snorri
Legendary Member
We can listen to the Liability debate at Holyrood live at 17.00 today (Tuesday 29th Oct)
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/3168.aspx
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/3168.aspx
There is an "Archive Video" facility, but it is not clear if Members' Business is archived for public viewing.I'll be at work and then on a train. Will it be available after the event?
Will it be available after the event?
thankyou, Snorri
There is a real need to address the responsibility that people feel. The responsibility that somebody feels when they are moving a tonne or two of metal through the streets must be substantially greater than the responsibility that somebody feels when they are moving a couple of tens of kilos of metal through the streets. Moving a bicycle through the streets at a modest pace is still a significant thing to do and it bears a significant responsibility, but it is clear that the responsibility of somebody who is driving a couple of tonnes of metal through the streets at a much higher velocity must be greater.
Presumed liability should be considered because there is a good argument that it is fair, it would make our roads safer and it would encourage cycling. It is fair because it acknowledges that there is a clear imbalance of road users, and those driving a vehicle that is capable of causing harm to others should exercise caution. In virtually every collision between a car and vulnerable road user, it will be the pedestrian or the cyclist who is injured. It is therefore reasonable to place a greater burden of proof on the motorist.