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Fifth Gear - GLASS Actions

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muddyweb:
Trouble is Pete... that's exactly my point.

One of the main reasons it seems this guy is being condemned is because he was on Telly...   if we drive like that and don't publicise it anywhere, does that make it OK ?

I am not condoning the way he drove the lane, nor (believe it or not) am I trying to be judgemental about the way other people (myself included) have driven lanes before.

What upsets me is the level of hipocrasy that has been demonstrated.  "Let he who is without guilt cast the first stone" and all that.

I have heard that many people have, at the suggestion of a circulated message, indeed contacted the police, to the extent that they have asked for no more correspondence on the matter.  Personally I think this sort of victimisation helps nobody.. and I sincerely hope they don't charge him.  All that will do in my view is make him a focus for the antis, saying that more people should be charged and that by proving his activities illegal (rather than just unwanted by the antis) there is a case for restriction the byways.  

As I said before... I have loads of pictures of people driving in the same (or a worse) manner than he was on that lane...  should I submit them to the Police as evidence ?   I don't believe that would be fair or right.  And more to the point, I think it would give more weight to the anti-argument than the pictures would themselves.

datalas:
Having not seen the program I can't exactly comment, however I will say this, since it mirrors my opinion.   Since I have come to the conclusion that we need a unified, dignified and level headed voice in these matters, and that I believe GLASS to be that voice, I'm gonna let them deal with it, and get on with life :)

It's not like anybody actually watches Channel 5 anyhow ;)

Hightower:
Just had this back from Channel Five:

Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding Fifth Gear.

We were sorry to read that the segment on the Discovery caused you concern. The programme was not intended to be an exploration of the issue of green laning and 4x4s, simply a road test of the new vehicle.

We feel that Tom Ford was not driving in a way that caused danger to other users of the green lane where we filmed. The speed he was driving at may have seemed exaggerated by the angles and editing techniques. However, we are confident that in reality he was driving no more than 10-15 mph. We are sure that many people enjoy driving in a similar manner on green lanes and are currently within their rights to do so. Also, as far as Five is aware, he was not doing anything illegal by driving down a green lane in wet weather conditions.

It is unlikely Fifth Gear will cover the subject in greater detail, though the strength of your feelings on this subject have been noted.

We have logged your comments in the Viewer Enquiries Report, which is circulated throughout the company.  Also, your complaint will be noted in the quarterly report to our regulator.  Commercial television is regulated in the UK by Ofcom (the Office of Communications).

Thank you for your interest in Five.

fesuvious:
a pat on the head

Eeyore:
Now then,

Gleaned from the GLASS website, and other sources; posted below is the official GLASS statement regarding the Channel 5, Fifth Gear Discovery 3 review.

cheers
Eeyore

Green Lane Association Condemns Channel 5's Motoring Program

Following the recent Channel 5, Fifth Gear program featuring a review of the Discovery 3, GLASS has undertaken a campaign to get Channel 5, Fifth Gear and the presenter, Mr T Ford, to publicly apologise for the behavior, attitude and sentiments demonstrated therein. GLASS is seeking a retraction of the feature in question and a further article to demonstrate more appropriate laning attitudes.

The aim of the Discovery 3 review was to demonstrate the competency of the vehicle, whilst highlighting the pleasures of green laning to the 4x4 buying public. It is clear that the activities undertaken during the review were very much contrary with how we wish to have our chosen hobby portrayed in the media.

GLASS has a 16 point Code of Conduct that outlines what GLASS considers to be responsible laning behavior. During the aforementioned review, Mr Ford breached at least four points of the Code of Conduct. Whether Mr Ford was guilty of breaching any laws however, is a matter of much debate and conjecture. Certainly, Mr Ford demonstrated a high degree of irresponsibility, both for his actions directly and for encouraging others to copy him. GLASS considers that due to the subjective nature of his behavior, it cannot support any legal action against the producers of Fifth Gear or Mr Ford.

GLASS has a remit to promote sensible driving in the countryside. Our aim is to secure and support the long-term future of green laning. The Directors and Executive Committee considers that any legal action brought against the program producers and Mr Ford would set a legal precedent that may prematurely and effectively end our freedom to drive green lanes. The Directors and Executive Committee of GLASS consider that we must foster an attitude of education before criminalisation.

GLASS will pursue Channel 5, Fifth Gear and Mr Ford for an apology and for a retraction of the Discovery 3 review most vehemently.

Nic Blundell,
Chairman,
Green Lane Association.
PO Box 48
Huntingdon
PE26 2XR

Fax: 01354 677476

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