Author Archives: David Tebbutt

New laws for drones above 250g

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If you are responsible for, or fly, a drone that weighs more than 250g (just over eight ounces), you will now have to register or face a fine of up to £1000 under new CAA regulations. Specifically:

  • anyone who will fly must pass a theory test to get a flyer ID
  • the person that’s responsible for the drone or model aircraft must register to get an operator ID

Children and adults wanting to fly the gadgets from November 30, 2019, will have to take the test to show they can do so “safely and legally”.

More information here: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/

 

Planning appeals tidied 22-10-2019

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My working methods (regarding appeals) over the past few years have left something to be desired. There have always been more appeal pins on the map than there were outstanding appeals. Finally, I’ve found a better way of working. In future the map will show only outstanding appeals at the date of its update, reported here – usually weekly. The three current appeals are at UB10 8… then EL, JF and TA.  Map link.

 

Overnight closure of Breakspear Road South Fri 25 Oct

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the latest from HS2

Notice of overnight road closure on Breakspear Road South – Friday 25 October 9pm to Saturday 26 October 6am

Posted on Oct 18th 2019 by HS2 in Hillingdon

Following earlier emergency repair works to the road surface on Breakspear Road South near our compound entrance, a further overnight road closure is required to complete a permanent repair.

We understand these works will affect road users and the local community and we apologise for the late notice.

To minimise the impacts to road users the closure is being undertaken during night time hours when traffic is lighter. The road will be fully closed between 9pm on Friday 25 October until 6am on Saturday 26 October. We will remove all traffic management by 6am on Saturday morning.

The same diversion implemented during the previous closures will be in place; you can see a map of the diversion below. Access will be maintained to residential properties. Advance warning signs will be installed as early as possible before works commence. Access only signs will be displayed, with operatives present for the duration of the closure.

 

the full info can be found
https://hs2inhillingdon.commonplace.is/news/2019/10/18/notice-of-overnight-road-closure-on-breakspear-road-south-%E2%80%93-friday-25-october-9pm-to-saturday-26-october-6am

Give your opinions on RAF Northolt airspace planning

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From the station commander:

ROYAL AIR FORCE NORTHOLT AIRSPACE CHANGE PROPOSAL

INVITATION TO STAGE 2 DROP-IN SESSION

Royal Air Force Northolt is currently undertaking an Airspace Change Proposal that it is required to draw up as part of the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy (CAP1711). The proposal is being conducted in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority’s ‘CAP 1616’, which sets out the regulatory process for changing airspace design.

I am pleased to inform you that RAF Northolt successfully completed Stage 1 of the CAP 1616 process in July 2019, whereby the Civil Aviation Authority approved the design principles that will be used to guide the Airspace Change Proposal. RAF Northolt is now at Stage 2 of the process, where it will develop all of the possible design options for its airspace and appraise each option to understand the impact, both positive and negative.

As part of Stage 2, we will continue our engagement with those stakeholders who may be affected by any proposed flightpath changes. I would therefore like to invite you or a representative to attend one of our ‘drop in’ sessions at RAF Northolt. The sessions will be held on Tuesday 19 November 2019 from 1500-2000 and Monday 25 November 2019 from 0900-1400.

During the drop-in session, we will explain the work that has been conducted to date as part of Stage 2A: Options Development and seek feedback on the methodology we have used to develop our design options. At this stage I must stress that we have not produced potential flight paths or identified preferred routes. We have purely drawn up all the possible design options that align with our Statement of Need and design principles, that will be appraised as part of Stage 2B: Options Appraisal.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our drop-in sessions.

This gives the location:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5588281,-0.4098322,17z

There is very little parking at the venue. it would be preferable to take the Central Line to Ruislip Gardens and walk down.

If you do drive, please note there is a one way system (signposted).

Keep your vehicles safe

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Tips from Met Police via OWL:

Key messages

General advice

  • Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one way clutch head screws and adhesive to secure the plate.
  • When out and about – try to park your vehicle in a Park Mark approved car park which has an approved security standard, or if not, park in an area that is overlooked and well lit
  • Thieves are using sophisticated methods to steal vehicles with electronic keys – a scanner is used to locate the signal from the key. To prevent this, always keep the electronic key in a security pouch when not in use.
  • Fitting locking wheel nuts will reduce the likelihood of wheels and tyres being stolen.

Cars and vans

  • Leaving items on show is an invitation – power leads, SatNavs and mounts, stereo front panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed out of sight.
  • Keys and ignition fobs should kept safe and out of sight and reach – the most common ways to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary. Try not to keep your keys in an obvious place such as the hallway or kitchen.
  • Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking an unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from.
  • Fit an alarm or immobiliser if your vehicle does not have one.
  • Set the steering wheel lock if your vehicle is fitted with one. If not, use a bar type steering lock each time you leave your vehicle.
  • Also consider using a gear stick lock.

Motorcycles and mopeds

  • Keep your motorcycle or moped in a garage, shed or designated bike store at home – storing it out of view is one of the best ways to prevent opportunist theft. Consider fitting a garage or shed alarm.
  • Fit an alarm, immobiliser, preferably with tracking capability and property mark any panels – alarms act as a deterrent. Tracking devices and property marking assist in recovery should your motorcycle or moped be stolen.
  • Lock the rear wheel to an immovable object or ground anchor and use a disk lock on the front wheel – making the vehicle less of any easy option will reduce the chances of it being targeted. Combine the use of a disk lock on the front wheel and a chain lock to a ground anchor.
  • Don’t rely on the steering lock – standard steering locks are easily defeated and your bike can always be lifted into a van if not secured.
  • Use a bike cover – covers are another hassle for an opportunist thief, if they cannot see what moped or motorcycle it is they are less likely to target it.

Caravans and trailers

  • Fit physical security and a caravan cover – fit a combination of hitch lock anti-theft device, wheel clamp and ground anchor, a physical barrier to theft is always a clear deterrent. Using a caravan cover and installing an alarm makes any theft more difficult and your caravan less attractive to thieves.
  • Register, record and property mark all parts of the caravan or trailer – register your caravan or trailer with the Central Registration & Identification Scheme (CRIS) and use overt and covert chips to mark it. If stolen, it may have its number plates, chassis, frame or CRIS numbers removed. Take photos, including specific fittings, marks or damage as these can help to identify your caravan or trailer.
  • Install an alarm and tracking system, including roof marking – if stolen, being able to track and identify your caravan or trailer is vital. Add clear roof markings, giving the year of manufacture and CRIS number, to assist police identifying your caravan. (2014 – CRIS SGBS000BYA1234567).

Goods vehicles and lorries

  • Lock it, remove it, alarm it – when leaving your vehicle unattended, first remove valuable items and cash from view, lock it and take the keys with you or leave in a secure drawer or office at work. Overnight, remove tools from vans or if parking up with an empty trailer, leave the doors open. Always set the vehicle alarm and keep fuel tanks locked.
  • Plan journeys, have an itinerary, no hitch hikers – have a route planned, including lay-overs, so someone else knows where you are due to be. Where possible use safe lorry parks or park where visible to passing traffic. Avoid insecure locations like remote laybys and quiet industrial estates. Do not pick up strangers as you have no idea what their intentions are.
  • Lock your vehicle and check it – even when on the move, making deliveries or refuelling, keep you vehicle locked and the keys with you. Before you start off again, visually inspect your vehicle, has anything changed, if so why.