News Release

31st August 2005

MOTOR CYCLE RALLY BACKED BY FABRICANT

Michael Fabricant is backing the KillSpills motorcycle rally which aims to stop diesel being spilt on British roads which causes over 300 accidents to motorcyclists a year. "Spilt diesel is like black ice to a motorbiker" explains Michael Fabricant who used to be a keen motorcyclist. "Two wheel riders have to be far more aware of road conditions than those who drive cars. As a consequence, too few 4 - or more- wheel drivers recognise the lethal nature of diesel road spills. If the KillSpills Rally can highlight this danger to drivers and the Government takes long term action, many lives will be saved. I hope many bikers from the midlands will take part. Diesel spilt on our roads through 'necking' (the over-filling of fuel tanks), or spillage via poorly fitted filler caps, is a menace to anyone on two wheels. Spilt diesel on road surfaces is a lethal combination. It's often difficult to see until it is too late and, like riding on black on ice, especially if encountered on a bend or roundabout (as is often the case), a crash is almost inevitable."

Over 1000 riders are expected at this year's KillSpills protest rally, an event designed to raise the profile of the menace that spilt diesel presents to the UK's 1.2 million motorcycle and scooter riders and take the issue right to the heart of Government.

The 140,000 strong British Motorcyclist Federation has long campaigned on the issue of spilt diesel, but for the first time in its history it is backing a rider demonstration via the KillSpills Rally as a way of bringing the issue to a wider audience.

According to Department for Transport figures, every year some 300 motorcycle accidents are attributed to diesel spillage, but it is well known that if another vehicle is not involved and injuries are slight, an accident goes unreported. Last year's first KillSpills rally, with over 800 motorcyclists taking part, provided graphic proof that this issue is high on the agenda of the motorcycling community.

The KillSpills London Rally starts at 1pm on Saturday 10th September will take the form of ride from the Ace Cafe London, Stonebridge, on London's Old North Circular Road, to the Houses of Parliament. It will be escorted by Metropolitan Police motorcyclists with assistance from KillSpills marshals.

Last year, a 10,000 name petition along with a diesel spills action plan were presented to the Prime Minister's office, but as no apparent action has been taken, a delegation from the KillSpills organising team and the BMF will call at 10 Downing Street to present Prime Minister Tony Blair with a one-year anniversary card signed by as many as possible of the rally's participants.

"I would like to see the following action being taken" says Michael Fabricant. " Warning signs should be displayed at service stations informing diesel users of the dangers of overfilling diesel tanks or not refitting the filler cap correctly; The Highway Code should highlight the dangers of spilt diesel and publicise the penalties of spilling diesel on the public highway; Government Departments and Local Authorities to lead by example, ensuring that their drivers are fully briefed about the dangers of overfilling a diesel tank or not refitting the filler cap correctly; and Diesel spills are recognised as a hazard in the Department for Transport Network Management Duty Guidance, but there are no Home Office guidelines to the emergency services relating to treatment of diesel spillage. This should be corrected as part of so-called joined-up government."