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Has anyone got any comments about a highway design feature that is being installed at some new schemes, usually in conjunction with porous asphalt or new type concrete surfaces? If you have received any other comments regarding this type of feature we can look at it's design and recommend improvements.

The incident happened on the A4042 Llantarnam bypass and was reported by a former motorcyclist (road and track) who was following in his car. The rider had to brake suddenly and severely and as a result finished up close to the nearside edge of the carriageway and the V shaped concrete drainage ditch. The ditch, which varies in depth, has raised manhole covers. The witness was concerned that if the rider had gone into the ditch he would certainly have come off his machine and due to the raised manhole covers would likely have been trapped underneath.

If you have any such concerns please let us know at MAG Central and we will pass them on to the relevant authorities.

Advanced motorcycle tests conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are to be monitored by the Driving Standards Agency.

With a motto 'Safe Driving For Life', the Driving Standards Agency has always encouraged people to take further training after passing their 'L' tests. Teaming up with RoSPA to monitor advanced motorcycle riding will create a new benchmark for bikers. DSA endorsement means that applicants can be confident that they will meet at least the agreed minimum standard for advanced riding.

'Advanced training for bikers is likely to help reduce the number of casualties on Britain's roads. The partnership with RoSPA under-pins the society's commitment to deliver a high quality test to a consistent standard. It is hoped public confidence will be increased in the advanced rider test.'

RoSPA's motorcycle test has become the only advanced test for riders to be officially approved and monitored by the DSA. It offers a grading system, with passes at bronze, silver and gold level, and provides a detailed written report on the candidate's riding.

IAM QUESTION SPEED LIMITS..

A survey by 'policeman's friend' the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) published on the eve of the Motor Show has highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of all speed limits in the UK to ease congestion and improve road safety.

The survey of group delegates, representing the IAM's 100,000-plus advanced driver members, put suggested road safety election pledges - the sort that can be found in draft manifestos - in order of priority. The top five manifesto pledges to improve road safety that the IAM members would like to see were:

All speed limits to be reviewed, with careful consideration given to hazard density, frequency and seriousness. All speed limits will be relevant to the road and the environment to which they apply (32 per cent);

20 mph zones to apply in the immediate vicinity of all schools during arrival, departure and lunchtime (22 per cent);

Anybody convicted of a serious moving traffic offence will be required to pass a specially designated driving test within six months of the date of conviction, or face disqualification from holding a driving licence (20 per cent);

The enforcement of legal requirements at "box junctions" will be given higher priority to prevent unnecessary congestion at major junctions (12 per cent),

and

Anyone convicted of driving without a driving licence, or driving while disqualified from holding a driving licence will face disqualification for life and a minimum of two years' imprisonment. (10 per cent).

CHEAP LEATHERS??

Andy from Aardvark Leathers has had his van ripped off with 60,000 pounds worth of leathers, lids and boots inside. Andy supports MAG events so if you hear of some cheap leathers up for sale let Central know. Andy is offering 5000 pounds reward for information leading to conviction

A REAL CROTCH-ROCKET

A 24mph go-ped which has had a jet engine fitted to it can now out perform a Ferrari by doing 200mph, but it can't be driven on the country's roads. Mechanic Lee Dennick has turned his machine into a mobile missile but a recent ban on go-peds being driven on Britain's roads isn't the only reason whey he can't take it out.

It also trails a three-foot shaft of flame behind it!

The £500 scooters are normally fitted with 23cc gas engines but Lee contacted Microjet Engineering of Haverhill, Suffolk, for an ''upgrade'' which came in the shape of a jet turbine with an after-burner - at cost of £5,000. Lee, 27, from Harrow, Middlesex, has so far only dared to ride it at 30 mph. He said: ''The performance is mind blowing. I don't think I will be brave enough to go 200 mph - maybe 70mph. I live at home with my parents so I can afford to spend my money on silly things like this.''

Microjet engineering which usually makes jet engines for the RAF, said they had to lengthen the scooter by a foot to make it long enough to take the engine. Lee will use his scooter on private tracks and hopes to show it off at the races.

Last week judges ruled that go-ped riders needed driving licenses and insurance to use them on public roads - in effect a ban because it is impossible to get insurance.