MPA holds Exhange sessions

The Mineral Products Association (867 MPA) has held two very positive Exchange sessions with stakeholders on critical policy areas, cyclist safety and biodiversity,to gather views, share

The Member Cycle Safe Exchange, attended by a wide range of member companies from SMEs to global businesses, explored what MPA and its members can do to reduce the risk of collisions between industry delivery vehicles and vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

Nigel Jackson, MPA chief executive, said: "Improving driver and cyclist safety is at the heart of our Cycle Safe campaign which we launched last year. Our sector is committed to playing its part in minimising hazards and risks for all road users. I am really pleased at the number and breadth of members who supported this event to look at ways of tackling this long term challenge."

Subjects explored included the comparatively high rates of cyclist fatalities and serious injuries in collisions with lorries and the Times' Cities fit for Cycling campaign; and how to improve driver awareness, such as MPA's ongoing work with training providers to develop a specific CPC approved module on cyclist safety and vulnerable road users.

In addition, members' experience of technological equipment designed to improve visibility around the vehicle was discussed, with a view to developing a minimum standard or recommendations for members.  Opportunities to promote mutual awareness between drivers and cyclists through, for example, the Metropolitan Police's Exchanging Places events were also highlighted.

Several MPA members have been supporting the Met's events as well as organising their own events in schools.  The session closed with an examination of next steps for the MPA.

The 2nd MPA Biodiversity Exchange, hosted by MPA's Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Group at Attenborough Nature Reserve, County Nottinghamshire, central England,was aimed at both members and external wildlife and conservation organisations. Attendees included representatives from 3593 Natural England, 2900 Royal Society for the protection of Birds, 5124 The Wildlife Trusts, 5126 The British Trust for Ornithology, 5127 Pond Conservation, the 5128 British Dragonfly Society, 3707 Nature After Minerals, 5129 Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 5130 Shropshire Council and the 4366 Environment Agency.

Ken Hobden, Director of Mineral Planning, said: "Biodiversity promotion and monitoring at mineral sites is a key issue for MPA members, who already have a proven legacy of high quality biodiversity enhancement through site management and restoration.

"We want to encourage the good work and find further ways to realise the unique position and potential of this industry to contribute to UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets.  This Exchange is an ideal way to gain input from conservation bodies and develop indicators."

The Exchange focussed on the best way of working with local communities and NGOs to help monitor and report biodiversity on minerals sites and how members can make the most of relationships with stakeholders to better understand their contribution to Government's 2020 Biodiversity targets. To mark the occasion MPA officially launched its Biodiversity Exchange Twitter which aims to share ideas on Biodiversity.