Speed limits

I fully supported the introduction of variable speed limit signs along Beaufort st in Highgate. The idea being that at times of high vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic the speed can be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h.

Because it wasn’t a permanent change I was all for it. Others don’t see it quite the same way.

Now move across to Leederville.

Different suburb same council. There is a new lower speed limit there too. Not 40km/h and variable like Highgate no this time it’s 30km/h fixed.

Remember I said different suburb same council? Well City of Stirling what gives? Why be all innovative and forward thinking in 1 area and not the other?

Another thing. Why 30kays not 40 in Leederville? People get annoyed with the inconsistency in speed limits.

When you see the same speed zones in similar areas you start to expect that’s what the speed will be.

Shouldn’t councils be making things easier for us instead of more complicated?

Taxi driver bashed, robbed

A driver has been approached and when he unlocked his doors found himself on the receiving end of a viscious and terrorfying attack.

The article can be found http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=158907

This won’t stop attacks but it will increase safety, I have been calling for a change to the vehicles central locking system for years, that enables the driver to unlock the passenger doors whilst keeping his door locked.

It should be mandatory.

Driver Reviver

When you drive in the country you come across signs telling you to Stop, Revive, Survive. They also give the driver free coffee at roadhouses.

Well it occured to me last night while waiting in a queue of taxis in the drivethru of a 24hr McDonalds that we bring them alot of business over a weekend and we also drive long hours. A typical weekend I’ll do 25+ hrs across 2 nights.

I don’t think it’s to much to ask for McDonalds to offer cabbies bringing passengers through the drive through free coffee.

Make it say midnight to 5am. I know I’d appreciate it and it may even encourage cabbies to stop at McDonalds. I know of a few that refuse.

How bout it maccas? Stop, Revive, Survive for cabbies.

School zones & speeding fines

I went thru a 40km/h school zone with a passenger Friday night and he recounted the time he was caught speeding through a school zone. The fine he said was $300.

It got me thinking.

The Police should give the money collected by multi novas in school zones to the schools.

You can be done in a S-Z for 20 over which is a significant fine simply because you didn’t see the sign. Don’t get me wrong I don’t condone speeding in school zones by any means. I’m just saying that if the money collected went to help schools instead of into the police dept’s coffers people would be happier paying it.

It would also be a great PR excersise for the police.

Victorian Bushfire Crisis

On behalf of my family and myself I would just like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family’s, friends and emergency services personnel affected by the terrible events in Victoria over the weekend.

I think it’s fair to say we as Australians have all been touched in some way by the fire disaster that has raged through Victoria in the past 48hours.

If you are in Australia and wish to follow the news as it unfolds tune your radio to your local ABC radio station. If you are in the path of the fires and want to know the latest information tune in again to your local ABC radio station at quarter past and quarter to the hour when the latest updates are broadcast.

You can find your local stations frequency check the list here

If you want to follow it online check out ABC Online for full bush fire coverage as it happens.

If you want to make a donation, volunteer your time or you have skills that may be needed in the affected areas then check out the Red Cross website

If you want information on road closures etc ring the BushFire Info Hotline on 1800 240 667
If your worried about family and friends and can’t contact them any other way then call the Red Cross (Family and Friend) Hotline 1800 727 077

Seriously I know we are doing it tough at the moment with the economic crisis and job losses etc but I feel strongly that it is almost our duty as a nation to come together and make a donation to help these people. Even $20 is appreciated. Seriously I’ve made my donation. I’m not going to say how much it was that’s not the point. Please take a moment and make a donation.

New Years Day Cabbie Attack.

Police are seeking help from a brave motorist who stopped to assist Taxi driver Shair Abdi early on New Years Morning while trying to flee an angry passenger.

Mr Abdi, had stopped on Hill View Terrace after the man hailed him. Once in the taxi the man asked to be taken to Spearwood but didn’t have enough money to cover the fare. He became abusive upon being asked to leave the taxi. He opened the rear door of the taxi as he left and as Mr Abdi got out to close it he was attacked from behind.

Mr Abdi had his wallet and cash stolen whilst being punched repeatedly in an attack lasting 15 minutes.

Mr Abdi said he believed he might have been killed if the unidentified driver had not stopped to help. 

“It was very scary and I was shocked. I don’t feel comfortable (returning to work) at the moment ,” he said. 

Police say: The wanted man  is  a slightly built Caucasian, about 174cm tal and has short black hair.  He was wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans. 

Anyone who can identify the man is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Here is a  link to the story on News.com.au is http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,,24865267-2761,00.html

Taxi driver in heaven

I haven’t posted in a while so I thought something a bit light hearted was in order. Enjoy!

A priest and a taxi driver both died and went to heaven. St. Peter was at the Pearly gates waiting for them.

‘Come with me’, said St. Peter to the taxi driver.

The taxi driver did as he was told and followed St. Peter to a mansion. It had anything you could imagine from a bowling alley to an olympic size pool.

‘Wow, thank you’, said the taxi driver.

Next, St. Peter led the priest to a rugged old shack with a bunk bed and a little old television set.

‘Wait, I think you are a little mixed up’, said the priest. ‘Shouldn’t I be the one who gets the mansion? After all I was a priest, went to church every day, and preached God’s word.’

‘Yes, that’s true. But during your sermons people slept. When the taxi driver drove, everyone prayed.’

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

“When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming in terror like his passengers!”