27.09.06 Fans fear as Top Gear may be axed

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5941 comments 77326 votes

The BBC have decided to postpone the new series of Top Gear as a result of Richard Hammond's crash.

Should Top Gear be toned down or axed?

Thousands of Top Gear fans have displayed their disappointment in this decision by adding their names to a 'Save Top Gear' petition. Whether fans of the high speed entertainment show or fans specifically of Richard Hammond, support has been high with over 34,000 signatures added in the short time the petition has been online.

Overwhelming support was also been shown personally to Richard by well wishers initially flooding his hospital room with flowers. After a request fom his wife Amanda, these donations were routed to a more worthy cause, with contributions being made to Yorkshire Air Ambulance service. A just giving web page was set up by fans and has received �188,036 to date, a figure which is rising each day.

Since Richard's crash last week various groups of politicians, action groups and members of the public who saw Top Gear as dangerous and a bad example to its viewers have campaigned for the programme to be finally taken off the air. Whilst condemning Top Gear for influencing bad practice on our roads, critics failed to mention that statistically, our roads are actually becoming safer in terms of accidents, despite the fact more people own cars, and indeed watch Top Gear.
Despite this, it does seem that the critics may have been temporarily granted their wishes as the final part of the 'Best of Top Gear' series has been "postponed indefinitely" and new series due to hit our screens next month will be �delayed�.

Richard, who is apparently making "very good progress" in hospital, has strongly expressed his wishes for the show to go back on air. After BBC bosses stated that they would only screen the new series if the presenter was well enough to appear in it, Hammond responded by saying he would even record live from his hospital bed to save the show!

Are you a fan of Top Gear and want to try and keep the programme on our screens? If so, add your names to the petition and air your opinion either way in our vote above.

Your Comments

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Showing: 1 to 75 of 5997

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Top Gear does nothing but encorage poor driving and praise of the car.

While the accident suffered by Richard Hammond is terrible, and I am thankful for his quick recovery, the majority of people injured on the road do not have access to immediate emergency healthcare and it was thanks only to this, as has been reported, that Mr Hammond is still alive.

In a time when more and more young drivers think it's "cool" to drive as fast as possible and terrorise other road users with their modified cars, anything which can be done to remove the trendy image of driving must be encouraged.

Posted by David L, 27th September 2006 12:19pm

What utter rubbish!

So using your warped logic we should now ban Pimp my Ride and any film involving a car chase. I suppose we should also ban re-runs of The Professionals as they feature cars being driven fast!!

The biggest arseholes on the road are middleaged blokes who tailgate you on the motorway at a distance of about 2 foot until you move over!!

The only time the 'Max Power' brigade are mentioned on TG is when they are having the Pi$$ taken out of them by Jezza and co!

Posted by Matthew F, 27th September 2006 12:34pm

I'd be interested to meet the person who made comment number 1. My guess is that he is a politically correct eco warrior who dawdles along national speed limit single carriageways at 38mph in his Perodua Kelisa, the likes of which I take unashamedly great pleasure in tailgating for all of 3 seconds before the lorry coming in the other direction is out of the way so I can overtake and resume at speeds more suited to the road conditions.

No, it most certainly is not cool to "drive as fast as possible". However, with that said, it is favourable to turn up to work on time. And if that means creeping up to 75 on an undeniably open road, then so be it.

I'm not usually one to get annoyed, but this has incensed me. And since when have you seen chavmobiles showcased on Top Gear? I can almost certainly say I've not once seen an L reg Peugeot 106 with a spoiler that could pass for a carry-handle and an exhaust the size of Luxembourg sitting in the TG studio with about 7 hoodies gathering around it exchanging joints of weed.

Get a life, get a sense of humour, and stop trying to drain this country of its personality even further than the EU has done already. You're no better than Hitler.

Posted by Spen B, 27th September 2006 12:57pm

I think it's a laugh to watch and should be kept, a little bit over the top / staged sometimes, and tends to reference cars that you could only really afford if you enjoy being in debt or have far too much money in the first place. But It's nice to see guys having fun with what they do... i still do agree with David L in part in that they should show more responsibility with speeding as there are very good reasons for speed limits and it's already too late to regret things after an accident has happened.

And accidents will happen, no matter how good a driver you may think you are - look at Hammond, he's obviously a good driver and has all sorts of safety checks in place and things still go wrong (thankfully he's alright). Ok 300 mph is slightly different from 90 or 100 but the principal is still the same. The unexpected will happen and the more controlled you are the more chance you have of surviving and not killing other people.

Keep Top Gear, keep it a laugh.. but make it less "the rules are for the other people"

Posted by Emma L C, 27th September 2006 1:21pm

Last time I saw a chavmobile on Top Gear, it was Clarkson mocking everyone who spent thousands modding their cacky little Saxo to have an extra 2BHP.

I appreciate it's sad that Hammond had a car crash, but we shouldn't make him lose his TV job at the BBC because of it. Who is going to go out and copy Hammond's drive? How many people do you know with a 300mph car and a runway in their back yard?

Maybe the first comment on here is from someone who'd also like to see Formula 1 banned because it kills people. It's the lefty hate everything brigade who have ruined this once great nation.

Posted by Bryn B, 27th September 2006 1:24pm

Top Gear is entertainment simple as that.

If anything... this proves speed doesn't kill ;)

Posted by David Shaw, 27th September 2006 1:27pm

Who is Roger Hammond?

Posted by Robin Macdonald, 27th September 2006 1:30pm

Where will it end? You cant ban everything thats fun or dangerous - the PC crowd are steralising the world we live in!!!

Top gear is a great programme - the BBC should remember who pays their large salaries!

Posted by Andy Macdonald, 27th September 2006 1:31pm

Great show for entertainment and educational value. Interesting to know and have the opportunity to be aware of changes in the auto industry. Receiving updates on manufacturer; suppliers; price; models and the most important news of all area's: safety and environment issues.

Regards
Claudio Archer

Posted by Claudio Archer, 27th September 2006 1:33pm

So does that mean that Gerald Clarkfieds (or whatever his name is) will have to do braniac to earn money?

Posted by Barry Harris (barris), 27th September 2006 1:34pm

People seem to forget that driving is supposed to be a skill - and how do you improve your skill at anything? Practice! The driving standard is rubbish in the UK not because of Top Gear (long may it stay) but because of the lack of Government spine to make driver refresher training compulsory.
If you don't have someone who shows you that there are limits - in safe surroundings - you will get more lunatics. nuff said!

Posted by Lyall Cory, 27th September 2006 1:34pm

Richard knew the dangers already before getting into the Jet car, i'm sure it was an opportunity that he grabbed with both hands like anyone who is a petrol head.

I'm positive the safety measures were in place and people on standby in case anything happened as it did, otherwise he wouldn't be here today.

Top Gear is a fantastic show not only for watching cars but it is the presenters that make it.

Posted by Victoria Garthwaite, 27th September 2006 1:35pm

Best show on TV, Bar none!

The chap making the first comment here is so obviously a loser, nobody should take any notice whatsoever of his shortsighted comments.

Regards, and get well soon Richard!

Andy

Posted by Andy Sykes, 27th September 2006 1:41pm

nothing wrong with top gear, long may it continue. however, to put peoples lives at risk for a stupid stunt can never be justified. noel edmonds spent years in the tv wilderness because of something like this; don't let this happen to top gear

Posted by Michael Dale, 27th September 2006 1:41pm

Top Gear should stick to cars, rather than messing about in trucks turned into boats and other pointless rubbish.
Supercars - Yes
Normal cars - Yes
Jet powered cars that can kill people - no.

Posted by Jay Ball, 27th September 2006 1:41pm

A programme for men, (?)who are still really little boys playing with toy cars, except that toy cars can't maim and kill. I fully agree with the comments of David L, posted today at 12.19.

Posted by June Hudson, 27th September 2006 1:42pm

Richard always had a choice not to drive the car, I would guess in fact he wanted to and for that he is a brave man. Us public live to see people encroach danger all the time, if we didn't we wouldn't see reality tv, worlds greatest this and that. Top Gear is a great program and I would hat to see the PC world shut down another great thing.

Get Well Soon Hamster

Posted by Steve Whitlow, 27th September 2006 1:43pm

Top Gear -- Great entertainment.

If someone thinks we should ban TG, then also think of banning Formula 1/superbikes/Car Chases in movies/and in general anything involved with a motor bike/car/truck etc etc...

Posted by Raj, 27th September 2006 1:44pm

How much more can we take of the "Nanny State"? Top Gear is an excellent, wellpresented, thoroughly enjoyable programme and should not be scrapped.

We all know that accidents happen and it was very unfortunate what happened to Richard Hammond but scrapping the programme is taking it a bit too far.

We should all be thankful that Richard has recovered so speedily and stop this media turmoil. He has gone through enough. Let all the presenters just get on with their jobs again!

Posted by Eileen Francis, 27th September 2006 1:44pm

I don't watch Top Gear and am not remotely interested in incredibly fast cars yet I am adding my name to this petition as it is yet another example of our Nanny State. If everything remotely dangerous were banned, half our TV coverage would vanish. There would be no sport, no wildlife programmes, and barely any news. We'd be left with a solid dose of sitcoms and reality shows (ooh no, better cross those out too - someone might burn a finger on celebrity chef or fall off the stage in How to Solve a problem like Maria). Accidents do happen - and yes, they are terrible. But we cannot live our lives wrapped in cotton-wool. The idea of axing or toning down the programme is ridiculous - but the fact that it's been mooted does not surprise me in the slightest.

Posted by Jane Tierney-jones, 27th September 2006 1:44pm

Fingers crossed! Hopefully this dreadfull TV show will be taken from our TV screens for ever and taking that appalling Clarkson person with it.

Posted by Gordon Jones, 27th September 2006 1:46pm

err who exactly wants it banned? a couple of groups have previously (2001?) said that, but no-one at the moment. Im a huge fan of the show and a complete petrol head but isnt it as bad to use hammonds life threatening crash to try and bully the anti-top gear groups as it would be for them to use it to justify it being cancelled.

theres been way to much coverage of this event. shocking tho it was. lets get some perspective and move on

Posted by Antony Obrien, 27th September 2006 1:46pm

We the public OWN the BBC and want TOP GEAR to stay on the air, with the same format and the same presenters!. Best wishes to hammy for a speedy recovery.

Posted by Paul Mark, 27th September 2006 1:50pm

Hamond should stick to motor Bikes they are much faster and more fun! At least when you come off at 200 mph you dont live to tell the story. Get well soon M8 and make sure you stick one up clarksons arse cause he didnt have the balls to go for the speed record. As for the berks that want top gear calmed down 'poke it'

Posted by Richard Ashton, 27th September 2006 1:54pm

after this crash, the bbc will only get them to do no more than 80 mph, ( getting all nanny state on us ????) which to most of us is all we do - gatso's and traffic jams etc , who cares about £40,000 + cars and 150mph+ . The bbc and the show should be testing more cars Mr average joe bloggs drives .I hope he gets well soon and we see him back on the box.

Posted by Kev Thorpe, 27th September 2006 1:55pm

The person who posted the first comment has every right to his opinion. After all, we are all responding to an invitation to air our views!

Having watched Top Gear for more years than I care to remember, I have to say that its format has definitely changed towards displays of 'ton-up' driving by the presenters, who now seem hell-bent on trying to out-do each other.

I am really pleased at Richard's recovery. But what relevance would his driving a 300mph dragster possibly have to the majority of ordinary motorists who would be watching the programme?

I am afraid it only reinforces the view that Top Gear has definitely lost its way. While I feel it should be retained, it should certainly change the emphasis from its 'speed is all' image, to one which will have relevance for all motorists - even those who drive to the speed limits!

Posted by George Green, 27th September 2006 1:55pm

Good on you David (comment 1) and June (comment 16) and how dare Spen B (!!) in comment 3 assume such things from someone who quite rightly criticises the 'praise of the car'. . So-called Eco Warriors tend not to drive cars anyway but they are not responsible for the tarmaccing of the world etc etc.

I could barely believe my eyes when I first watched such a moronic programme. Presumably the goons who zip past my house where we have no pavements or much street lighting as fast as possible in their souped up tin cans are avid fans. However, I doubt that scrapping the programme will stop them - might just help a tad though to get that pompous Clarkson out of my living room.

Posted by Sue Morgan, 27th September 2006 1:56pm

This comment has been removed as it was found to be in breach of our Blog Policies.

The BBC would be foolish to axe Top Gear. I do feel however it has got a bit too "showy" with an emphasis on its entertainment value that detracts from its original educating and informing qualities. Where presenters have to be entertainers rather than factual and tecnical journalists there will always be the risk that "personality" will overtake more basic serious aspects. The BBC does rather allow the programme an emphasis on "boys and their toys". Perhaps they could add in an emphasis on "greener" issues and lead the way towards an inevitable and increasing command for alternative power sources and technology. And does the emphasis on performance respect the safer driving practices that are so neccessary today. As a retired driving instructor trainer I would be pleased to see safer / defensive driving techniques promoted more.

Posted by Mark Harriman, 27th September 2006 1:59pm

If you haven't already, please digg this article:

http://digg.com/television/Vote_Should_Top_Gear_be_axed

Posted by Paul Maunders, 27th September 2006 2:00pm

This is the only decent car show around, people who say this does nothing to encourage fast driving as narrow minded sheep. We have our own minds and we know the law if we don't abide by it then there are consequenses.
We as public have the right to a fantasy and if we cannot see our dream cars presented to us in a safe environment like the top gear track then actions may take it to the road.
Richard Hammons crash was in a controled environment and was an unfortunate accident.
If we didn't run risks like this then we would still be in the stone ages, us as a human race need development.

Posted by G Ricardo, 27th September 2006 2:01pm

so does that mean that if a large sideboad falls on a "cash in the attic" presenter, that will get axed too? awesome.

the producers and presenters of the show are completely aware of the risks before performing any stunt.

there is no way Richard Hammond would have thought, "hmmm 280 mph, in a car propelled by a rocket?....well, i'll bring my pipe and slippers and have a quiet snooze while im doing it..."

its concorde syndrome. been fine for many years, bringing awe and wonder to masses. one crash and its grounded. yes i know about the lives lost, but how often does that happen to any other aircraft type that has an accident? can you see the 747 get axed because of a crash? no, i didnt think so.

i hope the BBC do not give in to this short sited (and very short memoried) pressure.

replacing quality, adrenaline and conversation inducing programming with even more uneventful and uninteresting bland-athons on our screens isnt going to help win people into continually paying for a TV license.

Posted by Dan Sansome, 27th September 2006 2:01pm

Yes, Top Gear is entertaining on one level but it does nothing to educate. It's all very well screaming round an airfield flatout with acres of runoff. The only trouble is half baked cretins, dare I include Spen B in that category (cretins tailgate), fail to realise the public highway does not have acres of run off if things go wrong. He, and others like him, have no idea what in fact they are doing when travelling at 100mph down the motorway. They are covering 147 feet per second, almost the width of a football pitch in ONE SECOND. If their reactions are very good, they react to an emergency in one tenth of a second. Before their foot is even on the brake pedal the car has travelled almost 15 feet. If they aren't paying attention and they take half a second to react, that's almost 80 feet of travel.

If you have to travel at 75mph to get to work on time............leave earlier!

Speed NEVER kills. Coming to rest too quickly, kills!!

Posted by Brian Jones, 27th September 2006 2:01pm

nyer right!

Posted by Elfwf, 27th September 2006 2:02pm

I really enjoy watching TG, and the stunts they do, its entertaining full stop! Televison is a there for entertainment, and there are enough channels these days that if people don't want to watch Jeremy and co doing various races and stunts then you can make the choice not to watch it. However for people like me who think this is entertaining, then we should be able to choose to tune in!

What is the world coming to when you get dictated to about what you can a can't watch on the tv?!?

Hope you feel better soon Richard!

Posted by Kelly Beck, 27th September 2006 2:03pm

So what load of Kack do the BBC think they are going to replace Top gear with? celebs on horse back? looking for the next Julie Andrews ? do us a favour!
I begrudgingly pay my TV licence every year & to be honest this is one of the very few programms I enjoy on the BBC.
The BBC can't take it off air just because there has been one accident, like others have said Hammy knew what he was doing, he didn't have his arm twisted to do it, why should he have to suffer more, thinking it was his fault the programme was abandoned.
I love the show for it's sheer entertainment value, yes a lot of it is staged, just like the one with the caravan, everything was done in the extreme & was a brilliant piss take for one of Clarksons biggest pet hates. I am a shed dragger myself & thought that particular show was hilarious. I belong to a camping forum on the internet (UKCS) that has almost 80,000 members & just about everyone that saw the show took it all in good humour, lots commented that it was one of the most informative & entertaining shows on the box. In fact there is hardly a week goes by that there isn't a thread on there relating to Top Gear.
So PLEASE do not stop making this programme, because I can assure you, you will get more complaints at the BBC than for any other reason.

I hope you have a speedy recovery Richard, (no pun intended) and are able to go back to what you so obviously love to do.

Posted by Julier + Ant, 27th September 2006 2:03pm

Life is a risk. You manage the risk but if you fumble it you learn and move on. To equate the programme with what zooms past you or your front door is sheer nonsense.

Cars are cheap and even small ones go fast. Anyone can beg, steal or borrow one even if they are not capable of driving one.

Posted by Paul Hayward, 27th September 2006 2:06pm

Don't ban Top Gear. It's very short-sighted of those people (who clearly have no real interest in cars) to ban it because they don't like Jeremy Clarkson or 'stunts'.
I'd say Top Gear is good in that it doesn't pretend to be anything other than loving cars, petrol & motoring.
I wouldn't ask the BBC to ban Trinny & Susannah - Now that's a hypocritical show... 2 women getting rich on advising women that they look wonderful because they've got a new wardrode...

Posted by Nick J, 27th September 2006 2:08pm

Dear Sue( comment 27 )

All i will say is that you do have to option to switch over channels if you don't like Mr Clarkson........... may i recommend you watch " the weakest link "
as you would not want to go out of your house and venture in to the
Big Wide World ..... would you as you may get run over by a hoody wearing joint smoking nova driver who likes his music played too loud.
Happy Motoring .

Posted by Dave Woodall, 27th September 2006 2:09pm

So if this terrible event hadn't have happened would all these comments be on the internet.......no.

So ask yourself this, in making a decision to remove a program on motors this would somehow manage to improve the standards of driving on the highways of the UK. Get real, it will take a lot more than that! How about driver training/education. Oh sorry of course this would cost the Police too much money.

Hell I like the program.

Posted by Paul J Watton, 27th September 2006 2:10pm

Utterly nonsensical, would they have stopped space exploration after one crash?. The BBC is turning into an utter joke with repeats and house building programmes. Top Gear is the only truley unique show that the Beeb has and to axe it would be commercial suicide, throwing the the door open to ITV, CH4 to sign up the presenters and continue the show, but with the horrible commerical breaks thrown in. For god sake see sense, he is a brave man and a credit to the BBC. Who exactly says it should be axed? the health and safety team? the same people who said if the moon landings had tried to go ahead today they wouldn't have due to Health and Safety rules! Please... whatever you do. DO NOT axe this show.

Posted by Fraser Smith, 27th September 2006 2:10pm

I think it would be a mistake to axe such a top programme. You can tell by the waiting list to just appear on the show how popular it in and i think in the end Richard himself would feel terrible if it were to end. What is most important is that the safety measures are clearly demonstrated on future shows along with the high risks to warn people that cars with power and driving at excessive speeds can be dangerous. And without the help and quick response of the local air ambulance we could be looking at a different story with Richard.
This is one thing we all should be aware of and remember, that an air ambulance service operates in every region nationally and without donations rescues such as Richards couldn't take place. One person has already commented that Richard had 'immediate emergency healthcare that isn't available to everyone' but this untrue. The service is available to everyone but it costs apparently 1.3 million (approx) to run a rescue helicopter a year with no mainstream or government funding! All who can should give to these charities you never know when you might need it yourself!

Posted by K Sharp, 27th September 2006 2:10pm

to be honest..who gives one? I mean its just another tv show..and the guy has a brain f his own..he decided to get in the car..so whats the fuss about. I personally would nt drive at that speed because experience tells me that i may get killed (he's been really lucky)

However, what i dont have..but what that hamster guy obviously does have..is a big ego....thats his problem.

By cancelling top gear all that will happen is that someother cult danger show will appear..so what the hell?

remember about 15 yrs back when that idiot died after accepting an invitationoff noel edmonds to take a bungee jump? Well..did Mr E no harm...multi millionaire in demand tv bod that he is now

we should all get a life and wish the hamster guy well...but tell the beeb we dont actually give a flying car about what they do

Posted by Jackson, 27th September 2006 2:13pm

If the BBC did scrap Top Gear (which there is little chance of them doing to one of their top rated shows), the whole package will just get bought up by another channel, so I'm afraid the Daily Mail brigade of cardigan wearing bigots will not get rid of "that appalling Clarkson person". In fact we should be grateful that they employ him at what he is good at, rather than giving him some of those other dodgy shows that he has hosted in the past.

Top Gear is one of the very few BBC programs that does not make me resent paying my licence fee. If they dropped Tog Gear as a result of this, and a minority of whingers, bleating on "it encourages speeding", I would be disgusted.

People only want things banned for the "good of society", if it doesn't adversely affect themselves. If you don't like Top Gear or Jeremy Clarkson, you don't have to watch it.

Posted by Martin White, 27th September 2006 2:13pm

The programme is entertainment at it's best, it gives you the buzz of the drive without the danger.

Anyone wanting this programme banned, has no sense of armchair adventure!!!

Posted by Catherine Bower, 27th September 2006 2:14pm

What a stupid comment! Axe a show just because one of the presenters has an accident, whatever next, get rid of Kate Adie because she might get shot on location!!!!!

Posted by Tom Slight, 27th September 2006 2:14pm

Fair enough. I concede the point that 75 isn't necessary. However, some discretion wouldn't go amiss, especially on the forementioned single carriageways. I was not exaggerating when I said they tootle along at 38. I see it done much too often when the road is obviously clear and one can drive, quite safely AND legally, at a spritely 60.

All that comes to mind is that the perpetrators of such atrocities do not have the confidence and, therefore, proficiency to drive; merely the quite excellent skill of annoying other motorists in their droves.

Posted by Spen B, 27th September 2006 2:15pm

these guys get to drive great cars to make a living, so they run the risk of crashing when test driving these cars as pat & parcel of the job! long live Top Gear

Posted by Neil Young, 27th September 2006 2:16pm

Not quite sure who has decided that a single TV program (TG) influences all the appalling driving on the UK roads but I am certain that most speed merchants would drive exactly the same TG or no TG.

Personally I think this is one of the best shows around (if not the best) and I love to live vicariously through the presenters every week.

If you don't like....don't watch!

Posted by Helen Thurston, 27th September 2006 2:16pm

I cannot believe some of the comments posted here.

Top Gear is a prgramme on TV, it is a mixture of escapism and information. Parts are fantasy and parts are real-life.

Compare the following reports as examples:
Driving the astounding new Land Rover Discovery off road (where it should be), getting stuck, getting out, getting stuck again, but overall leaving us under no illusion that this is a fantastic tool, whether you are a farmer or a footballers wife. Great report, an with the added moving pictures and sound, a far better way to inform us than the motors section of the Times.

Second scenario - the new Bugatti Veyron 1001hp ultra-car. No-one who reads this blog would ever be able to afford one i'm sure, or even if they could afford it, ever be able to run it in this country with our petrol prices (well done PetrolPrices.com (plug over ;-))). This is an unbelievable feat of engineering by one of the oldest and most revered car manufacturers ever. Pure fantasy and escapism, and great entertainment.

Different ends of the scale, but both have a right to be on TV, especially if that's what we, as license payers, ask for.

There are many motoring programmes on both terrestrial TV and satellite/cable.

I watch Top Gear and have done since I was a boy in short trousers in the 70's. I have noticed it change, but they are responding to demand, as any innovate entity has to do.

Hamster's accident was very sad, and I am heartily grateful he is recovering as I think the dynamics of the threesome on TG is brilliant. They are all an integral part of the show.

I will continue to watch as I enjoy being entertained. It does not make me drive faster. What makes folk drive faster is peer pressure. Being egged on by friends be it either by vocal means or by installing the loudest stereo, biggest wing or fattest exhaust.
My 5yo son thinks speed is equated to number of exhausts... the more a car has, the faster it must go. This is the mentality of your average 17yo too.

There is nothing wrong with that, we are all young once, and no doubt I was exactly the same when I had my first cars.

Let people watch what they want to watch, as without variety we would be a boring society. If you don't like the shows, don't watch them, but don't slate a programme when you don't understand it.

The answer is not to ban these shows, but to educate drivers in safe, enjoyable driving. I get this from performance driver training days and track driving.

There is no more important upgrade to a car than to improve the organic bit behind the wheel.

You will never change the driving style of a generation through axing an entertainment show.

Top Gear - carry on lads, and thank you BBC.

Get well soon Richard.

Posted by Iain Thomas, 27th September 2006 2:17pm

If the Beeb take away top gear then they should all be sacked. The program is pure entertainment and all the presenters know what they are getting themselves into. The Hamster is a total petrol head and he was doing what he enjoys doing and also getting paid to do it.
All these people with the opinion of that it should be banned should all move to a remote island and watch the shopping Channel all day.
Long Live Top Gear and get well soon Hammy !!

Posted by Paul Thompson, 27th September 2006 2:18pm

Number 23 Comment.

Could you send your comment to the MP's who continually increase the TV licence fee to give an already overpaid clicke further pay rises.

It might be public property, but until the public wake-up and refuse to pay any further rise's. Were is it written that the public can veto any further rise's.

FINALLY. Keep the show. If you apply the same rules too flying then all planes should be grounded. (How Many Planes Have Crashed) But this includes ALL froms of transport.

Posted by Peter Edwards, 27th September 2006 2:22pm

I would like to praise Top Gear in its generally open minded approach to todays driving conditions. Addmitedly there are the stunts when they test the new cars, and how can you possibly give a rounded review unless you take the car to it's limits.

We all know that Risk assesments have to be performed before any activity can be done for all of these motoring shows. Give them a break and let them do what they do best.

I would like to add my 'Get well' wishes to those of all the fans of Richard Hammond.

Keep Top Gear on our screens.

Posted by Susan Hatchett, 27th September 2006 2:22pm

Richard Hammond was not driving on the roads at the time of his crash, and wasn't even thrashing around a track in a road car, so I don't see how it could be said to be encouraging reckless driving.
Top Gear is the best motoring program around, bar none. It's viewing figures speak for themselves. Let's not kill it off in a stupid knee-jerk reaction.

Posted by Andrew S, 27th September 2006 2:24pm

What is this country coming to?? I seem to remember in the good old days, there was a chap called Sir Donald Campbell, (who would probably be classed as a petrol head today) who drove a jet propelled vehicle called the Bluebird and also died doing so and was hailed a hero (and he was knighted for it!!). This is just the voice of Brussells speaking once again through our Labour puppets trying yet again to dictate to us that we cannot do anything for fun or thrills nowadays, and that everything that we do should come with a jolly good wrapping of cotton wool. If we all become namby-pampy sissys then who will drive the F1 cars or pilot our fighter jets in the future? Not the chap who made the first comment that's for sure!! From what I've heard, Richard actually achieved what he'd set out to do and that was to travel over 300mph, jolly good for him!!

Posted by Leigh Mcdade, 27th September 2006 2:24pm

After seeing Channel Five's pathetic attempt at a motoring show (5th Gear) this week, banning Top Gear would be nothing short of a travesty.

TG is THE BEST show on TV.

Posted by Driving God, 27th September 2006 2:25pm

Luckily it looks like Richard Hammond will make a good recovery, which bodes well for the show.

I enjoy Top Gear, and it's always fun to see them drive things you'll probably never afford, however it IS completely obsessed by fast cars and it would be nice if it spent more time on more down-to-earth motoring.

Posted by Conrad Longmore, 27th September 2006 2:26pm

I think Top Gear is a terrible program. Boring and over the top, but it sure as hell shouldn't be banned because of an accident. Richard Hammond is a grown up and knew the risks. Something went wrong and he crashed. End of story. Let the program go on.

Posted by Ian Ripper, 27th September 2006 2:27pm

I would just like to say that all your comments on Top Gear are of good rdading and some of the points made are true.

I am of the opinion that Top Gear is one of the most informative showns when it comes to cars and the safety of them, such as test driving all new large and small cars, which makes the buyers of these such cars more experienced than they would have been before they watched the show. I recently took TG's advice and bought the safest small car on the road. Why would anyone wants to remove this kind of useful education from the box??

Posted by M Daniels, 27th September 2006 2:27pm

In all the years that top gear has been aired, this is its first major incident. Are we to ban air travel if a plane crashes of course not, some people only see top gear for the high speed driving. these examples of driving are done on an airstrip iin the middle of nowhere and JC JM and RH are fully aware of the dangers involved. Top Gear also provides information on consumeer issues and safety after all who knew what an NCAP rating was or what was the best performing car over the last 2 or 3 years was until Top gear came along. Long live top gear and the team. get well soon Richard Televison needs presenters like him.
DB

Posted by David B, 27th September 2006 2:28pm

Top gear is like a breath of fresh air. It is easily the best programme on TV.

If David L in comment No.1 & all those other losers who agree with him don't like it, then don't watch it & leave us normal people alone to enjoy our viewing.

If people are stupid enough to be influenced by this or any other programme, then they are even more stupid than I give them credit for.

I particularly agree with Matthew F in comment No.2 about middle aged drivers. Well done that man!

Posted by Graham White, 27th September 2006 2:28pm

I haven't read the other comments so apologies for any repetition but here, quickly are my own views....

Top Gear is great entertainment, being both informative and fun. Clearly there is plenty of tongue in cheek humour but for petrolheads it does make a refreshing change from singing contests, house swaps and soaps.

As for Richard Hammond's tragic accident, what on earth has that got to do with the driving habits of regular motorists? Nothing. It is no incitement to race or in any other way behave stupidly on the roads. It should have been an entertaining feature but that's all. The fact that there was an unfortunate mishap is no reason to take the show off the air. Top Gear is Great!

Posted by Tim Dodd, 27th September 2006 2:28pm

I think the person at comment 21 needs a training course on household equipment. Somebody should show him that his TV probably has an off switch and instruct him on how to use it. The rest of us do not need an off switch.

Posted by Geoff Cooper, 27th September 2006 2:29pm

I agree with most people here when they say that TG should stay on the air. It is formost an entertaining program, my missus who has no interest in cars other than their colour watches it with me and enjoys it just as much. They drive fast yes, but on race tracks, with safety people everywhere. They get a formula 1 driver to do the most dangerous driving. Should we ban all motorsport while er are at it? Or lets just ban anything that isn't hiding under a rock!!

Posted by Andy, 27th September 2006 2:31pm

Top gear has lost its way. It should be looking at cars which the majority of people buy . I do not pay my TV licence for top gear presenters to go speeding around race tracks in cars that the average person will never ever sit in.

Posted by John Hayden, 27th September 2006 2:33pm

I don't usually watch TG - but then, I don't usually watch much TV anyway... but getting it withdrawn because of a crash will achieve nothing. If it goes because of this, we should also remove F1 (they crash sometimes), Olympic skiing (they crash sometimes), Tour de France (they crash sometimes).

Perhaps we should then ban Tom & Jerry (unprovoked violence) and Superman (unrealistic expectations).

That would then leave us with the 'Reality' shows - i.e. anything as far from reality as possible loosely classed as entertainment!

Keep TG now, before we lose all sense of proportion!!

Posted by Tony Lewis, 27th September 2006 2:34pm

First of all my best wishes to 'The Hamster' and his family, I am following his recovery with interest. Well where do I start! I'm at the wrong end of 50 and thoroughly enjoy Top Gear, I even watch the repeats on Sky.

The BBC should study what is good about this program and decide that it has a winning formula. It has an audience from 10 to a 'lot older'. That is something that they should treasurer.

Now to the programs reporting and views. Yes, speed kills if you hit something. The secret is to enjoy what is entertainment and realise that when on the open road you take care and comply with the law of the land.

The Government is responsible for more accidents than TG by poor road design, bad junction control, siting of speed cameras etc.

The BBC should study what actually went wrong with 'The Hamsters' accident and learn from that. Lessons will be learnt, but ending a program because of an 'accident' should never be justified. I have seen far more dangerous practices performed by so called experts on the DIY programs. Now that is dangerous, because 'joe public' actually follows that advice. He has no likelyhood of driving a jet car!.

I feel at my stage of life that Russia has taken over this Great Country and turned us into numbers who cannot be allowed free though. George Orwell got it right, But that's another story.

Get well Richard.

Posted by Paul Wenlock, 27th September 2006 2:34pm

Lets take a step back for a moment.

TopGear is a top rated show, very popular, entertaining, and particularly non politically correct. Hamsters unfortunate accident has not changed any of that. Its still a top rated show, very popular, entertaining, and particularly non politically correct.

I suspect that it is the PC crowd who are exercising their considerable vocal chords in attempting to ban the show. I doubt for a minute that its due to the 'speed' theme sometimes depicted on the show - and lets stampout this laughable theory that everyone attempts what is seen on the show - have you seen any Toyota HiLux pickups being dropped / catapulted / etc lately?!

Hope you're fighting fit again soon Hamster. Good on you for having the guts to attempt a world record - us Brits used to be famous for that; apparently thats an embarassment nowadays in this PC mad country. Long live TG!

Posted by Samuel Duckfield, 27th September 2006 2:35pm

I am not an eco warrior or a tailgater but I am interested in cars, however,
I feel that the show has lost its way and the presenters have joined the ever increasing 'celebrety' group fuelling their own ego's to an ever increasing audience that will watch just about anything in the name of 'entertainment'.

The show should not be banned, if you don't like it, switch off - I do!!

Posted by Graham Partington, 27th September 2006 2:36pm

yeh i think this show should be axed there is a speed limit on the roads and you should stick to it. so why illustrate on the show what speeds these new cars can go up to if you cant use this speed...the shows ok to show what new cars are coming out on the market but thats about it ..my brother was killed on febuary the 13th 2005 because of speeding in his ferrari .speeding at over 150mph on a country road it was a windy day and the wind lifted the car up on a bend and lost control .passanage servived but my brother was killed out right ..speeding is big kid stuff anyway .and its best to arrive 10 minutes late to your destination in this world and not not 10 minutes early in the next world the spirit world ..do your self a favor kill you speed and not your self and axe the show ..ernesto from scunthorpe

Posted by Ernesto Dascenzo, 27th September 2006 2:39pm

Whilst the awful dramatic events and subsequent turmoil, injury and emotional distress caused by this dreadful accident cause alarm and concern to all, it should not be forgotten that events of this nature are of a direct result of everything that should be admired about the human spirit.

Driving cars at ridiculous speeds cannot be compared to scaling Mount Everest or venturing to the moon but it should still be regarded as a manifestation of the same human condition.

An individuals need to test themselves to the limit of their ability, to see just how far the envelope can be stretched or to do something just for the insane joy of doing it has to be admired. Where would we be without the brave few who lead the way, the world would be a much sadder place without them. Nowadays, more than ever, we are all encouraged to conform, to be average and to not challenge the status quo; people like Richard Hammond should be acclaimed by us all for just allowing us to witness what it means to truly "live".

Posted by Stephen Smith, 27th September 2006 2:39pm

Hi,
It time that all the do gooder got on with there namby pamby lifes and let the NORMAL people get on with living TOP GEAR is a great program and finds its on level of fun and safety leave it ALONE . Its all about having some fun and a good time I am sure that NONE of the presenters and crew of the program would want it to stop , we all take risks getting up out of bed in the morning but so long as we all take the right amount of care its worth while .The team on TOP GEAR are a very close knit lot and you only have to look at the program to see the team spirit at work.

LEAVE THEM ALONE DONT DARE SWITCH THEM OFF OR CHANGE THE WAY THEY DO IT

Posted by Jim Duddy, 27th September 2006 2:39pm

I personally think that we should leave such decisions up to those who are affected by this incident! that would be Richard Hammond and those around him! Personally I dont see how banning Top Gear would help at all. It is a long standing show from the BBC and personally I love watching it! the journalists who present the show are fantastically talented and passionate about the cars! I am sure that if Richard didn't want to have done what he did then there would have been no problem, I am nore sure that he probably suggested the attempt himself! He is after all a bit of a nutter when it comes to that kinda stuff!

to Summarise - Keep Top Gear on the television dont allow people to censor such programs because of one tragic accident, and all you Mary Whitehouses out there if you dont like the show its quite simple, turn it off!

Posted by Richie Gilbert, 27th September 2006 2:40pm

Top gear has been responsible for the loss of thousands of jobs in the British Car industry through the attitude of its presenters. It would only be just if they were to lose their jobs and have to accept something a bit less lucrative.

Posted by Robert Bishop, 27th September 2006 2:40pm

I think the show is fantastic. To ban it would be yet another knee-jerk reaction to a very bad accident.

There's no doubt that speed kills, but what about kids not knowing how to cross the road safely. How many kids (and adults) stroll across the road as if they are "the man". Only takes an old granny in a little fiesta to show how much of a man they are then!

The show is pure entertainment and doesn't promote me to driving fast. Hey I can even watch an advert on telly without going out to buy it!

If you want to know about your standard common car, go buy a magazine.

Posted by Paul Randall, 27th September 2006 2:40pm

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