Drink-drive rules involving the most serious offenders are to be tightened up.

Under new regulations the most dangerous offenders will have to prove  they are no longer dependent on alcohol before they are allowed to get  back behind the wheel.

The new measures will also see those drink-drivers who obstruct the  police by refusing to allow their blood samples to be analysed being  treated the same as other high risk offenders.

Currently, all high risk offenders must pass a medical examination  before they can be issued with a driving licence following their  disqualification. However, drivers can start driving as soon as they  have applied for their licence and before they have taken and passed the  necessary medical.

But from June 1 the most dangerous drink-drivers will have to pass a  medical confirming they are no longer alcohol dependent at the end of  their disqualification and BEFORE they start driving.

Also, those offenders who refuse to allow their blood samples to be  analysed will also, from June 1, only get their licence back following  disqualification if they pass the required medical.

Under the  High Risk Offender (HRO) scheme, drivers convicted of certain  serious drink/driving offences must have a medical investigation to confirm that there are no on-going problems with the misuse of alcohol  before they can be issued with a licence.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA is notified of such  offenders by the courts. Last year the DVLA was notified by the courts  of just over 50,000 drink-driving convictions.

Nearly 22,000 of those were classed as high risk offenders. Of those, around 5,000 drivers either failed, or failed to attend, their medical.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: "Drink-drivers are a menace  and it is right that we do everything we can to keep the most high risk  offenders off the road."

The IAM's response to tougher drink-drive rules:

Director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "Persistent drink drivers are a menace on our roads and these new rules will be welcomed by the law abiding majority."

"Numbers of repeat offenders are still far too high and the government should urgently consider bringing in a vehicle forfieture scheme like that in Scotland. This has been a success with the strong sanction of having your car sold acting as a real deterrent. Enhanced Drink drive rehabilitation courses may also be an option for these problem drivers but ultimately their selfishness means that they deserve the strongest possible punishment."

Nine time TT Race winner Bruce Anstey is set to parade one of the most iconic racing motorcycles of all time at the 2013 Classic TT Races - the Britten V1000. The bike was the brainchild of New Zealander John Britten, who designed and constructed them in his home workshop supported by an enthusiastic team of friends.

The historic bike is one of only ten bikes that were manufactured in New Zealand with only three remaining in the country. The Britten family holds one; a second is housed in the country's national museum while the bike that will be appearing on the Isle of Man is the only one that is run in parades. The remaining seven are held overseas.

The radically designed features on the bike include extensive use of carbon fibre for the chassis, girder forks, swing-arm and even the wheels while other aspects include air ducts for cooling directed through the petrol tank to the radiator under the seat and a home built programmable engine management computer with adjustment on the move.

The bike has historic resonance on the Isle of Man as Nick Jefferies rode it in the 1994 Senior TT, recording a standing start lap of 118mph. Bruce will parade the machine as part of the Classic TT Lap of Honour on Monday 26th August as part of the inaugural Classic TT Races.

Machine owner Kevin Grant commented: "Once I'd decided to bring the bike over for the parade there was only one rider that I wanted to ride the bike. It's entirely fitting that a bike so closely linked to New Zealand and the Isle of Man TT should have the country's most successful TT rider Bruce Anstey parading on the Mountain Course."

Bruce Anstey commented: "It's going to be a real pleasure to ride a New Zealand built bike on the Isle of Man. The Britten is one of the country's greatest achievements. I'm really looking forward to taking it round the Mountain Course and I'm sure that fans will really enjoy the spectacle and sound of the machine."

The 'Spirit of 59 Run' sees Lennie Paterson, original founder of the Rocker Reunion movement, return to the scene for the Father Graham Hullett 'In Memoriam' tribute ride.

Run:

It's an "Unofficial Ride" with no organisers from the old 59 Club site in Paddington down to Chelsea Bridge and round the corner for drinks opposite the dogs home.

What's happening?

There will be Rock n Roll DJ in the Dudley arms pub by DJ Dynmite Ady from Crondall Rock n Roll club also real ales and hot snacks at normal prices.

On the actual site of the old 59 club there is a 'proper' transport cafe, not some retro re-make. They will be selling taxi men's breakfasts and main meals at low prices with toilet facilities on site. A chance to stand reminisce with original club members on the footprint of the old 59 building and show off your bike!

A Lewis Leathers sponsored ruddy red Routemaster bus will be there for folk unable to ride a bike anymore, or anyone who's just blown up or is still building theirs (costs-only fee payable). Paddington rail station is just a short walk from the Dudley arms.

The route from 59 Club site to Chelsea Bridge/Pavilion Pub is 4.5 miles and takes, oh, at least 4 minutes if the lights are with you. Alternative, if you want a good pose and for all the civilians to look at your iron on the way down ... plan on 25 minutes, making some noise and keeping up with the bus.

Father Graham's special 'Spirit of 59' 500cc Enfield Bullett will lead the ride to the Pavilion in Battersea. At the Pavilion pub the following will be available,

Rock n Roll - Sixties music being played by Chris 'Fender' Blacks 'C'mon Everybody Rock n Roll show' featuring cameo's of Eddie Cochran - Brenda Lee- Buddy Holly - Bill Haley - Duane Eddie (Chris Black played the 59 club 3 times as Unit 7 in the early Sixties). Spinning the discs will be 'Tongue Tied Danny and 'Run-around Stu Wester'.

Father Grahams motorbike will be on show in the back bar of the Pavilion along with his amazing collection of photos. Real Ale's will be on sale at 'Normal' prices. There will also be films of early Rockers Reunion runs and dances.

There are a few other 'SPECIAL' things happening but you have to be there to experience them!

Thanks to the following for their support

Lewis Leathers - Motor Cycle News - 59 Club - Dudley Arms Pub - Pavilion Pub - Cafe Racer TV

www.the59club.com

TT star Conor Cummins has today confirmed that he will contest the inaugural 500cc and 350cc Classic TT Races on board Manx Nortons built and prepared by Tony Dunnell, one of the most respected classic bike builders in the UK.

The Ramsey Rocket was one of the first contemporary TT stars to show his support for the new Classic TT, signing up for the Formula 1 Race where he will ride an XR69 Suzuki for Team Classic Suzuki as team mate to fellow TT star Michael Dunlop. Adding his name to the provisional entry list for the 500cc and 350cc Classic TT Races, the Superbike TT Lap Record Holder's entry adds further spice to an already mouth watering line up.

Tony Dunnell has a long association with the Isle of Man first as a competitor in the Manx Grand Prix and in later years as a sponsor and entrant. The Classic TT sees Tony return to race on the Isle of Man for the first time since 2009, and he will be providing Conor with the latest specification 500cc and 350cc Manx Nortons along with spare bikes for each class.

Commenting on the news, Conor said: "I've wanted to support the Classic TT right from the start. I think it is an excellent idea and the interest since it was first announced has been amazing. I'm delighted to have been given the chance by Tony to ride his immaculate bikes, and it's great to be able to ride in all three races. It's going to be quite a challenge getting used to all these new bikes, but I'm lucky to have been asked to ride some of the best machines around and I want to reward the support being put in me with some top results."

Tony Dunnell added: "We have been keen to be involved in the Classic TT since it was originally announced and to be able to do it with a rider of the calibre of Conor Cummins is very exciting. Conor's talent is unquestionable and we are committed to providing him with the very best bikes we can to match his ability."

TT & Motorsport Development Manager, Paul Phillips commented: "We are delighted that we now have Conor Cummins confirmed for three races at the Classic TT. He is the Superbike TT Lap Record Holder, the second fastest rider around the Mountain Course ever, a works Yamaha rider and is always a big draw with the fans. We have been talking to Tony Dunnell about taking part for many months and we are really pleased that he is now supporting the event with his immaculate Manx Nortons."

The top road safety priority for local councillors is improving road surfaces and reducing potholes, according to a survey conducted by road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). 

74 per cent of councillors placed potholes in their top five road-safety priorities while 61 per cent think that the budgets for repairing them will decrease or stay the same. 

Almost half of councillors surveyed think that road safety targets should have been kept. Fifty-eight per cent of local councillors agree that budget cuts are having a negative impact on roads and road safety, with one in four councillors strongly agreeing. 

Although councillors agreed that transport was a priority half of them thought that their transport budget would reduce in the next year. 

Other key findings include: 
• Fifty-nine per cent of councillors support 20mph speed limits, with 15 per cent supporting 20mph for most urban roads.
• Twenty-nine per cent of councillors think that the government’s policies have been bad for road safety.
• Councillors in the north of England are more likely to say they anticipate spending reductions while councillors in the south and east of England are less likely to report reductions in their transport budgets.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “It’s good to see that potholes are councillors’ top priority as this is a big concern for motorists. 

More must be done to fix our roads before the backlog of repairs becomes unmanageable.  The results show that different political parties offer the electorate real choice on their transport priorities. Conservative councillors are more likely to focus on road building, road surfaces and car parking, while Labour councillors appear to be more likely to prioritise road safety and the use of public transport. Liberal Democrats are more likely to focus on cycling and walking. Councillors say that road safety is a priority so they must put up a stronger fight to protect road safety budgets.  It’s also clear that there is a need to set up smart new targets that will help everyone in road safety focus on the highest risk groups in society.”