Street,
between Hazelwood Road - Castilian Street .
Over the summer the team will continue work
between Castilian Street - St Giles Square with a
further three phases to follow and completed in
spring 2017.
St Giles Street, Northampton is home to a thriving hub
of independent shops and cafes, and the
improvements will help bring out this unique
character. The street provides an important link
between the town centre and the attractions in the
Cultural Quarter.
To enhance the area we are widening pavements and
bringing in better quality materials and features to
make St Giles Street a real shopping destination.
Throughout the works it is ‘business as usual’ for all of
the great, independent shops that line the street. A
small diversion is in place for traffic and pedestrians
are able to access the whole street all of the time.
Come and see what is on offer and remember the
weekday two hour free parking in many of
Northampton’s car parks and free spaces all weekend.
The proposals outline a number of changes to St Giles
Street and the surrounding area:
St Giles Square - The proposals outline “a rationalisation”
of street furniture, in particular outside the Guildhall.
There will be additional parking spaces, an avenue of
tree planting, the preservation of flag poles and an
enhancement of heritage lighting around the Guildhall.
St Giles Street West - Plans include wider pedestrian
footways removing the pinch points. The “level-top”
pedestrian crossing from the Fish Street junction would
be improved and new trees would be added.
St Giles Street East - The area would have an improved
“level-top” crossing outside the Ridings Arcade and two
further crossings at the junction with Castilian Street and
Hazelwood Road.
Fish Street - The proposals for Fish Street would see the
area becoming fully pedestrianised and involve the
removal of all the street clutter. The plans, the council
says, would make it an easier space to navigate and
enhance views in to the street making it more inviting.
St Giles Street was named high street of the year in a national competition after impressing judges and coming out
top in a public vote.
The shopping destination, recently described as the “hidden gem” of Northampton, beat off Bradford’s North Parade
and Mill Road in Cambridge to be named best high street in the City Location category.
The contest, run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by a number of major
retailers, saw 140,000 members of the public vote for their favourite street.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Schemes
A43 Daventry Development Link Road
We have now started works with site clearance taking place along the route. There is a lot to do but, for now, most of
the work will take place in the fields and will not affect you or the travelling public in the area.
Our priority is to keep accesses open and allow traffic to continue as it does now. There will be times where we may
have to temporarly close roads and divert traffic but we will always let you know.
One of the first key pieces of work you will see is the diversion of the A5. We must keep this strategic route open at all
times but, to construct in this area, we will be building a temporary route for the A5.
Work ongoing • Continued site clearance, hedge and tree removal
• Protection and monitoring of sensitive ecological sites
• Survey and setting-out of fence lines
• Installation of permanent and temporary fencing
• Diversion of certain critical utilities
The A45 Daventry Development Link
Road (formerly Weedon, Flore &
Upper Heyford Bypass)
will be a new 5.7km single carriageway
Oundle residents applaud bridge repairs
Repair work to South Bridge in Oundle to strengthen the damaged structure while maintaining the fabric of the
scheduled ancient monument has now been completed.
Northamptonshire County Council and their highway provider KierWSP have been working with partners over the last
few years to maintain some access, whilst keeping the bridge safe for users and from sustaining further damage. It has
been very important that all partners, Oundle Town Council, East Northamptonshire District Council and English
Heritage, were involved at every stage to find an approach that allows a robust engineering solution while not
detracting from its historical importance.
South Bridge Oundle was closed to traffic between March and December 2011 for urgent repairs following a water
main fracture. The bridge is a seven arch masonry structure, parts of which are thought to date back to medieval
times. It is a scheduled ancient monument and is also Grade II listed.
At the time of the fracture there was evidence to suggest that sufficient damage had been caused to the make the
bridge unsafe to traffic and an emergency road closure was put in place.
Following the repair of the water main a detailed inspection of the bridge was conducted. This revealed several
defects within the arch directly below the fracture, including carriageway settlement and arch cracking.
The inspection also showed that several arches exhibited
cracking and other stone work defects. A structural
assessment was undertaken and this indicated that the bridge
had a very low load carrying capacity.
Since December 2011 the traffic using the bridge have been
restricted to a three tonne weight limit and barriers to prevent
larger vehicles using it. Traffic up to eighteen tonnes can now
use the bridge at the request of Oundle Town Council.
This will help prevent further damage to the structure.
The bridge is a vital link into the town and once fully restored
will help residents and visitors access the town and all the
facilities that Oundle has to offer.
Schemes
Surface dressing
Thank you
As the weather started to improve, Northamptonshire Highways
started it’s annual, extensive ‘surface dressing’ road repairs across
the county.
The work is carried out to provide a cost-effective way of
preserving and extending the life of highways in
Northamptonshire.
Surface dressing involves hot tar being sprayed on to the road
surface and overlaid by chippings which are rolled on to the
surface. When the tar cools it sets and holds the chippings to the
surface of the road.
The process certainly gets people talking and does require road
closure and disruption as we ask people to slow down when
driving on the new surface. However, this treatment is a cost
effective and long term measure to extend the life of roads and
improve road surfaces for people across the county. It also
improves skid resistance and stops water getting into the voids of
the carriageway causing cracking and failure meaning we would
have to visit the site again. Something we are very keen to avoid.
This year we introduced ‘Towaway’. Vehicles, whose presence
prevented the works taking place, were relocated to an adjacent
street. This was carried out by an approved contractor and widely
publicised in advance but we are delighted that only one vehicle
needed to be moved in the three month season.
We would like to thank all residents for co-operating with us by
relocating their vehicles to allow us to get the job done quickly
and efficiently.
Micro Asphalt
Our micro asphalt season starts now and
is an economical solution to resurfacing
roads which are starting to show the first
signs of wear and tear. We use micro
asphalt when the structure of the road is
good but the very top surface is
beginning to wear and needs sealing to
stop water getting in, preventing major
deterioration.
The material consists primarily of a
bitumen emulsion in a liquid form, with
stone added, which dries to provide a
new top surface. As well as protecting
against water the micro asphalt fills
minor surface irregularities, improves
skid resistance and prolongs the lifespan
of the road.
LOOK OUT FOR OUR ADVANCE WARNING
SIGNS
Pedestrian marshals - here to help
Our Northamptonshire Highways construction gangs have been benefitting from some new additions to the team
recently. On projects with large pedestrian movement and traffic management pedestrian marshals have been out in
place to help people negotiate our works safely. We felt it was important to do this to ensure the safety of the public
but to also provide a better service within the communities we work in.
Working on schemes across the county the feedback has been good with one local road user saying: ‘We were glad to
see pedestrian marshals and really appreciate their help. Whilst the diversions are good sometimes it can be confusing
and having them there to help is great, especially for those who are elderly or vulnerable like school children.’
All pedestrian marshals are full trained in the hazards and operations associated with plant and equipment movement
within public environments and during any substantial risk environment a marshal will be in attendance at all times.
To keep up to date on transport and highways follow us on Twitter @nnhighways
The signs are good for Nordis
First opening their doors in 1972 as Nordis Industries and bought by Kier in 2013 the organisation continues to supply
signs to companies across the UK.
They originally handled a variety of packing and assembly work but for the past 30 years have focused on making and
supplying signs for customers across the public and private sector.
They currently employ 18 people, of whom 15 have a disability and 13 are currently supported on the Department of
Work and Pensions ’s Work Choice Programme.
Nordis Lindsey Bosson says : ‘We consistently demonstrate that our quality is as good as the leaders in our field and
seek continuous improvement in our product. Where we can, we allocate the tasks appropriately, focussing on what
the people can do, rather than what they can’t to ensure we get the best results possible.
High profile customers - who are they - Lincolnshire Highways Alliance, Durham County Council, Suffolk County
Council and sign installation companies such as Mason Street Furniture and J.McCanns.
Nordis produces all signage according to the Traffic Signs Regulations General Directions for counties across the
country. Sign making, especially road sign making, is a precise art – everything has to be cut to millimetre perfect
specifications laid down by the Department for Transport.
Firstly, the signs are designed on a computer programme then cut from adhesive vinyl. The vinyl is then placed onto
the required substrates and adhered using a high pressure roller. The sign makers assemble the various elements of
the sign, after which is inspected and wrapped for dispatch. We also have a digital UV inkjet printer which will print
directly onto retro-reflective sheeting, using specially formulated UV inks.
Lindsey says: ‘The Department for Transport sign measurements are very demanding. But we’re committed to always
getting it right. People work here for many reasons and ‘disability’ can mean many things but one thing is certain….
the team are passionate and proud of their work.’
This commitment was recognised by the award of the ISO Quality Standard and became Investors in people
organisation in 1999.
This is something any business should be proud of but at Nordis this is an even greater achievement. Nordis is not a
great big warehouse, it does not have a huge workforce but it does house dedicated and passionate people. There is a
real sense of family and many of the signmakers have been there for many years.
Examples of people, what they do and how long they have worked at
Nordis. Gary, a wheelchair user, joined the business in January 1985 and
during these 31 years has had various roles including software
programming, delivering IT training and administrative work. Gary
currently spends much of his time controlling the sales invoicing and
raising purchase orders.
Michael and David work on the shop floor manufacturing the signage.
They operate all machinery that is required to meet the orders and are
very skilled at what they do. Both have significant hearing impairments
and have worked here for around 20 years.
The finished orders need to be protected against damage and Jon takes
on this task using recycled cardboard, bubble wrap and tape. In addition
to this, Jon keeps the garden areas tidy and takes care of the canteen and
housekeeping. He first stepped inside the doors of Nordis over 26 years
ago.
There is often a lot of discrimination in the workplace towards disabled
people and Nordis offers people a job they can feel proud of. Given the
right chance and the right opportunities people can achieve beyond
expectation.
Andy works at Nordis. After a difficult time Nordis has opened up new opportinuties and enabled
him to get back into work. Here is his journey.......
Having worked for the Royal mail for years I had to retire in 1996 due to an injury. I was a keen sportsman and
attended the gym on a regular basis. One particular day I was working out as usual but felt sudden pain in my lower
back whilst lifting weights from a squatting position. Six months later the injury had deteriorated into a degenerative
condition resulting in a lack of mobility and varying degrees of pain.
Having not worked for many years and also experiencing some personal issues my confidence with everything on a
daily basis was at an all-time low. Out of desperation I made an appointment at the local job centre with a
disability advisor to discuss my options, with a view to may be signing up for some training or voluntary work.
Mick Leonard (Disability advisor) pointed out a couple of options, one of which was to visit Nordis Industries. I
arranged an appointment with Lindsey Bosson on Nov 5th 2001 who, as a starting point, signed me up for some
in-house basic computer skills training for the following week.
After six months of CLAIT (Computer Literacy And Information Technology) and Learn Direct courses it was time for
me to begin searching for part time work. Unfortunately there were very few opportunities available and I was asked
to commence sixteen hours a week using the Permitted Work scheme at Nordis whilst on the New Deal for Disabled
People programme. I started in June 2002 and this was the beginning of my Nordis journey.
I was able to continue on Permitted Work for eighteen months and slowly my confidence levels increased and I was
offered a full time permanent position as Production Planner in Feb 2004, transferring to the Workstep Programme in
order to continue receiving support within the work environment.
Various opportunities have arisen throughout my time at Nordis and I now find myself in the position of Signs
Production Manager, jointly managing the business with Lindsey. On a personal level the Nordis concept was
fantastic for me as it gave me a gentle introduction back into a working environment of which I was encouraged and
developed to maximise my potential.
Although I still experience pain on a daily basis I have learnt to manage and control it. Nordis has been a massive part
of my rehabilitation both mentally and physically and without it I don’t know which path my life would have taken.
From a professional aspect I would like to see the business continue to grow and help people like myself for many
years to come.
Set up as a government-registered supported business, Nordis has always offered meaningful employment
opportunities for people with disabilities.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Road Safety
Safer Routes to
School
Jay Shah - Safer Routes to School Officer
Northamptonshire Highways has delivered 12
schemes so far out of 25 identified for 2016 by Safer
Routes to Schools (SRTS).
The new road safety engineering works, improvements
has and will benefit both the schools and the wider
community.
New long guard Railings outside Headlands Primary –
preventing drivers parking outside the school.
Our SRTS programme is funded through the internal
bidding processed and listed yearly basis .The funding
budget has to be applied for on making a case that will
continue to target county schools. We have, to date
including this financial year, completed 230 schools
out of 322.
SRTS has been in talks with over 40 schools,
councillors, parents, police and MP’S to find solutions
and introduce new or improved engineering measures
to create safe environment around schools.
Subject to further investigations and budget allocation
SRTS will priority schools and will be investigated for
2016-17 year inclusion.
New Crossing – St. Patricks Primary – Corby
Safer crossing to help children/parents reach
community car park opposite the school.
And finally SRTS work never stops . Just as we satisfy
one school , another one pops up, either with
copycat problems or completely different.
Some of the schools which have qualified and
improvements completed or are under current
SRTS review works:
Each identified school is visited assessed,
first options /proposals considered, and if successful,
approved then the main feasibility design,
consultation and the process of engineering or small
works interventions follow.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
At present SRTS is investigating another 15 schools
referred directly by schools, police, councillors, MP, or
through internal teams / NCC PEM system. Besides this
previous SRTS scheme schools are reviewed and visited
on regular basis for monitoring the improvement
outcomes
Hopping Hill Primary – Northampton
Braunston CE Primary –Daventry
Loatlands Primary – Desborough
St. Edwards Primary – Kettering
Naseby CE Primary – Naseby
Great Creaton Primary – Great Creaton
Bracken LEAS Primary – Brackley
Broughton Primary – Kettering
Welton CE Primary – Welton
Naseby CE Primary – Naseby
Woodford Halse Primary – Daventry
Greenfields Primary – Kettering.
Road Safety
Operation Fix It
Excess and inappropriate speed on the county road
network account for one of the most frequent causes of
public complaint and is rightly regarded as serious antisocial activity. This has been recently reinforced by our
local communities who had the opportunity to meet
with the former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC),
Adam Simmonds, in order to discuss their concerns.
Operation ‘Fix It’ is a joint project between the County
Council and the PCC to investigate and, where agreed,
provide engineering measures to reduce the instances
of speeding in rural communities of Northamptonshire.
Using an evidence-led approach, the Project Team
within Northamptonshire Highways will identify
specific locations in rural communities of
Northamptonshire where instances of excessive speed
above the posted limit continually occur. The collation
of evidence, intelligence and data will inform a priority
list of known locations which will then, subject to
consultation with the PCC, be eligible for feasibility
study and potential calming measures.
Funding committed by the PCC for engineering
measures aimed at reducing instances of excess
speed will be dependent upon the scope and nature
of schemes identified through feasibility studies. The
Project is managed by Northamptonshire Highways in
close collaboration with Northamptonshire Police and
the PCC.
The objective of the scheme will be to implement
effective traffic calming measures in order to reduce the
instances of excessive speed in local communities.
Re-deployable
speed
cameras
As part of the same speed reduction initiative we are
working closely with Northamptonshire Police to
pilot re-deployable average speed camera systems in
local communities.
This is new generation technology that can be
installed on existing street furniture, with all
components incorporated in a pair of single point
entry and exit cameras.
This system has the potential to control the speed of
traffic and driver behaviour over longer sections of
road. In addition, the cameras provide an
opportunity for drivers who enter the detection zone,
to moderate their speed over greater distances and in
compliance with the posted limit.
Consultation with identified communities will be
undertaken as part of the implementation process
and locations selected where, for example:
Project Delivery
• They might replace existing spot speed systems on
Phase One: Data Collection and Evaluation
•
Entails the collation of evidence and data for
the compilation of a priority list of local communities
eligible for Feasibility Studies;
routes where the casualty history is worsening
Phase Two: Feasibility Studies – Funded by the PCC
•
Feasibility studies will entail site visits by expert
highways personnel with a view to identifying potential
engineering solutions, preparing associated designs
and estimated scheme costs;
•
Phase Two will help to inform the decision
making process regarding the most effective measures
to be implemented under Phase Three.
Phase Three: Delivery – Funded by the PCC
•
The measures identified within the Feasibility
Studies and agreed by the PCC will be delivered during
the life of the Project (up to 5 Years 2016/17 > 2021/22)
(supported by a Traffic Survey of speed)
• Existing speed enforcement/calming measures are
not practical, i.e. nowhere to locate a van, conduct a
roadside intervention or install physical features
• Existing enforcement measures are ineffective
and/or unsustainable.
As a re-deployable system the cameras can be
regularly moved around eligible communities as part
of a wider speed deterrent programme.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Road Safety
Cameras to stop road
worker abuse
Picture this. You’re sat in your office and a missile is
thrown at you. You’re walking to a meeting and a
stranger hurls abuse at you or even worse.
Northamptonshire Highways are passionate about the
safety of all roads users and our workforce.
Over the years there have been many incidents where
crews working on the roads have been put in dangerous
positions by angry motorists, facing both verbal and
sometime physical abuse.
Recently we have seen an increase in people
ignoring traffic management and road closures and
putting themselves, their passengers and our works at
risk of injury or even worse. Teams working on the roads
have also found themselves subject to abuse from
members of the public, workers have been verbally
abused, threatened and even had missiles thrown at
them by drivers or passengers who have a grievance
about where the work is being carried out or the
short-term inconvenience it causes for traffic.
One worker told when he nearly had his head taken off
by a car going through an area coned off for road works
on the A508 while he was working in a manhole.
To combat this Northamptonshire Highways will now be
trialling surveillance cameras attached to either safety
helmets or jackets. The highway service provider believes roadworks are a place of work and that the people
working there deserve the same respect as anyone else
in their place of work.
Every day more than 4000 highway contractors risk
their safety to work on UK roads. More people are killed
working on the roads than in almost any other area of
industry.
The Respect our Road workers campaign has been
around for many years and we have consistently
supported this initiative and we see the trial of cameras
a positive next step to protect our workforce.
Leon Jolly, head of operations at KierWSP said:
“Roadworks are a place of work and the people
carrying out the work deserve just as much respect as
you would expect at work. We are asking people to be
more aware and consider the way they drive as they
approach roadworks. We have had people driving
through road closures, which is illegal, and narrowly
missing our workforce or abusing them when they
realise they cannot pass through. Closures are there for
a reason. The safety or all roads users and the workforce.
They also mean we can get the required work completed
quickly and efficiently. Road workers are working people
who are somebody’s father, somebody’s son or
daughter and all they want to do after a working day is
to go home safely, as we all do’
Brian Brooker, who is introducing this new intitiative in
KierWSP said: “We are trialling new technology to find
ways to improve worksite safety for our road workers,
including a project to trial cameras on helmets and
to also trial new, live feed cameras. The cameras will
be used to monitor road user behaviour as they travel
through a worksite. Footage of any bad driving
behaviour, failure to follow a traffic controller’s direction
and abuse will be forwarded to police for investigation.”
“If the current pilot is a success we will be preparing a
business case to roll out more cameras to help improve
the safety of our workforce”
Slow down: reduced roadwork speed limits apply at all
times and are legally enforceable.
Drive carefully: you may be liable for damage to your
own or other vehicles.
Follow road workers’ instructions: they keep you safe in
changed traffic conditions.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, traffic barriers,
construction equipment and road workers.
Road Safety
STEM by Steve Barber
Road Safety and Travel Choices.
Collision Analysis and Investigation/VAS Projects.
I have been working for Northamptonshire County
Council and latterly for Northamptonshire Highways for
the last 13 years in Road Safety. As a retired police
officer I felt fairly confident that I knew everything
there was to know about keeping safe on the roads,
but ,when I started in my current role as Collision
Analysis and Investigation in 2004 I discovered very
quickly how little I really knew.
You see I have no real engineering background. I left
school at 16 with 3 O Levels (GCSE’s) in English, Maths
and History, a qualification in French (CSE) and the
sure knowledge that I was going to be a policeman till
they buried me, or more accurately till I retired to the
country to grow roses on a nice pension. Sadly, after 26
years I had to retire, too early for the roses, and further
employment beckoned in the form of Road Safety.
Which brings me in a roundabout way to STEM. STEM
stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics, areas in today’s field of degrees in Media
Studies, Event Organising, Advanced Free Style
Knitting, (not yet but its coming), the 4 traditional
science areas are dwindling in popularity.
If this continues, Civil Engineers will disappear, which
means fewer building, roads, bridges etc, in fact
everything we depend upon to live in society. STEM is
a huge, global organisation working in industry and
education to promote careers in the 4 disciplines, and is
funded by said industry, government and charities.
It is broken down in to local cells for want of a better
word, and the STEM cell I have been part of for the last
3 years is managed by the Leicestershire Education
Business Company, and provides “Experts” to talk to
students, help them with experiments, tutor them with
projects and generally to show that STEM is neither
boring nor impossible.
Me? Expert? Ha! When I went for an interview for STEM
I thought they would laugh me out the door with my
3 O Levels, but they welcomed me with open arms
because, in their words, “You go out and practise it”.
And if you think about it, most of us do that, down at
the sharp end in our PPE trying to figure out what the
traffic is going to do next, how and when, and how
much. Whether we have a masters degree or a college
certificate, we still do it. And I haven’t got either!
On the 5th February this year, along with fellow
presenters Will from Northampton University, Tomas
from Cummins Diesel and Katharine, the event
organiser from STEM, we attended Northampton
Academy for a 6th Form assembly of 100 students.
With an hour between us, Will waxed lyrical about
science and leather, fielding all the jokes with aplomb,
Tomas who kept them enthralled with his tales of
working all over the world developing engines, and
Katharine who as well as being the organiser has been
a Royal Navy Engineer, a lawyer and a teacher. If that
isn’t career change I don’t know what is. Oh, and me. I
kept it simple because I am no academic, but I tried to
show the scope of Civil Engineering, and according to
feedback, “Went down a storm”. Pat on the back for me!
What is STEM?
Working to achieve a world-leading education
for all young people in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM)
STEM Ambassadors use their enthusiasm and
commitment to encourage young people to
enjoy STEM subjects. They open the doors to a
world of opportunities and possibilities which
come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers.
STEM Ambassadors not only inspire young
people, they also support teachers in the
classroom by explaining current applications of
STEM in industry or research.
STEM Ambassadors contribute to their local
community and at the same time boost their
own professional skills, experience and
confidence.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Road Safety
Ride to Work Week
As part of our modal shift strategy Northamptonshire County Council intends to embrace greater use of motorcycles
and scooters as a sustainable transport mode within the future countywide transport programme. Increased use of
motorcycles can bring environmental, congestion and accessibility benefits particularly on journeys made for
commuting to places of employment or education.
The Road Safety & Travel Choices Team are now working in close partnership with the Motorcycle Industry Association
(MCIA) to deliver a number of initiatives highlighted within the MCIA’s recently launched programme in conjunction
with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) - Realising the Motorcycle Opportunity – A motorcycle safety and
transport policy framework. The full framework document can be viewed at www.motorcycleframework.co.uk The
MCIA has looked after the interests of the motorcycle industry for over 100 years and have a huge amount of modal
shift and road safety experience to bring to our partnership. The MCIA view us as a flagship organisation and hope to
identify areas of best practice to share with other authorities.
Steve Kenward, Chief Executive of MCIA said, ‘we are delighted to be working in Partnership with Northamptonshire
County Council to help deliver a package of initiatives designed to encourage greater use of motorcycles for
commuting and leisure purposes. The evidence clearly shows that more motorcycle usage reduces casualties as
awareness of motorcycles heightens with volume. In addition, the skills required to be a motorcyclist mean that
better road users are created irrespective of chosen mode. This is an innovative collaboration which we hope to
replicate elsewhere in the future’.
Although in the early stages of our partnership we have already adopted a number of initiatives which will contribute
to the promotion, encouragement and inclusion of motorcycling in our transport strategies as outlined in Phase One
below:
Two Wheels are
Better Than Four!
Motorcycle Trainer
Accreditation
MCIA are providing funding for the MCIAC
Accreditation for Approved Training Body (ATB)
owners within the county and two instructors at
each training school.
This is the foundation of any work for
Motorcycle Northants. It is crucial that when
residents are encouraged to take up motorcycling,
they are given the tools to do this as safely as
possible. The MCIA accreditation scheme will
ensure that training bodies deliver and maintain
high quality instruction.
Get On Scheme- Free test rides
The aim of this scheme is to encourage the
non-riding UK population to try a motorcycle or
scooter. The campaign is centred around the Get
On web site www.geton.co.uk which provides a
one stop portal for all the information a new rider
would need - including bikes, licencing, styles of
bikes, training and kit.
We are looking to introduce a programme of Free
Ride opportunities running across the county
aimed at the general public, employers and
young people. These are undertaken in a safe
and structured environment and delivered by
accredited trainers. All motorcycles and safety
equipment are provided by the Get On scheme.
www.geton.co.uk
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Road Safety
Our City Challenge
Motorcycle Northants is the partnership between
Northamptonshire Highways and the Motorcycle Industry
Association (MCIA) to promote motorcycling as a smarter choice of
travel.
Motorcycle Northants recently recorded a City Challenge video
which saw a car share, a motorcycle and a bus take part to see
which form of transport was quicker in the morning rush hour
showing a real commute from Bugbrook to Northampton town
centre.
The MCIA launched a series of ‘city challenges’ across the UK in
2014 to determine the effect of congestion and, in June,
Northampton commuters were filmed making the commute from
Bugbrook to Northampton Town Centre.
Traffic congestion is the bane of motorists’ life but it is something
that at times simply cannot be avoided. The morning rush hour or
the school run sees millions of drivers caught up in jams as far as
the eye can see and a report by TomTom suggests that the problem
is getting worse.
In response to these latest findings, MCIA launched a series of ‘city
challenges’ which aims to find what mode of transport is best to
beat the jams.
The motorcyclist had a quick and easy journey into the office
arriving before the car. The bus passengers had a slower journey to
work but enjoyed travelling into town without driving and seizing
the opportunity to relax and catch up with friends.
www. Ridetoworkweek.co.uk
Ride to Work Week is an annual campaign in June to spread the
word about the many advantages of commuting on a moped,
scooter or motorcycle. Motorcycles and scooters provide a solution to the country’s ever increasing congestion
problem.
The Ride to Work Week team exhibited in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton.
There were displays of commuter bikes from KTM, Honda and Suzuki and MCIA staff were on
hand to chat about the many benefits of a commute by motorcycle, scooter or moped and
how to get started.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Road Safety
Life’s Better on Two Wheels
Those considering taking to two wheels can have a free taster with Get On; sessions will
be held in Northamptonshire throughout Ride to Work Week.
So you want to ride a motorcycle or scooter – the Get On team have loads of useful
information, tips and guidance to help you with the start of your journey.
Get On is the motorcycle industry campaign
aimed at providing you with everything you
need to know about getting your licence
to ride the motorcycle or scooter of your
dreams. Whether it’s to save money on your
daily commute or to hit the trails and
discover parts of the world only open to
bikers it all starts here. You’ll find helpful
guides to the licence you will need to ride
and advice on what to look for when
choosing your new motorcycle.
In fact everything you need is in one place.
www.geton.co.uk
Be Bright, Be Seen
As part of our winter initiative, Be Bright, Be Seen, which encourages parents and children to ensure they can be seen,
whether on bikes or on foot, Northamptonshire Highways visited The Victoria Centre in Wellingborough to donate 80
high vis jackets.
Keith Millard, road safety officer at
Northamptonshire Highways said: ‘I saw some
of the children walking back to the centre from
a nearby school and the vests they were
wearing were old, faded and tatty. I made
contact with the centre manager, Katrina, and
offered to donate around 80 new hi-viz vests.
The new vests have helped to make the
children more visible on their walk to and from
school each day, which will hopefully help
them to feel much safer on their journey.’
Katrina said: “We are so grateful for your
generous donation…the children absolutely
love them and staff were so happy to be able
to throw the old and tatty ones away”
Get the latest roadwork information to help plan journeys at roadworks.org
Road Safety
Improving Drivers, Saving Lives since 2010
Northamptonshire Highways and CarKraft would like to see
everyone take part
FREE driving skill sessions
Available now
And we run them for everyone
Driver.......but want to get more skills?
Driver …….but not very confident in traffic, rain, anytime?
Thinking about driving and want to build confidence and get going now?
Have kids…….who are wanting to learn?
Worried about your kids wanting to learn or their driving skills now?
All sessions are FREE
No driving licence required.
Open to all - Drivers and non drivers welcome.
All you need to do is sign up and turn up!
We have some spaces available for our September course. @Silverstone Circuit
Just sign up at www.carkraft.info
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
What’s On?
BikeSafe 2016 is
coming to
Northants
The incredible BikeSafe2016 Show is coming to the
iconic Rockingham Circuit in Northamptonshire.
A family road safety day with a difference visitors will
experience non stop action with over 70 displays from
leading retailers and manufacturers, opportunities to
test the latest bikes, our track experience with
California SuperBike School, exceptional riders and
thrilling stunt shows. With attractions for non riders,
a fairground,free parking and just £1 on the gate it
promises to be a great day.
There will be paddock based stunt displays by the Dave
Coates Stunt Show, the opportunity with the Get On
Team to ride a motorcycle for the first time if you’ve
never tried before.
John Reynolds, British Superbike Champion will be
attending accompanied by Luke Hedger & Mason Law
– Gearlink Kawasaki Riders. Gearlink Kawasaki will run
two Kawasaki ZX-6R’s in the British Supersport
Championship with former Superstock 600
Champion Luke Hedger and newly crowned Superstock
600 Champion Mason Law.
A wide range of bike manufacturers will be at the event
with demo bikes available to test ride from BMW,
Ducati, Herald, Honda, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and
Yamaha. Visitors will be amazed by the Moto Gymkhana
and can try their skills on the day around the maze of
cones.
Ian Marriott, Avon and Somerset Police said:
Organised by Bikesafe and Northamptonshire
Highways, this police led motorcycle initiative is run by
most forces throughout the UK. And this year we are
bringingnational show to Northamptonshire and the
iconic Rockingham Circuit in Corby.
“I am delighted to have such fantastic support from,
Northamptonshire Highways, manufacturers and the
Motorcycle Industry Association, joining us at the
National BikeSafe Show and Rockingham track
experience. It shows the support the BikeSafe scheme
has from the motorcycle industry and how highly
thought of it is.”
Rockingham’s wide-range of facilities and
industrial-style backdrop make it a unique venue and
we are welcoming some great riders, themed activities
and attractions on the day.
John Spencer, Team Leader - Road Safety & Travel
Choices, Northamptonshire Highways said:
Bikers can book now to enjoy a road route assessed
ride with Police Advanced Motorcyclists who will
advise on road riding techniques, before returning
to the circuit for a briefing and the chance to ride the
circuit on their own bike, under instruction from the
prestigious California Superbike School.
‘The road safety team in Northamptonshire is
committed to improving safety for all road users but
also looking at encouraging different ways to travel.
Assessed rides start at 08:00 and gates open to the
show 10.00 – 17:00
In 2015 we carried out a motorcycle survey to reaffirm
why people were using motorbikes, but also why they
were not! We collaborate with various partners like the
Motorcycle Industry Association, Get on Team and the
Ride to Work scheme to encourage people to take up
motorcycling as a safe, sustainable and better way of
getting around. Bringing Bikesafe2016 to
Northamptonshire is a significant part of our travel plan
sustainable transport agenda and we are thrilled
Rockingham is hosting, what we hope, will be the
biggest and best event ever’
To register for information and updates please simply
email bikesafe@kierwsp.co.uk
The event runs from 10am until 5pm and parking is
free.
Facebook page: National Bikesafe Show and Track
Experience at Rockingham
The police assessed ride and track experience can be
booked at www.bikesafe.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter @nnhighways
The National BikeSafe Show & Track Experience
@ Rockingham Motor Speedway. Mitchell Road, Corby,
Northants. NN17 5AF
Places are limited, and going fast, but you can book
a place on the National BikeSafe Event through the
National BikeSafe Website.
www.bkesafe.co.uk
What’s On?
Summer of Cycling 2016
There is an amazing array of opportunities to take part in cycling activities this summer. From FREE family
cycling-themed events and guided rides to sportives and the Aviva Women’s Tour. There is something for everyone to
get involved in.
Where will your wheels take you? - This summer we are asking everyone to get out on their bike and experience the
joy of cycling.
No matter where or how far you ride, or for what reason, Northamptonshire has some amazing places to cycle and we
are offering even more opportunities this year to give cycling a try in the company of others.
Where to go - Visit our Where to Cycle pages for a flavour of some of the amazing cycle routes set in the best of the
beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. Many of these routes are traffic-free and flat, so suitable for the whole family
and for those new to or looking to return to cycling.
Download one of our cycle maps to work out your own route for getting from A to B by bicycle.
Now updated with the NEW Northampton Cycle Map.
Let us know where you go.............We always love to hear about your experiences out on your bike and to see photos of
your ride, so please share them with us. You can get in touch via our Twitter and Facebook sites @cyclenorthants
www.cyclenorthants.co.uk
Team talk
Community Liaison Team
Alpesh Makwana - team administrator
The team exists to manage and develop the front line customer and community interface for Northamptonshire
Highways, working with all areas of the service to enhance communications and local delivery of services for the
county.
Although this will be a long process it seems to have been very successful so far, and the feedback about the whole
team has been positive. Many of the parishes have been very happy with the work we have been carrying out, as well
as our keen, enthusiastic and responsive approach. We hope we can continue this strong appearance within the
parishes and improve on any issues they bring up.
Much of the work is generated through customer interface with the authority by means of the Northamptonshire
County Council’s online ‘Street Doctor’, or through the Public Enquiry Manager system (PEM) allocating the work. The PEM system is used on a daily basis to record customer contact with the authority. This can include a request for
service, complaint, comment or a suggestion and respond within set timescales. This also allows us to negotiate and
build a direct interface with local people to influence future works programmes and ensure where possible that the
locally identified highways needs are being met and that these align with the Council’s Strategic Objectives and
statutory/regulatory responsibilities.
We, as a team, also ensure that effective communication is delivered in terms of relations with local communities,
ensuring consistency, coherence and the impact of key corporate messages, including attending Local Strategic
Partnerships, area forums and other partners meetings to show Highways as a key stakeholder.
Sometimes listening to the demands of the customer, members of the public and Councillors can be challenging but
allows an ability to gain and build on further skills in communication. Work is planned generally with site visits and
meetings through geographical areas.
L to R - Matt Clark, Ian Boyes , Craig White, Andy Leighton, Sarah Barnwell, Helen Howard, Alpesh Makwana and Phil Donaldson
Get the latest roadwork information to help plan your journeys at roadworks.org
Hot Topics
Giant Hogweed
On June 28th Giant Hogweed was reported to us by worried residents in
Northampton. Giant Hogweed has been confirmed to be growing in the
verges along Rushmere Road between the Rugby club and the A45/A428
island. At Northamptonshire Highways we run training throughout the year
on the environment and biodiversity and part of this is to ensure all our
colleagues can spot dangerous species
Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, to give it its full name, is part
of the carrot family.
Also a close relative of cow parsley, it can easily be mistaken for common
hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), elderflower (Sambucus spp, and
commonly found in your summer drinks) and Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus
carota), with its white flowers and thick stems.
Giant Hogweed is a hairy biennial, and can grow to five metres tall. Its dark
green toothy leaves go with the white flowers, which are produced in large
umbrella-like clusters. To top it off, each plant can produce approximately
50,000 seeds.
It is considered to be an ‘invasive’ plant. These are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment or to
human health. In this case, if the sap comes into contact with the skin, it can cause severe burns, and make your skin
more sensitive to strong sunlight.
Why is this sap so dangerous?
Toxic components can be found in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds, which makes it all in all something to
avoid. The toxicity can be transferred to the skin by touch - a brush with it can be enough. If you have a bad reaction
to it, significant blistering can occur within 48 hours and often these heal very slowly, making it an extremely
painful process.
From there, they can develop into phytophotodermatitis, also known as Lime Disease (not to be confused with Lyme
Disease), which makes skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet light.
SO KEEP AWAY FROM IT
But, if you do come into contact with it?
Wash the affected area well with soap and cold water as soon as possible, and cover it up. Keep the area away from
sunlight for 48 hours, but see a medical professional if you have a reaction to it. And report any sightings to
Northamptonshire Highways at our Street Doctor service.
Grass cutting
Cutting grass verges is the responsibility of the county council, which funds some boroughs to carry out the work.
But recent bad weather, coupled with historic funding cuts, has brought the issue to light. Cuts are carried out as
necessary to ensure safety where issue arise.
We are currently working through this year’s grass cutting programme but a mixture of warm and wet weather means
that there has been a lot of growth.
Grass cutting has a safety purpose in preventing the obstruction of visibility at bends, road junctions and accesses and
providing a safe refuge for pedestrians.
The county council carries out or contracts out grass cutting on the majority of grass verges on the network.
The frequency for grass cutting set down by the county council takes into account both the location and road
classification of the grass verge.
The frequency of grass cutting is three cuts per year in urban areas and two cuts annually in rural areas. This is within
the national code of practice recommendations. In places where there are identified safety issues, cuts are done as
necessary to ensure safety.
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Communicating with us
Keeping in touch
Your views and comments are important to us. We would be grateful for any feedback on how the recent works were
carried out and what you think of the results. Your answers will help us improve our service in the future.
Surveys are posted through doorways in the areas we are working but you can also let us know what you think online
at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk.
If the survey contains a complaint or an issue we talk directly to the team responsible to look at the best way to
resolve the situation. If there are suggestions on how to do things better we, again, use this information where
possible to improve the way we work. If we do something well this information is fed back to the relevant person or
team.
Most of all, the survey tells us what we need to work on to make sure we continue to meet the expectations of our
Northamptonshire residents. This will ensure that they are all aware of what we can and can’t do on the roads and
footpaths in Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Highways Customer Satisfaction Survey at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk
If you have any other comments or suggestions on how we can improve our services, email us at
highways@northamptonshire.gov.uk
Get the latest roadwork information to help plan journeys at roadworks.org
Communicating with us
Street lighting in Northamptonshire
In October 2011, the county council entered into a Street Lighting Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Balfour
Beatty.
The first 5 years of this contract has seen the upgrade or replacement of all county council maintained street lights.
Once complete, in October 2016, there will have been a reduction of approximately one-third in the number of columns
the council has to maintain in the future and a 55% reduction in energy use.
Contacts for information
If you require any information on our lighting replacement programme, have general questions regarding lighting or
wish to report a faulty street light then the Street Lighting team can be contacted in numerous ways:
Tel: 0800 0850 257
Email: enquiries@lightingnorthamptonshire.com
Website: www.lightingnorthamptonshire.com
Follow us
What started as Gritter Twitter in 2010, Twitter for the winter, has grown. Today 5,600 followers use @nnhighways as
more and more people who want to know more about what we are doing and why.
Every day, all year.
But you can never have too many followers....
Northamptonshire Highways uses Twitter as one of its important communication tools. You will get quick updates on
our works, opinions of colleagues on innovations and comments and links to relevant subjects - without cluttering
your inbox. You choose whether you want to see the latest news - in real time.
For those who have not used Twitter a couple of explanations that will help you to get started.
Twitter is a social network that is used for micro-blogging.....short and sweet.
People, companies, artists, politicians and organisations express themselves, give opinions, advertise, recommend
articles etc by means of 140 character messages that are called tweets. In most cases, those tweets are public and
accessible to everyone.
Although it is not necessary to be a subscriber to Twitter to follow the messages, it is recommended good practice to
register and thus get an account via the following website : http://twitter.com/ You’ll need a login (preferably that will
refer to your name so your contacts will find you more easily) that will be your identification on the Twitter network. It
is recommended you also fill in the bio section (160 characters) so that your contacts will know who you are (and what
your interests are).
Follow us on Twitter @nnhighways
Summer 2016 Northamptonshire Highways and Transport Newsletter
Sneak Preview of BikeSafe 2016