The IAM is calling for more information and advice on SMART motorways for drivers.

The call comes after seventy-one per cent of drivers said they would feel less safe on a motorway with no hard shoulder than a motorway with one, according to the latest poll by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

One of the main concerns of respondents is the plan to increase the distance between safety refuges with forty-eight per cent of respondents believing that safety refuges should be no more than 500 yards (0.45km) apart.

Forty per cent of respondents are sceptical that new monitoring systems on SMART motorways, such as electronic signs, can protect them in the event of stopping in a running lane.

Other survey findings include:

•Sixty-seven per cent of respondents said they haven’t seen any publicity about SMART motorways.
•A third of respondents (thirty-two per cent) would support the legalising of undertaking on SMART motorways.
•Forty-two per cent believe SMART motorways have reduced congestion and forty-three per cent of respondents said it has improved their journey times .

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “SMART motorways are being rolled out across England but our survey shows that drivers want more reassurance and information on how safe they will be and how to use them. The IAM has been supportive of hard shoulder running but we have always said that the Highways Agency must be quick to learn and implement any real world lessons as more schemes come into use.”

The IAM offers some guidance on using SMART motorways:

Pay attention to the overhead gantries as they provide information on traffic conditions and lane access for the road ahead.

The six signals are:

•A red cross without flashing beacons. The hard shoulder is only for use in an emergency or breakdown.
•A speed limit inside a red circle. It is absolutely mandatory and may have cameras enforcing it.
•A blank signal. Usual motorway rules apply.
•A white arrow with flashing beacons. This applies to all lanes and means you should move into the lane which the arrow points to.
•A red cross with flashing beacons. You should not continue to use the lane.
•A national speed limit sign is shown. The national speed limit, 70mph maximum, applies to all lanes apart from the hard shoulder.

Types of motorways:

•Controlled motorway – these have three or more lanes with variable speed limits. Hard shoulder use is strictly for emergency use only.
•Hard shoulder running – the hard shoulder will be opened at busy times and the speed limit will be reduced. Don’t use the hard shoulder unless overhead signs show that you can do so.
•All lane running – there is no hard shoulder on these sections of the motorway. Obey the variable speed limits and do not stop on the motorway. In the event of an emergency, use an emergency refuge area, motorway service area or exit at the next junction.

www.iam.org.uk

PROTAGONISTS IN BOTH SESSIONS ON THE IMOLA TRACK, MARCO MELANDRI AND SYLVAIN GUINTOLI ENSURE A GOOD SPOT FOR THEMSELVES IN THE SUNDAY RACES.

Imola, 9 May 2014 - On a decidedly summer day the World Superbike engines roared to life at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola. For the Aprilia Racing Team, reigning Manufacturer World Champion, it was a very promising début: Marco Melandri and Sylvain Guintoli were protagonists straight away in the two sessions today, demonstrating great determination and an excellent pace. The only black spot on the day was a red flag 12 minutes from the end of the second session when the riders were getting ready to test the last solutions.

Marco Melandri, playing on his home pitch, ended the day with the third best time in the combined standings. The young man from Ravenna improved consistently until arriving less than two tenths of a second from the ranking leader. Efforts will be focused on two fronts tomorrow: continuing the search for the best settings in view of the race and finding speed on the flying lap in order to do well in Superpole. In fact, one of the characteristics of the Imola track is difficulty overtaking.

Marco Melandri: "I am really quite pleased. For us today was like a new, positive beginning. I feel good on my RSV4 and I am able to ride very smoothly. Today we did a lot of work in preparation for the race, trying to understand how the tyres behave and working on our electronics strategies. Tomorrow we'll continue in this direction, also looking for speed on the flying lap for Superpole. The interruption in the second session didn't even create any big problems for us. We already have a good base to build on".

It was also a decidedly positive day for Sylvain Guintoli, winner at Assen and fourth best time today. The Frenchman put in a lot of laps at Imola and showed that he is consistently fast. There are a few regrets about the time lost in the last session, which could have led to further improvements. For Sylvain and his team tomorrow promises to be a rather intense day.

Sylvain Guintoli: "We started off well. As usual we are working on race pace, but my initial feeling with my RSV4 is very good. With all the red flags that interrupted the practice sessions there are still a few things left to test. I hope we can get some consistent time to work tomorrow and finish what we have planned. In any case our times are promising and I'm confident that starting from the good work we did today we'll be able to improve even more".

The bike has been painted in a unique colour scheme and graphics to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of The Stranglers.

One of the side panels on the bike has actually been signed by The Stranglers then re-lacquered to preserve the autographs, adding to the collectability of the bike.

Full details of the competition are on the website

It's basically one of these competitions where you pay £1.50 (plus standard network rate) to text your answer through.

Manx Radio TT will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of providing a dedicated radio service at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, having first broadcast on Senior Race Day in June 1964.

The station will take to the airwaves on Monday 26th May from 7.30am bringing a mixture of music, news and entertainment as well as its qualifying and race commentary service throughout the fortnight.

There are two new additions to the team this year. Former British Champion and TT race winner Chris Palmer, who rounded off his Mountain Course career with two wins in the inaugural Classic TT meeting last year, will join Chris Kinley for extensive coverage of all the evening practice sessions.

Chris Kinley will again host the morning Chat Shows from the studio in the Sure Shop at the back of the Grandstand but the programme will also venture out to locations such as Billown, Creg-ny-Baa and campsites around the island for live chat shows featuring leading TT stars.

There will be more chat at lunchtimes with Sheffield based journalist Rachael Clegg, whose father Noel is an ex-TT Racer, joining Marc Tyley as co-presenter and interviewer on the TT Diner.

The afternoon 'After Burner' show, features Manx Radio’s Breakfast host Chris Williams while Stu Peters and Simon Quine will take the evening slot, playing a wide and eclectic mix of tracks.

The race commentary team, keeping fans trackside and worldwide updated via the 1368AM and on-line stream, is back providing all the crucial developments, reaction and breaking news.

The Manx Radio TT team remains Tim Glover, who will be the anchor commentator at the Grandstand, Dave Christian at the first checkpoint at Glen Helen with Roy Moore updating from his traditional spot at Ramsey Hairpin. Chris Kinley will be patrolling the startline, pitlane and parc ferme providing live updates and getting the inside track from riders as they leave the line and return to the grandstand.

This year’s BMF May show (16-18 at Peterborough Arena) is packed with plenty to do as well as see.

Show organisers The Mulberry Group have introduced a series of new elements this year including: Moto Gymkhana, Motoball and the all new Zebra.com Slow Race (the winner will receive £100.00 cash) – all of which offer show-goers the opportunity to participate – not just watch. In addition KTM and Suzuki will be offer demo rides (both parts of your licence will be required) on the latest models they have to offer.

For those wanting to begin on 2 wheels – the Get On team will be there in force as will Cam Riders and for the younger element Oset Bikes are offering rides for those aged between 4 -12 years old.

This year will also see celebrities in attendance – 4 times BSB legend Carl Fogarty will be at the show on Saturday 17th, Henry Cole (ITV 4’s Motorbike Show and Discovery Channel’s World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides) will be on site over the whole weekend including participating in the crazy Moped Mayhem, being a passenger in a 1000cc sidecar.

A full line up of presenters/traveller writers and adventurers will be in the Adventure & Overland Touring area including: Ed March, Dom Giles, Graham Hoskins, Sam Manicom, Jacqui Furneaux, Nathan Millward and Graham Field who’ll be launching his new book ‘Ureka’

With just a week to go until the show and with the weather looking settled now is the time to get your tickets.

Advance ticket sales are available until midnight on Wednesday 14th May through the ticket hotline: 0844 8845151 or through the show website: www.thebmfshow.co.uk