Page 12 . Farming Express
M4 ‘ smart motorway ’ safety concerns raised
Safety concerns have been raised over proposals to turn part of the M4 into a “ smart motorway ”. About 32 miles ( 51km ) between London and Theale , Berkshire , would be widened in both directions to four lanes , using the hard shoulder . Some motorists and the RAC have said the lack of a hard shoulder would leave motorists in a vulnerable position if there was a breakdown . The Highways Agency said there would be refuges for broken down vehicles . Senior project manager Andrew Hitch said converting the hard shoulder into a lane would also discourage motorists from stopping for non-emergencies , such as to answer their phones . Smart motorways also use a range of new technology , including electronic signs , to vary speed limits in response to driving conditions . They are managed and monitored by
FARMERS are being invited to attend a free seminar to learn about the most up-to-date risks versus rewards of solar installations . Clarke Willmott Solicitors , Savills and Saffery Champness Accountants will be speaking at an evening seminar in the Hampshire Court Hotel in Basingstoke on the November 18 . Topics covered will include Clarke Willmott speaking about the affects on a landowner ’ s agricultural status and the Highways Agency ’ s regional control centres using CCTV . Steve Bowles , who regularly uses the M4 for his haulage business , described the lack of a hard shoulder as “ scary ”. “ I want to deliver the cargo safely . I don ’ t want to deliver it in a dangerous way on a dangerous motorway ,” he said . Simon Williams , of the RAC , said the permanent use of the hard shoulder as a running lane would put lives at risk . “ The chances of being able to get into a refuge area are reduced because of the spacing between them , which is up to 2.5km ,” he said . Similar schemes already operate on stretches of the M25 and M1 . The proposals , which went on public display earlier at Reading ’ s Madejski Stadium , include upgrading or replacing 11 overbridges and five underbridges as part of the £ 700m project .
Free solar event for farmers and landowners
tips on negotiating options and leases . Savills will be discussing the development process , its hurdles and best practice , including tips on comparing development firms and understanding exactly what is ‘ a good deal ’. Saffery Champness will be covering selling and leasing versus self-development , including considering the risks and rewards and financial implications , plus looking at
funding options available , and how to maximise the chances of obtaining it . The event will also include a live case study by Andrew Dyke from Pineapple Farm and Business Park who invested in Solar PV on his family farm . Mr Dyke said : “ Solar installations can be an important way of a enabling a farmer to diversify his income to help stay in business whilst allowing land to be multi-functional - producing food and electricity . “ I ’ d encourage people to a step back and understand that solar farms create investment , employment , reduce reliance on overseas fossil fuel imports , plus make a substantial contribution to the protection of countryside biodiversity , such as bees and wildflowers . Coming soon after Government announcements of funding cuts , together with the continuation of confusion and unease among landowners interested in investing in solar installations , this event aims to tackle topics and questions head on , create clarity and promote confidence .
For full details and booking contact Martha Harley atMartha . harley @ clarkewillmott . com call 0845 209 1759 or click here for more information .