Latest news with #Penalty
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'Law is clear' as drivers face £5,000 fine for 'rude' action
Driving through a puddle and splashing pedestrians is not only rude but can also be dangerous - and can land a driver with a huge fine if they're caught doing it Drivers could face penalties of up to £5,000 for carelessly soaking pedestrians during wet weather. Speeding through puddles and drenching nearby pedestrians is not merely thoughtless but can also pose risks, whether carried out deliberately or accidentally. While the Highway Code doesn't explicitly reference splashing pedestrians, legislation exists regarding driving with due care and attention. Section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to speed through puddles and drench pavement users, as this constitutes driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons". This means motorists caught committing such acts could face substantial penalties. Penalties for soaking pedestrians Usually, drivers caught drenching pedestrians will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and possibly three points on their licence. Nevertheless, if proceedings reach court, the driver faces a significantly steeper fine of up to £5,000. Penalties are typically determined by various considerations, including the degree of distress caused by the incident and the extent of inconvenience suffered. Adam Jones, a legal expert at HD Claims, said: "Most people think it's just rude – but the law is very clear. Splashing someone deliberately, or failing to slow down and causing a soaking, can lead to a fixed penalty or even a court summons. At best, it's £100 and three points. At worst, it's five grand and a criminal conviction." How to avoid splashing pedestrians and receiving a fine By following some basic safety guidance, it can be easy to avoid splashing pedestrians and therefore avoiding a hefty fine. Generally, a car will make a large splash when going over a puddle at high speeds. Firstly, the driver should consider whether it's safe to avoid the puddle and not drive through it at all. However, if the road conditions mean that the car has to go through the puddle, reducing the speed slightly can significantly lessen how large a splash from a puddle will be. Jones added: 'Failing to take care in wet weather can land you with more than just a fine. You risk points on your licence, higher insurance premiums – and if you cause injury, even civil claims.' HD Claims also advises drivers to drive cautiously through flooded streets, especially urban areas where there is a higher risk of splashing pedestrians.
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- General
- NZ Herald
Declining birth rates: NZ fertility drops in line with global trend
Which is academic speak for, we aren't having enough babies to maintain the population of the human race. The human race needs more babies It was previously believed that 2.1 children per woman was the replacement level needed to sustain the global population, but it's now thought that the rate is higher – at 2.7 kids per woman. It's grim reading for a Saturday morning. But when three-quarters of the world's population lives in countries where lifetime fertility rates are below replacement levels – including Aotearoa where the fertility rate has dropped from 2.17 in 2010 to 1.56 per woman in 2023 – maybe the Uber driver (and, I hate to admit, Vance) has a point? Sociologist and Massey University emeritus professor Paul Spoonley has been tracking birth rates for years. He believes there are three main reasons why women are choosing to have none or just one child. 'An important factor is the increasing number of females with tertiary qualifications – 43% of women have tertiary qualifications compared to 36% of men,' says Spoonley. 'That means a greater participation by women in the workforce.' It won't come as a surprise to anyone but the cost of living is another reason we're not rushing to have more children. Professor Paul Spoonley says the cost of living is another reason Kiwis aren't willing to have more children. Photo / RNZ 'Children are expensive and the increasing cost of living and housing can force the decision for some in terms of having children versus buying a house.' Add to that the daily costs and trade-offs of employment, i.e. the so-called Motherhood Penalty or economic disadvantages faced by women in the workforce post-children, including pay and career advancement. 'Similar issues explain the increasing age of women having their first child,' says Spoonley. 'Last year more children were born to women 40 and over compared to births to women aged 20 and under.' If you thought climate change was the reason why some women aren't reproducing, put a tick on your bingo card. While Spoonley admits it's difficult to tell how significant this issue is, and how many women it affects, 'for the generation currently making fertility decisions, the environment is a growing consideration'. Lucy Hughes* is one of those women. The Wellington policy analyst believes it's 'ethically unjustifiable to bring kids into a world that's on fire'. 'The climate, and what humans are doing to it, is the number one crisis not just for my generation but for all of us,' believes the 28-year-old. 'I'm so worried about the catastrophic future this planet is hurtling towards, and the fact that governments aren't doing anything about it, that I've decided the best thing I can do for the environment is not add to the number of humans fighting for ever-decreasing resources.' Having been widely criticised by family and friends for her decision, Hughes is reluctant to use her real name for this story. But suggest that she's contributing to the end of humanity and she'll roll her eyes. 'I don't judge anyone for having kids but they feel free to judge me. I've been called selfish and stupid but my position is, faced with a future of war, flooding, heatwaves and food shortages – and politicians in various states of denial – I think I'm right not to have kids.' Jacinta Woodnutt has the kind of close-knit, wholesome family people make sitcoms about. The mother of six shares a four-bedroom home with her husband, high school teacher Stephen Woodnutt, and their six children – five boys and one girl who range in age from 14-3. The Woodnutt family, from left, Stephen holding Gilbert, Matthias, Patrick (top), Cecilia, Damien (bottom middle) and Jancinta holding Edmund. Photo / George Heard Their suburban Christchurch house is cramped and sometimes so noisy that Australian expat Woodnutt, 35, escapes to her bedroom for 'five minutes of peace'. 'It can be hard raising six kids, especially on a single income, but there's a lot of joy and laughter in our house.' Woodnutt, who met her Kiwi husband when they were both students at a Sydney Catholic university, admits that the couple's strong faith played a large part in their decision to have six children. 'As per the church's guidance, we use natural family planning practices. But the real reason for having six kids is that we both come from large families [Woodnutt has 10 siblings, her husband has four] and we both really love kids. We believe children are a blessing and a gift from God.' Not everyone sees it like that: Woodnutt is often met with raised eyebrows and comments such as 'Don't you know which century you're living in?' and 'You don't need to have lots of kids any more'. 'I've had total strangers say to me, don't you have a TV? Sometimes people are genuinely interested in what it's like to raise six kids but many are just rude.' Jacinta and Stephen Woodnutt and their children Patrick, Matthias, Damien, Gilbert, Cecilia and Edmund. Photo / George Heard Having been at the sharp end of judgment, Woodnutt would never judge anyone who chose not to have children. 'Just as I don't want people to have a go at me for my fertility decisions, I would never criticise anyone because it's nobody's business. I totally respect their choice.' But what about declining birth rates? 'I'm definitely concerned about that because it means fewer doctors and people we need for the future. For me, a child is a sign of hope so while I understand the perspective of those who don't want to bring children into this terrible world, we have to have hope.' It's a sentiment that's repeated, almost verbatim, a few days later at the other end of the motu. Premaloka Treacy is a yoga therapist on Waiheke Island who owns Prem Heart Yoga School and Lily & Lotus cafe/concept store, and is mother to six children aged from 10 to 26. The Treacy family from left: back row,Lalita-Jewel, Paul, Gabriel, Cashel, Luka and Uisce-Lily (holding Bantry). Front row, Premaloka and Delilah-Belle (holding Sandy). Treacy, her Irish husband Paul and two of their six children live behind the cafe (her oldest two recently moved to Dublin for their OEs, one is studying in Wellington and one flats in Auckland). 'I never ever considered I wouldn't have children,' says Treacy. 'We thought we'd have three or four but to be honest, we didn't really plan any of our children. And then I got addicted to having kids. They're the biggest blessing in our lives and we're a really strong, close family.' Treacy would be the first to admit that not everyone is cut out to follow her example. The Treacy family from left: Delilah-Belle (holding Bantry), Uisce-Lily (holding Wolfson), Premaloka, Paul, Lalita-Jewel (in front), Luka (holding Sandy), Cashel and Gabriel. 'Kids are a huge financial cost and a lifetime commitment and I understand that not everyone feels the same bond as I do, or that some women have had trauma in their lives or don't want the disruption. It's certainly not easy having six kids, especially when we had four under 5 years old, but when you have a child you bring hope into the world – hope for good, kind people who will make a difference. I'd never say to anyone, have a baby because our birth rates are falling but if you love and want kids and have the support to do so, then go for it because that child will bring you joy.' * Name has been changed to protect identity How governments tackle declining birth rates In Hungary, if you're the mother of four or more children, you don't have to pay income tax for life. Hungary also offers subsidies to help large families buy cars and houses. Poland, too, offers incentives. Hong Kong offers cash bonuses for each newborn as well as easier access to subsidised housing for families with children. South Korea, which has the world's lowest birth rate, is also offering cash incentives to new parents. Russia has extended a hefty cash payment, originally for new adult mothers, to include school girls in an attempt to reverse a dramatic decline in the country's birthrate. But Spoonley warns that these policies haven't stopped fertility decline. 'The interesting thing is that pro-natal policies of various governments around the world have had almost no impact on fertility decisions or reversing fertility decline. Sweden, which has far more generous pro-natal packages than New Zealand, did see a small blip but reverted to ongoing low fertility.' Spoonley believes the key is to figure out exactly what's driving falling rates so that governments can introduce effective policies to combat it. 'International experience shows that it's hard to reverse fertility decline. We need to better understand the issue and look at alternatives such as better educational investments and productivity improvements.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Penalty rebounds 'could be SCRAPPED for 2026 World Cup' in radical shake-up...as VAR powers also 'face major expansion'
Penalty rebounds could be scrapped entirely under dramatic new plans being considered by football's law-makers - potentially coming into force in time for the 2026 World Cup. The proposal, being discussed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), would see any missed penalty immediately result in a goal-kick, with no chance for the taker or others to score on the rebound, as reported by The Sun. That means iconic moments like Harry Kane 's extra-time rebound against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final or Xabi Alonso 's equaliser in Liverpool 's legendary 2005 Champions League comeback would no longer stand under the proposed rules. The idea is to treat a penalty as a single, standalone shot - much like a penalty stroke in hockey. Once the kick is taken, play would stop. If the ball goes in, it's a goal and the game restarts at the halfway line. If it doesn't, it's a goal-kick for the defending side - no corners, no second chances. Officials believe it could help eliminate disputes over encroachment and remove an unfair advantage for the attacking team. Currently, goalkeepers must have one foot on or behind the line, while attackers can pounce on rebounds, which some argue is a double punishment for defenders. The potential law change is being considered as part of a wider review aimed at modernising the game, particularly ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026. Any new rules would need to be finalised by the end of February to be introduced in time. Also on the table are plans to expand the scope of VAR. IFAB is looking at allowing video checks for second yellow cards and corners — but only when there's a 'unfair' dismissals or 'clear error' that can be reviewed quickly, without further delays to the game. Discussions over rules changed were during the recent Club World Cup in the US - with some senior figures now backing significant reform.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
St Patrick's Athletic v Hegelmann
Update: Date: 83' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Hegelmann. Abdoul Harouna replaces Domantas Antanavicius. Update: Date: 82' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, St Patrick's Athletic. Kian Leavy replaces Jake Mulraney. Update: Date: 82' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Hegelmann. Rasheed Yusuf replaces Njoya Kader. Update: Date: 81' Title: Post Content: Goal! St Patrick's Athletic 1, Hegelmann 0. Aidan Keena (St Patrick's Athletic) converts the penalty with a right footed shot. Update: Date: 73' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, St Patrick's Athletic. Chris Forrester replaces Simon Power. Update: Date: 73' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, St Patrick's Athletic. Aidan Keena replaces Brandon Kavanagh. Update: Date: 73' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, St Patrick's Athletic. Zach Elbouzedi replaces Jamie Lennon. Update: Date: 73' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Hegelmann. Wesley replaces Léo Ribeiro. Update: Date: 72' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Hegelmann. Esmilis Kausinis replaces Artem Shchedryi. Update: Date: 65' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Hegelmann. Patrick Popescu replaces Donatas Kazlauskas. Update: Date: 65' Title: Booking Content: Vilius Armalas (Hegelmann) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Update: Date: 52' Title: Booking Content: Nikola Djoric (Hegelmann) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Update: Date: 46' Title: Second Half Content: Second Half begins St Patrick's Athletic 0, Hegelmann 0. Update: Date: 45'+3 Title: Half Time Content: First Half ends, St Patrick's Athletic 0, Hegelmann 0. Update: Date: 45' Title: Post Content: Fourth official has announced 2 minutes of added time. Update: Date: 1' Title: Kick Off Content: First Half begins. Update: Date: 1' Title: Post Content: Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Wales Online
Man has to pay more than £1,000 after refusing to move his car
Man has to pay more than £1,000 after refusing to move his car The man just left it there and ignored warnings to move it - eventually the council did it for him and then crushed the car An abandoned Honda on an industrial estate in Llantrisant (Image: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council ) A man has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after he dumped his Honda car at a busy industrial estate and refused to move it. In December last year, Rhondda Cynon Taf's Council's Streetcare Enforcement Team received a complaint in relation to an abandoned vehicle which was causing an issue in a Llantrisant Industrial Estate. When the Enforcement Officer attended the location, the vehicle, a 2006 Honda Civic, was assessed and stickered with a warning notice. The notice stated that the owner of the car had 14 days to remove it or further action would be taken. The owner was identified as Callum Johnson from Ferndale, Rhondda. Johnson failed to remove the vehicle after the 14-days and was sent a letter to let him know that if the vehicle wasn't removed in the next 7-days, then the council would remove it and he would face a Fixed Penalty Notice. Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here . The vehicle was not removed and continued to cause issues on Green Meadow Industrial Estate in Llantrisant. This meant that enforcement officers had no option but to arrange for the removal and crushing of the vehicle. Article continues below After its removal and crushing Johnson was sent a Fixed Penalty Notice and ordered to pay £200. Johnson ignored this and two further letters advising him that court action would be taken. In June 2025 the case was heard at Merthyr Magistrates Court and Johnson was found guilty in his absence and issued with a fine of £440, costs of £498 and a victim surcharge of £176 - totalling £1014. 'This latest case once again demonstrates the teamwork by our dedicated enforcement team,' said councillor Ann Crimmings. 'The team continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our County Borough is a clean, green area for us all to live, work and visit and it is once again the minority of individuals that are blighting the highways of RCT. 'You are responsible for your vehicle and simply parking it up and walking away when you're done with it, isn't an option – it's a massive blight on the community and causes a big obstruction for those who have to live around it. 'The team will continue their great work and this latest case should act as a deterrent to those who think that they won't get caught red handed - there is never an excuse for fly-tipping or blighting the community and we will always take action to hold those to account for their actions.' Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
