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."

Before becoming an MP, Michael Fabricant used to ride a Yamaha FJ1200
motorbike. One of the longest cycle trips he took was overland, apart
from two brief ferry trips, from England to eastern Turkey and back.