Latest news with #Astbury
Rhyl Journal
01-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales councils urged to install more 20mph speed cameras
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel met for their June meeting at Conwy's Coed Pella HQ and heard how drivers had been caught driving at 51mph, 61mph, and 83mph in 20mph zones. The panel were given a presentation on road policing by Supt Simon Barrasford in which members were briefed on speeding figures since the 20mph default speed limit was introduced in Wales. The panel were told the police face challenges enforcing the limit due to many drivers and holidaymakers crossing the border from England where the default 30mph speed limit still applies. But when it was revealed that all the 'top five fixed camera locations' were all in Flintshire, Supt Barrasford told the panel that councillors could request more in their area, which could be funded by Welsh Government. Panel's chairwoman Patricia Astbury said: 'In Flintshire, you've got a series of fixed cameras. Is that a local authority request? Is it historical? Has it come from Flintshire? Does that still apply? Can you still have these requests for fixed cameras?' Supt Barrasford replied: 'Absolutely. Any local authority can liaise with Welsh Government for funding and put static cameras in. We've seen them on the strategic road network with great effect on Rhuallt Hill, for example. 'So that is another example. It can be done at any time. Flintshire, to be fair, are progressing potentially a similar scheme on one of the coast roads. So any local authority can progress that.' 20mph sign (Image: Newsquest) Ms Astbury said: 'It is interesting then that just Flintshire have, and others haven't.' Supt Barrasford nodded. Mrs Astbury added: 'Which is why, Chris (Cllr Bithell), you made a comment the other day about more prosecutions (in Flintshire than other North Wales counties). It is because of that presumably. I thought it might have been because of being on the border with England, but looking at it, no, it is probably because of that (the fixed cameras), isn't it? 'So maybe some of the elected members need to go away and think about having some fixed cameras… I'm certainly going to ask elected members for one on my road.' Cllr Chris Bithell then said some of the Flintshire cameras had been put in some years ago, including the one at Pontybodkin, 'which catches everybody'. The top five fixed camera locations in North Wales, all in Flintshire, were revealed to be at the A5104, Pontybodkin; the A548, Oakenholt; the B5129, Pentre; the A5119, Northop Road, Sychdyn; and the A550 on Gladstone Way. During the meeting, Supt Barrasford briefed the panel on the Welsh Government-funded 'Operation Ugain', a campaign to offer drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit safety advice rather than penalty points. Speed Camera (Image: BrianAJackson/Getty Images) The police revealed that 126,640 vehicles had passed a Ugain team. 2,840 of those vehicles were stopped due to exceeding the 20mph speed limit, with 2,826 engaging with the advice. 14 drivers were given a traffic offence report or a court summons. Supt Barrasford said the highest speed at a fixed static camera site was 83mph at Mynydd Isa. The driver got a six-month disqualification and substantial fines and costs. The superintendent said the highest recorded speed within a 20mph zone recorded by a staffed speed camera van was on Russell Road, Rhyl. The vehicle was travelling 51mph 'at 11am in the morning on a very busy road', but the case is still going through the judicial process. Another community speed watch camera also caught a driver going 61mph in a 20mph zone. Supt Barrasford also revealed the top five non-fixed speed camera locations were Glan y Mor Road to Marine Drive in Penrhyn Bay in Conwy; the 5A525 Trefnant in Denbighshire; the A548 Russell Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire; the A494 Bala, Gwynedd; and the A5025 Amlwch Road/Bangor Road, Benllech, Anglesey. North Wales Police hailed the success of the 20mph speed limit, insisting it had resulted in a notable downward trend of accidents. Supt Barrasford said both minor and serious injuries had reduced in both 20mph and 30mph areas since the implementation. He added a 12-month comparison between before and after the legislation change saw serious injuries down by 19.4% and slight injuries down by 43.9%. Whilst fatalities had increased on these roads by 200% (from two to six, one being a double motorcycle fatality), the police said speed couldn't be attributed to have played a part at the time of the briefing, as investigations were ongoing. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman concluded: 'Collisions happen for all sorts of reasons, as we know. It is not just about speed on the road, is it? 'Sometimes it's young drivers, sometimes age-related, sometimes mechanical defects, and that's why it is being so difficult to be able to (explain) when you've asked me when I've been here previously (to explain) what difference is it making. There are so many factors that we really have to work our way through. 'Reporting in the (news)paper is sometimes very hit and miss. Some things get picked up. Some things don't. It is really difficult to be able to put that tangible response in relation to it.' The chief constable went on to say the force had done a huge amount of work through schools, educating around 2,000 children. This work centred around 'Olivia's Story' and schoolgirl Olivia Alkir, who was tragically killed on the B5105 in Ruthin in June 2019, after a serious collision while out on a road trip with friends. The chief constable also said the force had done a lot of work around motorcycle fatalities in the Eryri National Park, but police were unable to talk about in detail due to ongoing investigations and coronial processes. She added police had to collate and examine the facts so enforcement action could be taken but also warned tourists and visitors from England not adhering to the speed limit. She said: 'I know we have visitors, but the roads are signposted really clearly, and it is an individual responsibility of anyone that gets behind the wheel of their car to have a look at what the road signage says.'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trial date fixed for man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool parade
A trial date has been set for the alleged driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd at Liverpool's Premier League victory parade. Paul Doyle, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon charged with seven offences following the incident on Water Street in the city centre on Monday which resulted in 79 people suffering injuries. Earlier in the day, Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard he was alleged to have 'used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon'. The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14. Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for November 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks. Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court: 'This is very much an ongoing investigation. There are many witnesses to be interviewed and a great deal of CCTV to be analysed.' Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building. Judge Menary said: 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.' Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. Mr Astbury said: 'These charges arise from events round about 6pm on May 26 on Water Street in the city centre as significant crowds left the waterfront after the parade for the local football team. 'The defendant, say the Crown, drove deliberately at people amongst that crowd.' He said six of the charges reflected the more seriously injured of those struck by the vehicle and the dangerous driving offence reflected the manner of driving 'before and up until, the Crown say, he (the defendant) used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure those individuals'. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Mr Astbury was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street. Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from nine to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
The Herald Scotland
30-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Trial date fixed for man accused of driving into crowds at Liverpool parade
Earlier in the day, Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard he was alleged to have 'used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon'. Police and emergency personnel on Monday in Water Street (Danny Lawson/PA) The father-of-three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, wore a black suit with white shirt and grey tie, and had a thinning quiff of hair. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing before he was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on August 14. Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary fixed a provisional trial date for November 24 and said the case was expected to last three to four weeks. Philip Astbury, prosecuting, told the court: 'This is very much an ongoing investigation. There are many witnesses to be interviewed and a great deal of CCTV to be analysed.' Doyle was in the dock of the crown court less than an hour after he appeared for his first appearance in the magistrates' court, which is housed in lower floors of the same building. Judge Menary said: 'Given the genuine and not surprising public interest in this case it occurred to me it would be appropriate for the matter, on being sent to this court, to be listed before me for further directions.' Doyle looked emotional when he was first brought into Liverpool Magistrates' Court from the cells and looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. Mr Astbury said: 'These charges arise from events round about 6pm on May 26 on Water Street in the city centre as significant crowds left the waterfront after the parade for the local football team. 'The defendant, say the Crown, drove deliberately at people amongst that crowd.' Paul Doyle appeared tearful in the dock (Elizabeth Cook/PA) He said six of the charges reflected the more seriously injured of those struck by the vehicle and the dangerous driving offence reflected the manner of driving 'before and up until, the Crown say, he (the defendant) used his vehicle deliberately as a weapon to injure those individuals'. At one point, Doyle shook his head as Mr Astbury was speaking. He is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The charges relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions preventing the victims from being identified were made by the judge. According to the dangerous driving charge, Doyle drove a Ford Galaxy Titanium dangerously on roads between his home address in Burghill Road and Water Street. Doyle made no indications of pleas after the charges were read to the court. He stood with his hands clasped and nodded as he was remanded in custody. On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire Sarah Hammond said: 'The investigation is at an early stage. Prosecutors and police are continuing to work at pace to review a huge volume of evidence. 'This includes multiple pieces of video footage and numerous witness statements. 'It is important to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The ages of those injured ranges from nine to 78 and seven people remained in hospital on Thursday, police said. Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major bank's $2.4 million a day 'boon' exposed as CBA, NAB and ANZ make popular move
Commonwealth Bank, NAB and ANZ customers will see their variable home loan interest rate drop from today, following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) May cash rate cut. Westpac customers will have to wait until Tuesday for the rate change. More than 20 lenders have now dropped variable rates following last week's decision, where the official cash rate was lowered 0.25 per cent to 3.85 per cent. More than 50 lenders have made their post-RBA announcements, but haven't yet passed on the cut. Infochoice editor and research analyst Harrison Astbury told Yahoo Finance some banks' cuts to mortgage rates wouldn't take effect until June 10 or 11, more than 20 days after the RBA's announcement. RELATED Commonwealth Bank announces huge interest rate cut following RBA decision: 'Stampede' Australia's most in-demand jobs revealed with $125,000 salaries up for grabs $1,831 Centrelink payment change coming within weeks 'In terms of the tardiest on home loans it's actually two smaller customer-owned banks - P&N Bank which rate cuts take effect on 10 June, and Tassie-based Bank of Us [on] 11 June,' Astbury told Yahoo Finance. 'Bendigo is probably the biggest player that is the tardiest, with home loan rate cuts not taking effect until 6 June.' Horizon Bank now offers the lowest variable rate on the market, according to Canstar, with a first-home buyer loan priced at 5.25 per cent. CBA, Westpac, and ANZ's lowest variable rate will be from 5.59 per cent when the rates take effect, while NAB's will be 5.94 per Westpac and NAB have chopped their savings rates ahead of their mortgage rates. Westpac's savings cuts will come into effect today, while its home loan rate cuts won't be until June 3. NAB lowered rates on its two main savings accounts last Friday ahead of today's mortgage cut. While the delay might not seem like much, Astbury said it could be a huge 'boon' for the banks. 'Westpac stands to gain up to $2.4 million per day in the four days between its savings account and home loan rate cuts,' he said. 'This can be calculated via looking at its variable home loan vs deposit book ($485 billion vs $348.5 billion), based on its net interest margin (NIM) — 1.88 per cent — gleaned from its latest half-year results.' Astbury said NAB could gain around $766,000 a day from the seven-day delay, due to the makeup of its loan versus deposit booms and lower NIM. CBA and ANZ have made their savings cuts take effect from today, the same day as home loan rate cuts. CBA quietly announced it would be passing on the 25 basis point cut to savings account customers this morning. Infochoice found the biggest gap between savings and home loan rate cuts was from AMP, who has a 10 day difference. The average borrower with a $600,000 home loan with 25 years remaining will see their minimum monthly repayments drop by $91 following May's cash rate cut. CBA, ANZ and NAB do not automatically adjust repayments after rate cuts and customers have to initiate a change to their direct debit. Customers may have to wait until at least late June or July to see their repayments drop, depending on their billing cycle. Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall said customers should consider whether they want the relief in their bank account or for it to stay in their mortgage. 'If you don't need the cash right now to make ends meet, think about keeping your repayments exactly the same, because if you can chip in a little bit extra each month, for the rest of your loan term, you could potentially find yourself mortgage-free years ahead of schedule and save tens of thousands of dollars,' she said. Astbury has called on lenders to move quicker to pass on interest rate cuts to borrowers. Unloan and Athena, for example, dropped new and existing variable rates on the same day as the RBA announcement, effective immediately. Unloan is owned by CBA. Macquarie was also quick to the draw, dropping savings and home loan rates three days after the RBA decision. 'We've seen it is possible to move incredibly quickly and there's a variety of reasons why some banks are slow to act,' he told Yahoo Finance. 'They will say legacy IT systems delay the rate cuts — some banks will point out they still have numerous tech platforms with different home loan customers on them versus the new digital players which might only have one or two. 'This isn't a good enough excuse in my opinion. The secret reason is protecting margins, and as we know in the case of Bendigo and smaller regional players experiencing bleed back to the major banks, margins have taken a hit so they are doing anything they can to protect them.'
BBC News
17-03-2025
- BBC News
Manchester: Six arrested after armed clash with knives and hammers
Six men are under arrest after a fight with weapons including knives and hammers broke out on a city's streets, police have disorder occurred at about 01:45 GMT on Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, Manchester, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. Each of the six men, aged between 18 and 24, was arrested on suspicion of affray after the fight, in which they suffered serious injuries. Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP said the incident took place in a busy area, "showing an unacceptable disregard for the safety of the community". Officers have cordoned off parts of Park Crescent, Kent Road West and Denison Road to investigate the scene. Though serious, the six men's injuries were "not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening", a GMP spokesman said. Det Insp Astbury said the force believed the incident was a "targeted attack". He said: "We do not underestimate the impact this will have on the local community."Fortunately, no further injuries have been reported to us, and we were able to arrest those who we believe to be involved immediately."Anyone with information about the incident, including CCTV and dashcam footage, has been urged to contact police. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
