Tarmac dressing petition

[paulkemp]

Let's ban kitty litter

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67408

[Dead Eye]

I think I saw a similar petition on a different site a few months back. Signed it then and I've signed this one now. It's not only a danger to two wheeled traffic but to all vehicles including cars and trucks, not to mention the potential damage from the stones hitting paint work and windscreens etc

[JC]

Think this is the same one as there was a thread about a while ago...

[nick crisp]

Pretty sure it's the same one, because I had the same thoughts the first time I saw it. I too dislike this method of "road repair". It can be damaging to your vehicle, and it's obvious how it could cause an accident, especially for a motorcycle.

However, I do not think this is a very well-presented petition, and is one of the problems I have with any Joe Bloggs composing such. I don't think it will be taken very seriously by the authorities.
The writer of this basically repeats that it is dangerous, but he does not explain why, or present any evidence to prove this. He does not explain the hazards it presents. He says it does a lot more harm than good, and again, doesn't give examples or show statistical evidence of any kind to back this up. Phrases like "cheap and nasty" and "minefield" I think will cut little ice and make little impression - over emotional? Well, don't know if that's quite the phrase I'm looking for, but such petitions ought to be worded in a more scientific and objective manner.
"...a lot more harm than good" - again, evidence?
Sustainability - well, ok, I frankly don't know on this one, but if the writer could have presented some facts to back this up, he may have persuaded more people to come on board.
Lack of benefit - well, I've ridden some roads that have had this treatment, that given the time to settle and for any excess loose material to clear, were definitely improved by this method; whether it was worth it for the duration of the improvement given is another question, and without carrying out some kind of scientific study I couldn't really comment, but again, the writer might have provided something more than just this bald statement to strengthen the case.

"All drivers would prefer..." - a very sweeping statement, and the approx. 5500 signatures so far suggest this is perhaps not their most pressing concern. I wonder if it's due to the way the petition is worded that it has failed to gain more of a positive response?

I'm like anyone else and would like to see our roads maintained and repaired properly, in a way that causes less/no hazards, and I'm basically in agreement with the writer that surface dressing is not a particularly desirable method from the point of view of the road user, but I'm hesitating to sign this particular petition. Am I wrong?

[bri h]

Good point well made Nick. I signed the first one without reading it through because i believe that if  enough people sign it then parliament has to at least look at it.As you say thats probably where it will end.

[adeejaysdelight]

Done