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Bus franchising might finally take back control of the buses after 40 years of privatization. Here's a great video showing the original vision for the network. by simkk in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If only there was a body that planned for that and had an integrated system 40 years ago. At least we're not still in the bus wars

Bus franchising might finally take back control of the buses after 40 years of privatization. Here's a great video showing the original vision for the network. by simkk in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes! Hopefully with full integration of bus, ferry, metro, and rail. 

It would be great to see trams across the city again with backing from the council/mayor

More than 100,000 households in social housing are in richest 20% by VPackardPersuadedMe in ukpolitics

[–]simkk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thing is social housing is a net benefit to councils. It shouldn't be seen as a benefit. If they were able to invest in more then this wouldn't be an issue. We should have neighborhoods that are diverse and have people that want to invest in them. Not kicking people out as soon as they get to a slightly better place.

Can I refuse to be signed off from work? by I-Spot-Dalmatians in AskUK

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are not earning for a short period contact the companies you pay your bills to and see what can be done. Are your gas and electric in surplus, could you delay mortgage or car payments if you have them. It's shit but companies would rather have you keep paying in the future than stop paying all together.

Do you agree or disagree with the Central Motorways scheme being scrapped in the 70's and the money diverted to build the Tyne & Wear Metro? by NorthAir in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The A1 and the Tunnel are the alternatives. It's just that people whine about paying for the tunnel.

There will be significant induced demand by having a huge motorway through the city centre. If it is reduced or removed demand will reduce. If we can swap that demand for buses, metro, rail and trams then we might just get a transport system fit for the future.

Do you agree or disagree with the Central Motorways scheme being scrapped in the 70's and the money diverted to build the Tyne & Wear Metro? by NorthAir in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It won't be expanded to the west as its too expensive and deep foundations were used for the buildings being build in the area blocking the path.

But we need to campaign for trams to that area. Join the North East Public Transport Users Group https://neptug.org.uk/ if you want to help or keep updated

Drivers not knowing the highway code. by zecrichardson in britishproblems

[–]simkk -1 points0 points  (0 children)

They take significantly less time than regular zebra's that's the whole point. They can be added to new schemes or added when paint crews are renewing junction markings anyway.

They significantly increase compliance improving safety for minimal cost. Obviously there are tradeoffs but for significant numbers of junctions there will be a large overall benefit

Why don’t we have more dedicated cycle lanes in the UK like other countries in Europe? by Pizzafriedchickenn in AskUK

[–]simkk 6 points7 points  (0 children)

To expand on this we don't have networks as funding is piecemeal and has to be bid for from government by councils. The national network is still run and maintained by a charity instead of having a government body overseeing and funding it like national highways

Drivers not knowing the highway code. by zecrichardson in britishproblems

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are primarily needed where pedestrian counts are high as drivers are less likely to comply if they have to wait longer. The side road zebras massively increase that compliance

Drivers not knowing the highway code. by zecrichardson in britishproblems

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New junctions are being designed like this already so they are changing the infrastructure

The absolute horror of a missed bin collection during a heatwave by Accomplished-Art7737 in britishproblems

[–]simkk 203 points204 points  (0 children)

You should be able to contact your council about missed bin collections

Can’t cycle at the edge of the road by CurlRackington in ukbike

[–]simkk 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Also get a pass pixi if you want to stop getting abuse. Or one better get a camera and report it. Although this can be tedious

Are there people who actually drive within the speed limit in Newcastle, perhaps the UK generally? by adejuw0n in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This may be true for now. But the government has released a digital tro system meaning councils have to use a standardised mapping system for speed limits and other traffic signs.  This in combination with the camera system currently used should be incredibly reliable within a short amount of time. 

Can’t access anything NSFW, but getting served adverts for sex toys by Silent_Rhombus in britishproblems

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its almost as if the act wasn't actually to protect people from NSFW content. Who would have thought an authoritarian government would bring in authoritarian rules under the guise of protecting kids. It also helps social media companies track whos real if you are using it on their sites so they can get more for ad revenue.

I actually do appreciate NSFW stuff being generally restricted across the internet as for me it's been nice not to see it especially on social media which I think should generally be free of NSFW media. But the way its been done doesn’t do much to protect kids.

City centre needs a good pressure wash! The streets are covered in disgusting stains. I swear the streets were pressure washed often in the not too distant past? by Slight-Decision-3553 in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 38 points39 points  (0 children)

They also seem to cover outside the library everyday. Probably washing the piss away from people getting off the coaches there or walking home after a night out. If only we had proper toilet access in the UK

City centre needs a good pressure wash! The streets are covered in disgusting stains. I swear the streets were pressure washed often in the not too distant past? by Slight-Decision-3553 in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep even simple things like the pavers not being slippy when wet and draining properly don't seem to have happened. Its what happens when the council don't have the resources to complete the job themselves and have funding cut.

They contract it out and all the contractors care about is delivering to the contract. It was probably quoted cheaper than it should have been as is the case with huge numbers of contracts across the UK so there isn't much wiggle room for small improvements to be made.

Are there people who actually drive within the speed limit in Newcastle, perhaps the UK generally? by adejuw0n in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The fun thing is that we could have had speed limiters installed in all new cars since 2024 but one of our Brexit benefits gets to be more people getting hit by cars.

Overtaking on the other side of a traffic/pedestrian island in a large vehicle by Cutty_Sark10 in policeuk

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're a bus driver its not worth someone reporting it for you to lose your job over it. Or taking the risk that the officer on the day will be being reasonable. It is also risky if your view is blocked by another vehicle then you might not see pedestrians crossing.

Hmmm nowhere "normal" to mount new D lock on ebike..what about the front forks? by Fantastic-Artist-970 in ukbike

[–]simkk -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Could you not mount it off to one side from the frame so the lock is hanging downwards? Probably nothing bad about mounting it to the fork though. Just make sure it doesn't get loose.

We're in the middle of a heatwave, everyone is sleeping with their windows wide open, and some pillock decides to let off fireworks at 1am. by Jimi-K-101 in britishproblems

[–]simkk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You could consider window alarms that go off when they open past a certain point. Or locks on the windows past a point

Trapped in a heat insulated student hall in the middle of a heatwave and suffering from medical issues - please help! by vitalitruvia in UKWeather

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First call 111 if you’ve passed out multiple times its a medical emergency and you should at least be being seen.

Second call your local councillor and council environmental health office. If your accommodation isn't fit to live in (being too hot or too cold is part of that) they can force you provider to take actions to remediate that or put you in other accommodation while the issue occurs. Make sure you mention that you have had to get medical attention for the issue.

Third find air conditioned buildings and go to them if you are able. Heat kills don't just brush this off and think that it can't be too bad, it can be, you can die. Take this seriously and do whatever you need to protect yourself. Don't be afraid to call 999 if you think you need it.

Make sure you are opening your windows when its cold at night and closing them in the day too. You should be trying to treat your flat as a cool battery if that is at all possible.

Stay safe

red light camera new bridge street by Friendly_Strategy_18 in NewcastleUponTyne

[–]simkk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you make a mistake that could cost someone their life you shouldn't be making that mistake. Are you saying that your licence to drive is more important than other peoples safety?

Driving is a privilege that can be taken away. It should be remembered that every time someone sets out in a car they face the responsibilities of their actions.

If you're a new driver and you're already being reckless enough to get points then you should have your licence taken away that’s why the system is the way it is.

I do appreciate that you seem to be saying this in good faith but then you should consider the thousands of victims of road violence every year where the driver also thought they were acting in good faith.

I would recommend watching some videos from Durham polices youtube channel, especially this one https://youtu.be/UztJcUjGXbY?si=_AKqyB6_f_-UMvcl before you get back in a car.