A motorist in on the M25 at Swanley holds the record for the highest speed clocked by a speed camera in England and Wales between April 2013 and May 2014. The 149 mph figure was revealed following freedom of information requests to 39 police authorities by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Eighty-five per cent of police authorities responded.

Other findings include:
•The highest speed recorded on 30mph road was 96mph on the B1288, on Leam Lane, Gateshead
•The highest speed recorded on a 50mph road was on the A414 Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire where a motorist clocked 119 mph
•The highest speed recorded on a 60mph road was 127mph on the A413 Wendover By-Pass, Wendover

The guidelines to magistrates on sentencing for speeding include:
•70 mph road: For driving between 101 and 110 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.
•50 mph road: For driving between 76 and 85 mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.
•30 mph road: For driving between 51 and 60mph. Fine plus 6 points or disqualified for 7-56 days.1

IAM chief executive Simon best said: “149 miles per hour equates to nearly two and a half miles in a minute. If anything goes wrong at that speed, you’re unlikely to walk away and you are a grave danger to the innocent road users around you.”

“Speed limits are a limit. They are not a target to beat. Unfortunately this message has not got through to many motorists and it’s clear that efforts to make speeding as socially unacceptable as drink driving continue to fail. That’s why we need sustained campaigning by the government, motor industry and charities to keep ramming home the message that excessive speed kills. Catching speeders at two or even three times the limit also shows the importance of keeping speed cameras at well-known black spots.”

“The current guidelines on sentencing for excessive speeding offences are out of sync with modern roads, modern vehicles and society’s view of the value of lives lost in crashes. We all share the roads with these speeding drivers and the government must crack down on them with more consistent penalties and tougher measures to break their addiction for speed.”

Edenbridge, Kent, came to a standstill on Monday 26 May 2014. Undeterred by the weather, thousands of spectators lined the streets to watch motor sport legend, John Surtees OBE, ex Formula Renault and British Formula Ford Champion Scott Malvern and ex Formula 3 British Champion and A1 Grand Prix racer Robbie Kerr, roar through the streets of the town in Team Surtees race vehicles.. The special event in John’s home town helped commemorate the 50th anniversary of his Formula 1 World Championship title, as well as his 80th birthday.

The parade of John’s rarely seen F1 race cars and bikes ran twice through Edenbridge High Street, before returning to the site that was the Surtees team factory and business base for the past 56 years. John Surtees led the parade in the Ferrari 158 which he won the 1964 Formula One Driver's World Championship driving kindly loaned by George Barber of Birmingham, Alabama, USA and was followed by a Team Surtees Formula One cars for the Seventies, and a procession of over 200 classic bikes and cars all drawn to Edenbridge by the town’s festivities.

‘Papa Smurf’ even made a debut appearance to Edenbridge, straight from the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Papa Smurf is rapidly becoming a social media phenomenon, as his F1 adventures this year pays tribute to the late John Button, aka ‘Papa Smurf’ and, at the request of the Button family, is raising funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation.

The event was organized by the Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce, as part of Edenbridge Fun Day and featured non-stop entertainment throughout the day including live bands, pram races, dog show, trade stalls, and a classic car and motorcycle display. The event also raised awareness and funds for the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and The Henry Surtees Foundation, a foundation established by John Surtees following the tragic death of his son Henry while competing in Formula 2 race in 2009 aged just 18.

Speaking at the parade John Surtees said: “it’s fantastic to have the High Street closed on a busy Bank Holiday weekend so that we could give all the visitors the sight and sound of Formula One and times gone by. It’s not often that people get to hear and watch Formula 1 cars up close, and judging by the response of the crowds who cheered us through, they must’ve enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Racing driver Scott Malvern said “it was an absolute honour to drive the TS7, the first Formula 1 car built by Team Surtees here in Edenbridge. I can’t thank John Surtees enough for such an amazing opportunity; truly a day to remember”.

Peter Kingham, Chairman of The Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce said: “it has always been our intention to make this an annual event centering on the town's racing construction heritage and to help put Edenbridge on the map. The rain certainly did not dampen the spirits of the event; the streets were packed with visitors, many of which had made a long journey specifically to watch the Team Surtees parade. Personally, I would like to thank John Surtees for all the help and effort he, his staff and friends put into making it such a great day and to the Ferrari Owners Club for their support.”

The Team Surtees and John Surtees related vehicles that took part in the parade were displayed throughout the day outside the Bradford shop, Station Road, where they were built and designed by predominantly local residents, the display included:

· Ferrari 158 - The actual car that John Surtees won his 1964 Formula One Driver's World Championship racing title driving

· The TS7 - The first Formula 1 car built by Team Surtees at its Edenbridge base, which John Surtees raced at the British Grand Prix in Brands Hatch in 1970. The vehicle was driven in the parade by Formula Renault Champion, and British Formula Ford & Eurocup Champion Scott Malvern

· The TS14 Formula 1 car - The first car to be introduced to the new safety regulations in 1972 and was driven by Mike Hailwood and Carlos Pace setting lap records in the German and Austrian Grand Prix. The vehicle was driven in the parade by past Formula 3 British Champion and A1 Grand Prix runner-up Robbie Kerr.

· The TS15 2-litre Formula 2 car built in 1973 which finished 2nd in that Championship, this car is the prototype that won the prestigious Interlagos race in Brazil driven by Carlos Pace

· A 1960 MV Agusta four-cylinder GP motorcycle – John Surtees won seven motorcycle championships riding for MV Agusta and 6 Isle of Man TT’s

· 1957 BMW 507 this is possibly BMW’s most prestigious car and was produced in limited numbers. John Surtees acquired this part as a prize on winning his first motorcycle World Championship with MV Agusta.

· 500cc 1949 Vincent Grey Flash motorcycle built by John in 1979 using a large number of parts from the original machine that he built in 1950 whilst working as an apprentice at the Vincent Company. John won his first ever race on a Grey Flash at Aberdare Park in Wales that he had built whilst working as an apprentice at the Vincent Company. It was the first of many wins before he transferred to a Norton to compete in International events.

· 350cc Works Norton this is one of the last works machines built by the original Norton company in the early Sixties and featured an ultra-short-stroke engine of 86mm x 60mm and outside flywheel

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the National Motorcycle Museum is holding a series of celebrations including a photography competition, from 1 August 2014 until the anniversary year culminates with the “free” open day, on Saturday 1st November 2014.

The winning images will be those which most inspire admiration for the British Motorcycle & the British Motorcycle industry. At the free open day, Museum Director James Hewing plus a leading “classic” magazine editor and one of the star guests from the world of motorcycle racing will judge the photos and announce the winners. Shortlisted entries will be displayed at the Museum prior to final judging.

First prize will be a weekend break at a UK Best Western hotel. Runners-up will receive a free visit to the Museum for up to five people, including a personal VIP guided tour and lunch at the Museum Restaurant.

Each image must specify the make and model of British machine featured as well as the photographers name and location where the image was taken. Both professional and budding photographers are invited to contribute with copyright of all material submitted being granted to the National Motorcycle Museum.

Contributions are invited by e-mail to [email protected] or by post from the following age groups & in the following categories-
Age Groups- Under 12 Year’s. 12-18 Years. Over 18 Years.
Categories- Best or Most Unusual Location. Best or Most Unusual Subject Matter. Humorous.

Pop Up Gallery

The National Motorcycle Museum is also running a pop-up art gallery; ‘A Celebration of the Motorcycle’ which opens on 1st July 2014. The gallery will feature a variety of works from different specialisms, including sculptures, paintings, photographs and alternative media art. The gallery will be held in the foyer at the museum, for visitors to view at no extra cost, until the 30th anniversary free open day on Saturday 1st November 2014.

The National Motorcycle Museum

Conveniently located in the heart of the Midlands Transport Network, with Birmingham International railway station just a five-minute taxi ride away. At over 1000 machines the National Motorcycle Museum is not only the largest collection of British Motorcycles in the World but also an award-winning venue with conferencing and events facilities. 

www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

Prague, 28 May 2014 – Mitas announces the sponsorship of the anniversary XX. Erzbergrodeo, which will be held from Thursday, 29 May, to Sunday, 1 June 2014, in Erzberg, Austria. More than 1,500 off-road motorcycle riders from the world over will face the challenges of the Erzberg open-pit mine. Mitas will provide exclusive tyre sales and service at the race site.

On Friday, 30 May, and Saturday, 31 May, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Actionzone of Erzbergrodeo-Arena, the Mitas One-On-One Rider Presentation will be held. The specially prepared Endurocross track will be the playground for Enduro world champions, X-Games medallists, Supercross icons, Trial legends, Dakar winners, FMX idols and ATV masters.

Ksenija Bitenc, the managing director for Mitas Moto, emphasises the dedication of the Mitas brand to top extreme enduro events. ”With XX. Erzbergrodeo, we strengthen our loyalty and enthusiasm for top extreme enduro racing. We are proud that we are a part of it and that our tyres are appreciated by many extreme enduro riders all over the world.”

Erzbergrodeo race promoter Karl Katoch describes the cooperation: "Mitas and Erzbergrodeo have a long and successful history in off-road motorcycle racing. The characteristics and philosophy of both brands fit together very well. World Xtreme Enduro Racing demands maximum determination from the riders as well as high-grade products from the industry. We are therefore happy to present Mitas tyres to the racers.”

Erzbergrodeo facts and figures: - 45,000 visitors in four days - 1,500 competitors from more than 35 nations - 1,500 entries on the waiting list - 4,500 entourage - 300 staff - 200 tour guides - 100 emergency staff (Mountain Rescue Service, Red Cross & paramedics) - 6 helicopters - 30 camera operators - 400 journalists from more than 25 nations

· Museum sees a 246% increase in visitors following re-launch last month

· Educational visits up 77%

· Increase heralded as an “encouraging result” for the West Country economy

Haynes International Motor Museum has announced an impressive 246% increase in its visitor numbers since its re-launch last month (period 16 April-21 May 2014) – a record in its history. It has also reported a 77% year on year increase in the number of educational visits.

The Museum, which has a collection of over 400 of some of the greatest cars and motorcycles from around the world, last month saw over 500 guests come to see Culture Minister Ed Vaizey MP open the brand new facility and praise it for the prominent role it plays in the Somerset and West Country economy.

The £5 million project included the creation of three new exhibitions halls, modernisation of three other halls, creation of Haynes Motorland for children, the development of new function room facilities, new shop, café and entrance foyer and also included the introduction of new interactive exhibits.

Marc Haynes, Managing Director of Haynes International Motor Museum, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed such an increase in visitors over the last month since our re-opening. This is fantastic news for us and importantly also for the local economy, particularly after a difficult winter when the region was devastated by flooding. All our facilities are fully operational and we look forward to further establishing ourselves as a gateway destination for tourism in the region.

We are also pleased to see the uplift in visitors for educational reasons. As an educational charitable trust, we have always prided ourselves on providing a fun experience, yet one where visitors can discover the evolution of the car and engineering through the generations, encouraging the young to take an interest in our heritage in an authentic interactive way. Our family friendly exhibits and the new ‘paint a car’ are proving to be particularly popular with our younger – and some of our older! – guests.”