Sir, The proposal to introduce a strict liability rule into civil law for cycling cases, which would mean that motorists would bear the burden of responsibility in any incident involving a driver and a cyclist, seems to me unfair and possibly counter-productive.
Many cyclists already ignore the highway code at traffic lights and junctions. This will encourage further reckless behaviour as they will perceive that they will always be in the right no matter what.
Secondly, Britain has become a claim culture where we are swamped by adverts for law firms no better than vultures feeding off the carrion of other peoples misfortune and very often carelessness. I would expect an increase in incidents as it may be worth a broken bone for a guaranteed few thousand in the bank.
If it is introduced, is it not reasonable that a proposal should be put forward so that cyclists would bear a similar burden where a cyclist and a pedestrian are involved?
Ian Stuart. Culdeesland Road, Methven.
Unacceptable to presume motorists’ guilt
Sir, News that the legal firm Cycle Law Scotland aims to make motorists at fault in any accident involving a cyclist is just plain daft.
It is unacceptable to presume the motorist guilty and the cyclist blameless, regardless of the facts.
Cyclists are an unregulated menace, as any driver or pedestrian will confirm.
It would make more sense if legislation made them pass a test, pay road tax and carry comprehensive insurance.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Not in touch with electorate
Sir, Once again we hear of over one third of a million pounds being spent on a dead language by Perth and Kinross Council as part of a wider strategy by the Scottish Government to impose Gaelic on the nation.
If the Scottish Government’s long-term ambition is to make Gaelic the national language, I would point to the Canadian province of Quebec, long admired by the First Minister in its wish for independence from Canada.
A German motor manufacturer wished to set up a plant in the province and when told all negotiations would be conducted in the now official language of French, he put on his jacket and went home, saying he saw no future in such a parochial country.
The First Minister should be mindful of this when he projects Scotland as a land of kilts and shortie.
The money would be better spent on remedial education for young people. If not, it could be handed back to Holyrood. If all councils did this, they would be demonstrating that they are in touch with the electorate and the Scottish Government is not.
George Dobbie. 51 Airlie Street, Alyth.
Money could be better spent
Sir, While I am keen that we should preserve our heritage and languages, I would much prefer that the proposed expenditure of £350,000 on Gaelic road signs be put towards the funding of ambulances, whose numbers, I understand, have been cut, so that lives can be saved rather than run the risk of an increase in the number of accidents with road signs not easily understood, particularly by non-residents and tourists from abroad.
Garry Barnett. The Garden House, Campsie Hill, Guildtown, Perth.
Moorland birds also affected
Sir With spring upon us, and applications for wind farms piling up at planning offices all over the country and with much precious moorland already trashed with these monstrosities, isn’t it about time we had a report on the effects of wind farms on the nesting grounds of moorland birds?
Isn’t it about time Scottish Natural Heritage informed wind farm developers that all birds do not nest in trees?
For too long now the professional advisory has been too quiet about this matter while a few make money at the expense of the many and at a terrible cost to wildlife.
It’s not just the parts of the hills that are dug up that are destroyed and made useless to nesting birds: moorland nesting birds require an extensive, uninterrupted view over their nesting territories and will not nest near turbines.
George Donaldson. 48 St Ninian’s Road, Padanaram, Forfar.
One sentence that says it all
Sir, The Courier’s coverage of the closure of Cupar Sheriff Court included in its columns (on April 11), the following: “The decision will mean all solemn and summary business for North and East Fife will be transferred to Dundee Sheriff Court, together with the work of the JP Court.”
In regard to this projected closure, the aforegoing, in one sentence, conveys to the people of North East Fife the effect of such detrimental action.
James Bowman. 17 Viewforth Place, Pittenweem.