Things that never make the news...

A EU funded 'focus group' (sic) made a recommendation that the EU
introduce legislation to ban vehicle manufacturers from including an
ashtray in the design of new cars, as it may encourage drivers to
smoke.

They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
of not implementing such a strategy.

Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
pointed kitchen knives.

This, at the time when the EU say that they intend to simplify
legislation and make it more understandable!


--
"We have gone from a world of concentrated knowledge and wisdom to one
of distributed ignorance. And we know and understand less while being
increasingly capable." Prof. Peter Cochrane, formerly of BT Labs
In memory of Brian {Hamilton Kelly} who logged off 15th September 2005

Mother wrote:

> Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
> focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
> pointed kitchen knives.

I still dread the day when they notice scuba diving knives.
Wonderful things if you get snagged up in something but one
of our club instructors, who happens to a serving police man,
commented as he strapped his onto his leg that he'd seen
somebody get several years (I forget how many) for possession
of a far smaller item the day before.

Maybe I need one of those nice locked gun-boxes for the P38
to carry all my 'dangerous' scubakit in.

nigelH

In message <[email protected]>
Mother <"@ {mother} @"@101fc.net> wrote:

> A EU funded 'focus group' (sic) made a recommendation that the EU
> introduce legislation to ban vehicle manufacturers from including an
> ashtray in the design of new cars, as it may encourage drivers to
> smoke.
>

Chrysler made a bit fuss about an ashtray-less car a couple of years
ago. The current model has an ashtray. As an aside, working for a car
maker I expressed a little surprise that the new car (luxury jobbie)
had positioning of teh ashtray as quite such an important design
issue (I got involved being a smoker). The reply from the marketing
types was that quite a lot of wealthy types enjoy a cigar in he car,
though they would swear blind they were non-smokers. Obvioulsy
this was US market - Europeans (excluding the Commosioners) are far
more tollerant.

> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
> of not implementing such a strategy.
>

Seeing as nitcotine is a stimulant, that's always puzzled me - a smoker
is far more alert than a driver who has not had a stimulant (Dr. Magnus
Pike got into trouble for pointing this out on the TV).

> Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
> focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
> pointed kitchen knives.

Perhaps they should view old editions on Blue Peter....... anyone
who gets that is showing their age!

>
> This, at the time when the EU say that they intend to simplify
> legislation and make it more understandable!
>
>

The sad thing is that a lot of the *really* silly laws don't come
out of the EU - they are home-grown and everyone assumes they are
from the EU.

Richard

--
www.beamends-lrspares.co.uk [email protected]
Running a business in a Microsoft free environment - it can be done
Powered by Risc-OS - you won't get a virus from us!!
Boycott the Yorkshire Dales - No Play, No Pay

>
>> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
>> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
>> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
>> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
>> of not implementing such a strategy.
>>
>
>Seeing as nitcotine is a stimulant, that's always puzzled me - a smoker
>is far more alert than a driver who has not had a stimulant (Dr. Magnus
>Pike got into trouble for pointing this out on the TV).
>

I think that they're more concerned, and rightly so, about drivers
going along the road who take both hands off the wheel whilst
simultaneously peering intently at the end of the fag in order to
light it.

Alex

> >> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
> >> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
> >> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
> >> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
> >> of not implementing such a strategy.
> >>
> >
> >Seeing as nitcotine is a stimulant, that's always puzzled me - a smoker
> >is far more alert than a driver who has not had a stimulant (Dr. Magnus
> >Pike got into trouble for pointing this out on the TV).
> >
>
> I think that they're more concerned, and rightly so, about drivers
> going along the road who take both hands off the wheel whilst
> simultaneously peering intently at the end of the fag in order to
> light it.

Yes, its ok to drive while lighting a cigarette and then have one hand on
the wheel while smoking it (taking in a quite powerful drug), and what about
when the red hot end falls off into your lap......
But I can't use my mobile phone without risking a fine!

Les

beamendsltd wrote:

> The sad thing is that a lot of the *really* silly laws don't come
> out of the EU - they are home-grown and everyone assumes they are
> from the EU.

....but mostly created by dictats from Brussels with our own bureaucrats
adding a little spin and gold plating.

Steve

Mother" <"@ {mother} @ wrote:
> A EU funded 'focus group' (sic) made a recommendation that the EU
> introduce legislation to ban vehicle manufacturers from including an
> ashtray in the design of new cars, as it may encourage drivers to
> smoke.
>
> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
> of not implementing such a strategy.
>
> Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
> focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
> pointed kitchen knives.
>
> This, at the time when the EU say that they intend to simplify
> legislation and make it more understandable!


It's madness, but in m wifes new & old VW (Golf Gti & Touareg) they didnt have an ashtray!

AS daft as it sounds, a shop working (making sandwhiches all day) sued my father in law as she cut
herself & he hadn't told her the carving knife was sharp!!

Nige

--
Subaru WRX
Landrover 110 County Station Wagon (Tyson)
WTB a clean RRC pref 3.9 or LSE 4.2

'"gimme the f*ckin' money"

In message <[email protected]>
Alex <[email protected]> wrote:

>
> >
> >> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
> >> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
> >> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
> >> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
> >> of not implementing such a strategy.
> >>
> >
> >Seeing as nitcotine is a stimulant, that's always puzzled me - a smoker
> >is far more alert than a driver who has not had a stimulant (Dr. Magnus
> >Pike got into trouble for pointing this out on the TV).
> >
>
> I think that they're more concerned, and rightly so, about drivers
> going along the road who take both hands off the wheel whilst
> simultaneously peering intently at the end of the fag in order to
> light it.
>
> Alex

You don't need to take more than one hand off the wheel to light
a fag, and anyone who has smoked for more than 10 mins won't even
need to take their eyes off the road (you know where the end of
your fag is, they are far too expensive to risk lighting half way
along!)

Now compare that to tuning the radio, finding a cassette/CD, picking
out your favourite colour Jelly Baby, talking to a passenger etc
and things will be in perspective - it's in-car entertainment that
should be banned - and non-signle colour Jelly Babies;-)

Richard

--
www.beamends-lrspares.co.uk [email protected]
Running a business in a Microsoft free environment - it can be done
Powered by Risc-OS - you won't get a virus from us!!
Boycott the Yorkshire Dales - No Play, No Pay

"Nige" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mother" <"@ {mother} @ wrote:

> It's madness, but in m wifes new & old VW (Golf Gti & Touareg) they didnt
> have an ashtray!
>
> AS daft as it sounds, a shop working (making sandwhiches all day) sued my
> father in law as she cut herself & he hadn't told her the carving knife
> was sharp!!
>
> Nige

Fortunately our Laguna has a ash tray, I mean where else would you put the
cable to reset the fault codes.

What the feckers in Brussels should ask themselves is after only five days
of ownership why I know this.

Lee D

Thingy_wotsit wrote:

> Fortunately our Laguna has a ash tray, I mean where else would you
> put the cable to reset the fault codes.
>
> What the feckers in Brussels should ask themselves is after only five
> days of ownership why I know this.
>
> Lee D

Hope it fairs better than the wifes Touareg!

Nige

--
Subaru WRX
Landrover 110 County Station Wagon (Tyson)
WTB a clean RRC pref 3.9 or LSE 4.2

'"gimme the f*ckin' money"

On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 15:25:21 +0000 (UTC), beamendsltd
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Now compare that to tuning the radio, finding a cassette/CD, picking
>out your favourite colour Jelly Baby, talking to a passenger etc
>and things will be in perspective - it's in-car entertainment that
>should be banned - and non-signle colour Jelly Babies;-)

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to having a couple of screaming
kids in the back...


--
"We have gone from a world of concentrated knowledge and wisdom to one
of distributed ignorance. And we know and understand less while being
increasingly capable." Prof. Peter Cochrane, formerly of BT Labs
In memory of Brian {Hamilton Kelly} who logged off 15th September 2005

Mother wrote:

> Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to having a couple of screaming
> kids in the back...

Just turn up the stereo.

Steve

"steve Taylor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mother wrote:
>
>> Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to having a couple of screaming
>> kids in the back...
>
> Just turn up the stereo.
>
> Steve

And stick a cigar in each ear.


Lee

On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 14:54:23 +0100, Mother <"@ {mother} @"@101fc.net>
wrote:

>A EU funded 'focus group' (sic) made a recommendation that the EU
>introduce legislation to ban vehicle manufacturers from including an
>ashtray in the design of new cars, as it may encourage drivers to
>smoke.
>
>They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
>it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
>smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
>later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
>of not implementing such a strategy.
>
>Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
>focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
>pointed kitchen knives.
>
>This, at the time when the EU say that they intend to simplify
>legislation and make it more understandable!

The car makers should just fit cars with a drawer with an optional ash
tray insert. That would keep everybody happy!

I keep change, fuses, nuts, bolts and crimp terminals (there always
seem to be some in there along with a hair grip) in my ash tray and i
hate it when i'm trying to get some money out and it gets stuck under
the metal grilly bit. a dedicated bits drawer would be much more use.

In message <[email protected]>, Mother <"@
{mother} @"@101fc.net> writes
>On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 15:25:21 +0000 (UTC), beamendsltd
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Now compare that to tuning the radio, finding a cassette/CD, picking
>>out your favourite colour Jelly Baby, talking to a passenger etc
>>and things will be in perspective - it's in-car entertainment that
>>should be banned - and non-signle colour Jelly Babies;-)
>
>Nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to having a couple of screaming
>kids in the back...
>
>
A f****** barking dog!!!
--
hugh
Reply to address is valid at the time of posting

Well my series must be a smoke free zone, cos there is neither ashtray nor
cigarette lighter.


--
Larry
Series 3 rust and holes

"Mother" <"@ {mother} @"@101fc.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> A EU funded 'focus group' (sic) made a recommendation that the EU
> introduce legislation to ban vehicle manufacturers from including an
> ashtray in the design of new cars, as it may encourage drivers to
> smoke.
>
> They concluded that smoking whilst driving was dangerous, furthermore,
> it posed a health risk to the driver and potentially, via passive
> smoking, any passenger(s). They queried whether they (the EU) could
> later face actions and claims for illness or injury as a consequence
> of not implementing such a strategy.
>
> Thankfully someone saw sense before this went any further. Sadly the
> focus group were not summarily executed and are now looking at banning
> pointed kitchen knives.
>
> This, at the time when the EU say that they intend to simplify
> legislation and make it more understandable!
>
>
> --
> "We have gone from a world of concentrated knowledge and wisdom to one
> of distributed ignorance. And we know and understand less while being
> increasingly capable." Prof. Peter Cochrane, formerly of BT Labs
> In memory of Brian {Hamilton Kelly} who logged off 15th September 2005

On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 18:40:42 +0100, "Larry" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Well my series must be a smoke free zone, cos there is neither ashtray nor
>cigarette lighter.

My Series _is_ an ashtray...


--
"We have gone from a world of concentrated knowledge and wisdom to one
of distributed ignorance. And we know and understand less while being
increasingly capable." Prof. Peter Cochrane, formerly of BT Labs
In memory of Brian {Hamilton Kelly} who logged off 15th September 2005

On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:12:04 +0100, "Dadio" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Yes, its ok to drive while lighting a cigarette and then have one hand on
>the wheel while smoking it (taking in a quite powerful drug), and what about
>when the red hot end falls off into your lap......

I blame the nanny state and totally inadequate driving instructors who
fail to teach you how to roll a spliff in your lap whilst changing the
cassette, finding the toy yer kid has just thrown under the brake
pedal and finishing off yer internet order with Tesco...

Mind, avoiding the red hot bit falling into yer lap is equally
important. Last time that happened I had to slam the brakes on really
hard, causing me to spill my pint over the crossword I'd nearly
finished...


--
"We have gone from a world of concentrated knowledge and wisdom to one
of distributed ignorance. And we know and understand less while being
increasingly capable." Prof. Peter Cochrane, formerly of BT Labs
In memory of Brian {Hamilton Kelly} who logged off 15th September 2005

after years of intensive study it has now become apparent that accidents only have one cause. ....driving outside of the limits of a, yer self b, yer car and c the road. there are no other reasons!
slob

hugh wrote:

> A f****** barking dog!!!

On its own ? On the back seat or the roofrack ?

Steve