Page 14 - HARCA Life Autumn 2017

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 14
COMMUNITY

WHY DO WE SO OFTEN RELY ON LAWS AND

REGULATIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES

HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD?

here has been a lot of publicity over recent months with the successful
Tprosecution of Charlie Alliston following the death of Kim Briggs. Kim died after
being hit by the “illegal” bike ridden by Alliston. But the Prosecutor had to rely on
a Victorian law passed in 1861 (Offences Against the Person Act – Manslaughter
and causing grievous harm by wanton and furious driving).
In the next edition, I plan to explore and highlight a subject that is so often now in
the public eye: The rise of the number of people using pedal power in our Borough
By Richard Caley and the risks and rewards that brings.
Editorial board member
Whether you love them or hate them, the bicycle is not only here to stay, but is
going to be used by more and more of us over the coming years. Everyone has their
own thoughts on this subject, and a lot of us have extremely strong views and
opinions.
So, thinking back to this Victorian Law that proved so effective got me thinking! If
this Law still exists in today’s world, what other ancient English rules still exist and
how many of us break them without even knowing?

Did you know…

It is illegal for a One for Tower Hamlets’ Highways
lady to eat Division: London Hackney Carriages Also, on the subject
chocolates on (black cabs) must carry a bale of hay on transport: it’s
public transport. and a sack of oats by law. actually against the
law to fall asleep on
a bus. One of the
Bus Companies
Forget about National Service, A man is actually prosecuted
all English boys over the age of allowed to urinate in a nun who fell
14 are supposed to carry out 2 public, as long as it is asleep and missed
hours longbow practice a week on the rear wheel of her stop – she had
under the supervision of the his car, and his right travelled too far on
clergy. I can feel the ASB team hand is on the her ticket.
shuddering from here! vehicle.

Another one for ASB, and for a couple of HARCA residents I know for who
this is the bain of their lives: beds must not be hung out of windows.

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