07/08/2014 South Today

millions of pounds of parking fines written off as councils can't trace

They get a penalty, they can go back home and we cannot trace

Saying thank you ` the injured boy whose life was saved

Delivering choice ` the app to help mums to be, decide where to give

birth and taking a trip back in time to a 1930s carnival

Millions of pounds worth of unpaid parking fines are being written

off each year by councils, because they are unable to trace drivers

The problem seems to be greatest in the peak summer season,

Our Transport Correspondent Paul Clifton is here to explain.

Three million foreign`registered cars come into Britain each year.

European Union vehicles are allowed to drive on our roads

for six months before they have to register in this country.

These ones were all in Portsmouth this morning, fresh off the ferry.

For town hall officials, fining them if they park on double yellow lines

or if they don't pay in council car parks becomes an impossible task.

Now we know the scale of that problem.

In Bournemouth, the council has written

off ?57,000 in parking fines on foreign cars in the last 12 months.

Southampton city council is owed ?42,000.

And in Portsmouth the figure is ?20,000 for 360 unpaid

People can rent a car abroad or bring their own car from the

continent, arrived in Bournemouth and infringe parking regulations.

They get a penalty, they can go back home and we can't

people from other EU countries who come to Britain for work or

as students, and who bring their own cars, often don't register them

If they're caught by a speed camera, the chances are they will escape

Portsmouth, Dorset and the Isle of Wight

councils have hired a specialist company to recover the lost fines.

Portsmouth says the success rate this year is less

It can be done but it is expensive and it is inefficient because local

authorities can through an agency chase the foreign drivers but it has

to go to court first and be a registered debt and then you have to

work with foreign authorities who may give the details or not. It can

be done but it is time consuming and probably not worth the hassle.

The Government does not keep a record of foreign vehicles

It's a loophole, and one which many drivers know all about.

Thames Valley Police has apologised to the family of a man knocked

down and killed by a police car in Reading early yesterday morning.

The vehicle was responding to reports of a burglary.

It also hit a police officer on foot who was injured.

The independent police complaints commission is

A man has died after being crushed by a falling

Firefighters spent more than an hour cutting him

The man ` who was in his 70s ` died later in hospital.

An investigation, led by the Health and Safety

A boy was reunited today with the team of doctors who saved his life.

Harry Leake, who's 10 years old and from Worthing, had life

threatening injuries when he was hit by a motorbike in April last year.

The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance team performed

a pioneering blood transfusion on him before airlifting him

It is the kind of accident parents dread and children fear. Last year,

nine`year`old Harry crossed the road and was hit by a motorbike. His

injuries were so severe that the air ambulance was called. Today, Harry

met some of the people who helped save his life. After the accident

his leg was broken in several places and he was bleeding internally. He

does not remember much. His face was a mess. There was blood and tears

and the worst thing was him whimpering. He did not have the

strength to cry. I knew was serious but not how serious. It was

frightening to see a child in that state. The air ambulance have had

this box since last year, Harry was the first child patient benefit.

Since then, they have carried out over 100 transfusions. The

specialist doctors... To see him back doing so well, such a lovely

guy and it `` he has made such a fantastic recovery. The outcome

could have been worse. It is rare we get to see the patients coming back

after we have looked after them. Nice to meet them. The team are now

hoping to carry more blood products so they can perform even more

complex procedures in future and hopefully save even more lives.

It's been revealed the clear`up bill for storm`damaged

beach huts in Bournemouth cost one hundred and forty thousand pounds.

The local authority said almost four hundred council and privately`owned

beach huts were damaged during stormy weather in February.

Some of the huts have now been anchored down

with metal plates to provide some protection against future storms.

A man's been fined for offensive behaviour after being seen waving

his arms and making ghost`like sounds in a Portsmouth cemetery.

Magistrates heard that Anthony Stallard had been out

drinking with friends when they went to Kingston Cemetery.

Police said witnesses reported the group engaging in what's been

The 24`year`old admitted a charge of using threatening or abusive

words or behaviour likely to cause distress.

Maternity wards may not be the best place to have your baby `

that's the message from the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

The hospital has developed a web app which gives mothers to be

information on where they can have their baby.

There is a focus for healthy women to consider other options

including home births, birthing centres, and midwifery`led units.

This is 18`year`old Natalie?s first baby.

Like many, she felt overwhelmed when she first

The creation of my birthplace emerged after

midwives felt pregnant women were being overloaded with information.

Midwives were unable to influence women's choice and there was good

research to help them make that choice but we were not giving

women the information research that they could understand.

The research used showed only two babies in a thousand times difficult

outcome when they were born at home which was lower than those born

It is about the women, the women making a decision that is

right for them with professional support of the midwife so they feel

For these mothers to be, there are mixed views on home births.

My husband doesn't like mess and so he really would not like that.

I have chosen to go to the midwife led maternity unit at the hospital.

Mainly because it is my first pregnancy and it is unknown.

I would quite like that because I find it more comfortable because I

The app is proving popular and other hospitals have shown an interest

There is to be review into funding for respite breaks for disabled

children in Hampshire. The council wants to save ?1 million, a third of

the budget for short breaks. Five Lib Dems say they are calling in the

decision because they do not think the value of the breaks has been

properly considered. Still to come

in this evening's South Today: a bygone age of carnival life,

brought to life again thanks to One

of the region's most beautiful hills described as a jewel in the south's

landscape has been bought for Hambledon Hill in north Dorset is

an important wildlife site and has archaeological remains dating back

some six thousand years. Steve Humphrey is there

for us tonight. There are lots of things you can buy

for ?450,000, nice house, but what about this? Hambledon Hill. It is a

steep walk to top but our cameraman and I have been there to give you

some sparkling shots. You can see three counties

from the top of Hambledon Hill. Dorset, Somerset,

and Wiltshire. And now it has been bought by

The National Trust. You can see how fantastic it is

and for us it is a jewel in the Amazing for archaeology

and wildlife. Remains dating back to Neolithic

times have been found on the summit. We have many species of butterflies,

you have glow`worms, all sorts of insects which you would

not find elsewhere because they have Plants, seven or eight species

of orchid and probably more. For 30 years, the Hill has been

owned by the Hawthorn Trust. The new owners, The National Trust,

say they simply want to encourage Look at the stars, enjoy the

sunrise, look at the butterflies. That is what we want people to do,

enjoy it. You do not have to know all

about the designations. It is a place to stand and stare,

to enjoy the far reaching views. It is a place to stand and stare, to

enjoy the far`reaching views. So high, you can even look down at some

passing aircraft. It is a steep climb but it is richly rewarded.

Back in 1645, there was a famous battle here when farmers were beaten

by Oliver Cromwell?s men. 300 years later, there's been another victory,

The National Trust securing the long`term future of this hill for

the nation. We are on the Isle of White for Cowes week. How was it?

It was great. Quite challenging conditions. There were a few

postponements today. It is ladies Day today, behind me there is a

reception about to start. Final preparations going on to celebrate

women on the water. Some of our most famous sailors will be there.

Celebrities are on the water today as well. Zara Phillips and her

husband Mike Tindall were guests of honour on a racing yacht taking part

in the showcase event, the Artemis challenge. Some light breezes today,

no records were broken. The winner was a Frenchman. Cowes week support

a charity every year and it is an island `based organisation providing

training and instruction in watersports to help make a

difference to the lives of disadvantaged youngsters.

20`year`old Dani was living in a hostel, she left home at 15,

dropped out of college and didn't have a job.

This spring she went on a course with UKSA.

We went on a yacht for five days, I did some kayaking, windsurfing,

I felt like I was achieving something every day.

For a young person that is unemployed

and doesn't have confidence to see themselves grow with confidence and

self`esteem, pick those life skills up, it is inspiring for me and it's

The charity offers courses on a commercial basis helping fund

The money raised at Cowes week pays for every child on the Isle of Wight

A lot of children don't engage with the water, we are surrounded by

water on the island, it isn't big but if we can inspire a few young

Everybody gained something, it isn't a selection.

UKSA has a 80% success rate when it comes to improving outcomes

Dani hopes to build a career as a watersports instructor.

I was a lot more shy before I did the course.

I didn't want to come out of my comfort zone.

Now I have a goal and I know what I want to do.

Reading could have three new recruits in their side

when they kick off the new season at Wigan on Saturday.

Simon Cox joined today from Nottingham Forest while

Anton Ferdinand and Jamie Mackie are poised to follow.

It's a big boost after a turbulent year at the Madejski.

Tony Husband has our latest football preview.

A new look to Reading on the pitch and in the boardroom. If the Premier

League dream alive forest survival the name of the game? It has not

rained, it has poured. It has been a turbulent summer with protracted

ownership issues. Finally a new consortium has agreed a deal. Thank

goodness the football is about to star. Can you sum up the summer in a

word? Long! The summer has seen a string of players leave. Some new

recruits are on their way but how do the fans feel? Not very optimistic!

Worse than last season. I feel sorry for Atkins. He has been left high

and dry while this shenanigans has gone on. The club has come a long

way and the supporters enjoy the football. They want Reading to do

well. They enjoy being in the championship as well. If we can

build the club up so when we get the Premier League, it will happen one

day, we will be in a better position to give ourselves a chance to stay

there more than few years. Young royals will need to thrive if

Reading succeed. Look at for Ryan Edwards upfront, Aaron could make

his mark in midfield and the Thai investment has led to a new

signing, Simon Cox who is set to be joined by Ferdinand and Jamie

Mackie. We will give the players an opportunity, there needs to be a

pathway into the first`team. There a potential good line of youngsters.

And being August, there is or is hope at this time of year. If the

optimism? Of course, there was always optimism with a young side.

We have seen in the underage teens. It is hopeful. We need to make sure

we stay in the race through the season and who knows?

Meanwhile Oxford United are preparing

for the new season with another new manager in Michael Appleton.

He's told us his aims are focussed on the long term.

The U's face Burton at home this weekend.

They'll be hoping to build on their 8th place finish in

I want to stick around for a long time and in doing so I don't want to

be sticking around in League 2 for too long and that isn't arrogance,

that is optimistically confident and hopefully we can give ourselves a

push towards the right end of the table from the start.

And Appleton is taking part in a special fan's phone in on

Tomorrow Tony is back here in Cowes with a full round up of the week and

It has been light winds today. A nice day but it is set to change.

We've started a new photo album on our Facebook page called

This week we have asked you to send in photos of your gardens, and we've

Colin Clark brought the beach in to his garden in Bognor Regis

with this photo of his jaunty garden beach hut.

Helen Jellet from Poole took this photo of Phlox

from her grandmas' garden and agapanthus from her aunt's garden.

Emma Marsh in Havant has made good use of an old cast iron bath.

And exotic blossom in Hayley Butler's garden in New Milton.

Thank you so much. A lovely sunny day today but all change for the

weekend. We expect pretty unsettled conditions. Dry overnight tonight,

some clear spells, temperatures staying fairly high, lows in the

towns and cities of 15. 10 Celsius in the countryside. It will stay dry

except for the odd shower. The wind will be fairly light. We start on a

dry note, the risk of will be fairly light. We start on a

dry note, the risk of thunderstorms and that is more likely in the East

and north eastern parts. Some sunny spells elsewhere, it isn't a

wash`out completely for the region, some dry weather with highs of 23

Celsius. Pleasantly warm in the sunshine. The risk of showers will

ease tomorrow night, fading away and under clear skies lows of 15 or 16.

A warm night, clear spells, patchy cloud and fairly light wind.

Saturday will be the best day of the weekend, there will be a breezy day

because the isobars are squeezed. Predominately dry, the best day of

the weekend as it turns unsettled. A lot of weather events across the

South this weekend Yarmouth carnival this Saturday.

Yarmouth Carnival week starts this Saturday the 9th of August and is

The risk of a shower on Saturday and unsettled Sunday, Monday

and Tuesday and Yattendon Road Club Carriage Drive is taking place this

Many horses will be pulling a wide variety of carriages.

The last carriage is a Shetland pony. The outlook, some sunny

conditions tomorrow, showers here and there, Saturday is the best day

of the weekend, uncertainty about Sunday. People are talking about

hurricane Bertha. There could be wet and windy conditions. A yellow

weather warning is in place. Next week, it stays unsettled on Monday

and Tuesday, more information on the web app.

Now for a new feature, which we're calling Time Machine.

This is where delve into the past and discover some

of the stories which perhaps have been forgotten or overlooked.

To kick it off we have a remarkable piece

Terry Burnett has a fascination with broadcasting

and the movies and he's spent years building up a unique collection

Richard Latto went to meet Terry in his vintage home cinema.

Terry Burnett has amassed a remarkable collection.

A lifelong interest in film, 78s, anything to do with broadcasting.

Terry, a retired electronics engineer, is

His real passion is vintage films and cinema equipment ` much of

You went in and it was like being in a sweet shop.

You had all these stalls of films, and you dived in and hunted

Every Saturday I would go to the dealers in Gosport, Lee

on Solent, Fareham and Portsmouth and they knew I would call in.

What is that for, you did not manually wind?

You have seen his old films where you have the chappie winding away.

You are buying something you cannot see on TV.

They might end up in a local landfill and be lost forever.

Terry keeps an eye out for films with local historical

interest and there was one which I particularly wanted to see.

In 1933, Boscombe in Dorset held a carnival.

The procession seems to make its way through Boscombe passing the

There's local pride in the era of the Schneider Trophy air race.

A funfair, of course, and a carnival wouldn't be complete

You can see the enthusiasm of the crowds, can't you?

There's also a special appeal for donations.

They want to build a cliff lift at Southborne.

Two years later in 1935 it was built.

And it has been taking people to and from

I am taking it to the top today because there someone

Ken was at the carnival when he was seven years old and he

They would proceed all the way up Christchurch Road,

through the main centre of Boscombe which you can't go through now.

It would take a long time to go through.

My mother took a picnic and we sat in the park.

At my age you have a job remembering what you did yesterday

We used to go on the swings and roundabouts,

My father took me to see the wall of death where they had motorcycles

Amazing after all these years to see something

People really enjoyed taking part in the carnival.

It was a couple of days experience and the town let its hair down.

That is wonderful. 1933. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

Absolutely fascinating. I like the Carnival Queen. I like the

aeroplane. This Sunday will see a new

Boscombe Summer Carnival, the first for decades and BBC Radio

Solent will be broadcasting live Some ripe, we talk about obesity and

how it affects society and the NHS. `` tomorrow.