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Dalek Death studs?
These roadstuds (Armourstud toughened glass roadstuds 36OS) were given DTLR, now the Department for Transport DfT) approval in 2OO1.
This according to Bradgate Consultants, who tested the studs, included rigorous testing with three different types of motorcycles, the riders of these raising no concerns about the studs, in comparison to any others they have encountered.
 Concerns have been raised by Mr Embleton's from the CTC (national cyclists' organisation) on the use of the studs in Northamptonshire.
Having spoken to Northamptonshire County Council regarding the studs their representative was happy that the studs have been approved and therefore had implemented their use.
However since Mr Embleton's complaints the council has begun to reassess their use and take cyclists into consideration when placing them, although trine won't discontinue their use completely. In addition to this the council has brought in a 'cycling officer1 who will liaise with all departments on such issues and advise with cyclists in mind.
The photographs do make the studs look quite horrific, they are glass and stand proud of the road, they are 100mm across at the base and 55mm across at the base of the raised section, which is raised to 19.5mm, all of which is within the standards for such items.
The potential is that these fixed, unresisting items could cause the wheel to slide, and being glass, there is very little friction that could prevent this from occurring. They do round off and therefore momentum should take the vehicle straight overthem, but from a 'clip' they could off balance a two-wheeler.
All of the details and letters have been forwarded to Murray Webb, Eastern Region Rep, for further investigation, he is aware of these new studs also appearing in Lincolnshire, and has already raised concerns on how they effect motorcyclists.
Let us know what you think?
According to Henry Kemp (Road Maintenance) Limited, the engineers who install the road studs, they have been installed in the following counties: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, North Yorks, East Yorks, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, Staffordshire, to name just a few.
If you see these studs while out and about contact Sarah Gardner National Resource Officer at MAG UK office or email
national-resource@mag-uk.org
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