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Motorcycle news : General news
You are looking at: Home : Motorcycle news : General news

New 'Fire Bikes' spark controversy

Union: "We are deeply concerned that utilising these machines could reduce fire cover within the Merseyside area as part of cost-cutting measures"

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Posted: 27 July 2010
by Visordown News


NEW £30,000 BMW motorbikes equipped to tackle small fires have raised controversy after The Firefighters' Union today expressed concern about the use of the specially adapted machines.

Last week, Visordown brought you the news that Merseyside Fire and Rescue were trialling two of the hi-tech bikes, which are equipped with the ability to help tackle small fires.

However, Union leaders have told the Guardian newspaper that they believe the introduction of the new machines are part of the Service's plans to reduce costs, leading to less-effective cover. Neil Thompson, regional chair of the Fire Brigades' Union, said: "We are deeply concerned that utilising these machines could reduce fire cover within the Merseyside area as part of cost-cutting measures.

"There are certain fires – motorbike fires, rubber fires – that give off carcinogens, and inevitably the firefighters on motorbikes would have no protection from them."

The machines were introduced with a view to responding to fires more quickly than a multi-man fire engine.

Peter Rushton, a spokesman for Merseyside fire and rescue service, told the Guardian: "The bikes will be used to put out small fires and car fires, not fires that represent a danger to property or people. They can get to an incident pretty quickly, so they can turn back fire engines if it is a secondary fire or a false alarm.

"Fire engines carry four or five crew members and rescue equipment, so if there is a serious fire this will mean they are more likely to be available."


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Discuss this story


futter
Ah yes the Union - tunch of bossers!

Posted: 27/07/2010 at 14:46


David Hall

Bet the beemer handles like a pig with all that weight to carry about.Don't think these are what they were designed to do,and I'd be surprised if they got insurance.

Dave


Posted: 27/07/2010 at 15:49


CopperheadDiver

  Probably dont need insurance if you follow Section 144 RTA. 1988.

144.—(1) Section 143 of this Act does not apply to a vehicle owned by a person who has deposited and keeps deposited with the Accountant General of the Supreme Court the sum of £15,000, at a time when the vehicle is being driven under the owner's control.

    (2) Section 143 does not apply—

  •  
       (i) by the council of a county or county district in England and Wales, the Common Council of the City of London, the council of a London borough, the Inner London Education Authority, or a joint authority (other than a police authority) established by Part IV of the [1985 c. 51.] Local Government Act 1985,
       (ii) by a regional, islands or district council in Scotland, or
       (iii) by a joint board or committee in England or Wales, or joint committee in Scotland, which is so constituted as to include among its members representatives of any such council,
  •  (a) to a vehicle owned—at a time when the vehicle is being driven under the owner's control,

Posted: 27/07/2010 at 16:15


rgtay
Probably weighs less than having a fat lass on the back? 

Posted: 27/07/2010 at 20:22

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