27.09.06 Fans fear as Top Gear may be axed

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5950 comments 77524 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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I dont think it actively encourages dangerous driving but i think its a shame that someone would intentionally put their life at risk for a job like that.

He seemed a nice guy and i hope he makes a full recovery - but i cant see him giving up his job!

Posted by Abi Marston, 27th September 2006 4:07pm

What Jokers!!!

Posted by Paul Verrion, 27th September 2006 4:08pm

Progress is made by pushing the boundries and breaking the world land speed record is one such example. However I can't help feel that Richard Hammond was out of his depth. He is a journalist and a presenter of a popular car show. Such attempts should be made by professionals for the cause of scientific progress AND NOT FOR ENTERTAINMENT. Surely the BBC is sending out the wrong message to its young viewers?

Posted by Lalji, 27th September 2006 4:10pm

My understanding was that Top Gear was only postponed until the Hamster is fit and well again. What gets my goat is the "good" drivers who don't no what a National Speed Limit sign is, (It's a white circle with a black line through it, by the way...) and continue at the speed of the last limit sign they saw, be it 30, 40 or 50. And I wonder where the police car who passed me at 12:15 while I was keeping to the 30 limit, after tailgating me for 100 yards, then overtaking around a set of keep left bollards was in such a hurry to get to? It couldn't have been an emergency, cos his blues were off. KIDS!!

Posted by John R Norman, 27th September 2006 4:10pm

Emmy Award winning show - Yeah go on take it off the Air.......

Get well soon Hamster!!! :)

Silly Tw*ts at the beeb dressed in Grey suits making Knee Jerk Docile Decisions, "Who are they?...I mean Who Are They?", Mary Whitehouse's Love Children!!!!?. Get a life, Get a grip and LAUGH!!!

Posted by Sean Roche, 27th September 2006 4:11pm

Speed kills...what a load of cobblers.

It is the incompetence of drivers who cant handle vehicles at speed that does the damage!
In the same way as it is the inability of some to handle alcohol, handle their dogs, handle their temper, handle their kids...handle life in fact.

Maybe we should ban it all and invite the Taliban to form our next Government so we can all be saved from ourselves....

Posted by Steve Sinclair, 27th September 2006 4:11pm

I am sorry that Richard Hammond was hurt, but stopping a very entertaining informative programme such as Top Gear will do nothing to change things. Indeed the minority who spoil it for others will still get behind a wheel and drive like idiots. Please do not remove another programme in the 'best interests of the public' I am sick of people thinking that the general public needs looking after - despite everything we can still think for ourselves.

Posted by Jayne Mills, 27th September 2006 4:11pm

I came across Top Gear while chatting to my BMW Indy Custom Werks, they mentioned how good the show was, and boy were they right.
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 work well together and having something to look forward to espcially on cold winter nights

Posted by Peter Millward, 27th September 2006 4:12pm

Encourages people to drive fast??? Actually this incident has put me off going out and buying a 300mph rocket car!

Posted by Wayne B, 27th September 2006 4:13pm

Ban sailing its dangerous you might drown, ban golf this is also dangerous nasty balls flying around, ban fishing this is also dangerous barbs whistling through the air, ban anything that has some element of danger and what is left......................tree huggers munching soya

might as well ban thinking

Top Gear Must Live on....get well soon hamster boy

Posted by Julian Shaw, 27th September 2006 4:13pm

Deffinately not... Richard and the whole crew are aware of the risks they take and accept them as part of their job, which they obviously love! Given the chance, I would love to have the opportunities they have to try out new and exciting vehicles. If the BBC axe the show just because of the ACCIDENT we might as well crawl into cardboard boxes and wait to die!!! Put that to the vote I bet Richard Hammond wouldn't support that option.

Posted by Mike Harnden, 27th September 2006 4:14pm

I am totally against the do gooders who run the BBC and other stick in the mud groups who can't wait for an accident like Richards to try and dictate to us what they think is right and wrong. Of course its dangerous doing 250mph+ but thats what makes humans what we are, challenging the so called barriers. If these people were around 150 years ago Stevensons rocket would never of got over 10mph.
Its time to get rid off the BBC and launch the top gear channel. That i would gladly pay the licence fee for

Posted by James, 27th September 2006 4:15pm

When will the H&S nerds/Tonies Cronies learn that banning things only drives them underground, and education is the way forward. If you want to go and drive like an idiot you will, seeing a show depicting people driving fast (especially in a jet car which people realise is not a road car) does not make you want to do it.

Richard H knew the risks and fair play to him for having a go. At this rate we will all be wrapped up in cotton wool suits, in foam padded rooms speaking to no-one and with no ability to think for oursleves.

The UK sucks more and more in recent years and I for one can't wait to take my tax money elsewhere.

Posted by Steve Curtis, 27th September 2006 4:15pm

Top gear is a great show, long may it continue.

I would agree that the show could focus a little more on the dangers of driving, something which I hope Richards accident even with his experience has demonstrated. I hope that he makes a speedy recovery, and will again be back in the driving seat pushing both machinery and human ability to the limit in the near future.

No-one is being forced to watch the show, and there are plenty of other programs which in my opinion I would axe, however I appreciate that my likes may differ greatly from the next person, and we are all entitled to have our own opinions - My opinion is if you don't like it switch over! Bring on the new series.

Posted by Lawrence Huxley, 27th September 2006 4:16pm

Firstly my best wishes and speedy (no pun intended) recovery to to "The Hamster". Top Gear is a great show and I find it educational, fun and entertaining, I love the way the presenters play off each other.
To axe this show would be a great shame and I feel would cause an outcry, Why should we once more lay down to the politically correct baffoons who want to wrap everybody and everything in cotton wool. I'm sure Richard Hammond knew the risks he was taking when he sat himself in the car so in my opinion its not up to other interferring busybodies to try and stop him. Ok so he had an accident, people get hit by buses etc. everyday should we ban those aswell.
If you want to save lives be an organ donor not a pain in the backside

Posted by Gary Latta, 27th September 2006 4:17pm

This is political corectness gone made
You can get knocked down crossing the road, do you ban crossing the road?

Posted by Asif Ali, 27th September 2006 4:18pm

If Top Gear should be axed due to an unfortunate accident, then maybe boxing should be taken off the air as well then!!!!

Posted by Sarah Pipe, 27th September 2006 4:18pm

Top Gear is a national institution for goodness sake. It's highly entertaining and definately worth staying in for on a Sunday night.

Accidents happen, every single day.... some huge and some not so huge.

Richard Hammond is a grown man; and by Jeremy Clarksons own admission in his Sun column on Saturday, Richard Hammond was bursting to give this a go, he's big (or not so big) and ugly enough to make his own decisions about the risk he takes for his (and our) enjoyment.

We all do the same thing when we get in our cars every day.

Get well soon Hamster.

Posted by Tracey, 27th September 2006 4:18pm

Top Gear should definitely NOT be axed. It is one of the most entertaining programmes the BBC produces. Anyone who claims the programme encourages fast or dangerous driving is clearly not in charge of their own brain and decision making process and so should seek medical help.

Posted by David Mant, 27th September 2006 4:19pm

I will not be axed as the BBC has allready confimed the show will be back once all of the presenters are ready so no need to worry.

Posted by Chris Deuchars, 27th September 2006 4:20pm

I so enjoy watching Top Gear. Please don't axe it - it's a real bit of escapism and fun and occasionally it seem to be about cars too.

Does anyone take any notice of what the presenters say? Perhaps, but surely we are not that stupid to go along with anything but the fun element of the programme.

If we ban Top Gear, we may as well ban "being alive", because I notice that living is very dangerous - it invariably leads to death.

Posted by David Hornsby, 27th September 2006 4:20pm

Any programme that can class my Citroen Berlingo as "cool" can't be all bad and deserves to survive.

Posted by Phil Elliott, 27th September 2006 4:20pm

The point is - will Richard himself want the programme axed? I rather suspect not. Why oh why is it that in 2006, the first reaction to events of this kind is always "ban it"?
The 'nanny state' seeks to make life 100% safe. When will people realise there's no such thing! Life is for living and experiencing. Will they want to ban rock-climbing or mountaineering or even hill-walking on the basis that people might, and do, slip and fall to their deaths?
Why don't we ban swimming, on the grounds that people drown?
Why don't we ban bus travel, on the basis that diesel fumes from commercial vehicles is extremely carcinogenic?
It's about time we all dared to be treated as adults, able to assess and accept risks for ourselves.

Posted by Alan Templeton, 27th September 2006 4:20pm

Who actually gets the chance to drive a jet car???? If you do im sure you know all the dangers before doing it as im sure Richard did...

You cant Ban a programme because 'you think' it encourages bad driving and have nothing to back it up with. Thats like banning horror films because they encourage vilence!! It just isnt going to happen!

Most people watch top gear for the cars. Its one of the best programmes there is and im always gutted everytime a series ends.

Like in a lot of other comments.. YOU have the choice to watch it it or not!

Hope Richard gets well soon.

Posted by Chris Towers, 27th September 2006 4:20pm

Accidents happen, it's a dangerous world, but it is also a fun world: here in a free society, we can choose to take risks as long as we know the likely consequences, and as long as we protect others from being hurt by our actions.
So, speeding on the public road is not an option, but speeding or racing on a private track is another matter.
All this talk of Banning fills me with gloom, let us behave like adults and respect each other's rights to make choices of behaviour, it's called Risk Assessment!

Posted by Tony Aitken, 27th September 2006 4:23pm

If they axe Top Gear or even tone it down, the BBC should be totally and utterly ashamed of themselves! It's a brilliant and moreover highly entertaining bit of Telly, one of the few jewels in the BBC's listings.

For entertainment value, it knocks things like Fifth Gear (that I watched the other night - and was amazed at just how small a patch it was on TopGear) into a very sorry 2nd place.

What would they replace it with? Strictly Come Dancing 2 or Only More Fools on Horses? Please, don't insult our intelligence!

Posted by Paul Hartley, 27th September 2006 4:23pm

The presenters of the show have all been properly trained but unfortunately accidents will happen especially where as in this case a failure is the likely cause.

The presenters are well aware of the risks they take and far from encouraging poor driving, unfortunate incidents of this type only go to re-inforce the case for good driving skills, use of seatbelts etc.

Had Richard not been as skilled as he clearly is, and had he not taken appropriate safety measures, there is little doubt that he would not still be with us.

Posted by Paul Barudi, 27th September 2006 4:24pm

For me, Top Gear must stay, and in it's current format too! If not I will have to consider putting my head in the oven - before some do-gooder pops round to turn my gas off first!!!! We are all adults - I hope - and are perfectly capable of looking after our own interests without the assistance of Health & Safety watchdogs. Reading some of the sensationalised media coverage I really wonder where we as a nation are going. Surely the only person fit to comment on Top Gear's future must be the Hampster himself, the others merely need to 'get out more'.

Posted by Carl Bretherton, 27th September 2006 4:24pm

What a farce. Richard Hammond was taking part in a highly specialised sporting event, which is as comparable to every day road driving as an Apollo mission is to walking home from the pub. You simply can't compare the two and say people are dying on the roads because Richard Hammond attempted a speed record in a professionally controlled endeavour. You might as well say scrap Formula One (although some of the woolly brained nannies in our society would also support just that, conveniently forgetting that many safety and environmental advances in modern roadcars were born on the track). Get well, Richard, your country needs you to help save us from the Nanny Army.

Posted by Adam Williams, 27th September 2006 4:25pm

I think the most pertinent comment here is that "the BBC" (or rather the left-liberal élite who run it) should be made to remember who pays their inflated salaries...since we have no choice but to pay our television tax (for that is what it is), we should damn' well have our say in what the corporation produces.

But of course, we're all just ignorant plebs who don't really understand what we want to watch on TV...just feed us another bowl of beer-flavoured swill, and we'll slobber a bit more and be happy..."there is finally no difference between pig and man"...

Posted by Garth, 27th September 2006 4:25pm

Banning the programme will not get rid of idiots driving on the roads. Its an entertaining programme with very little depth & some shallow presenters. What happened to Richard Hammond was a shame but not a surprise as at the end of the day cars can be lethal objects. Rather than complaining about the program content clamp down on the morons I see every day breaking the law whether its talking on a mobile phone or just driving oblivious to everyone else on the roads.

Posted by Jason, 27th September 2006 4:25pm

Axe it or modify it. It promotes speed which the British publica re unable legally to attain. It also promotes anti-social attitudes amongst men.

Posted by Peter Reynolds, 27th September 2006 4:26pm

Rubbish! Top Gear is a gr8 programme for car enthusiasts. It's gr8 to be able to see someone else put a car through its paces and experience the thrill through them, but it doesn't make us all want get out there and copy them!

Keep Top Gear - its a wonderful programme.

Let's hope Richard makes a full recovery.

Posted by Jennie Clements, 27th September 2006 4:27pm

I personally do not think the show should be axed, it is great entertainment and as it does primarily deal with the top end market in cars it will carry a risk factor. It was unfortunate what happened to Richard Hammond but it was his choice to do it, and he has stated himself that he wishes the show would continue.

The BBC are so tame when it comes to public outcry and have no backbone whatsoever that it wouldn't surprise if they did axe the show but then it would be ITV/Channel 4's gain.

I say keep it on until the public interest is no longer there, then pull the plug!

Clarkson, Hammond & May you are doing a sterling job.

Posted by Danny Baker, 27th September 2006 4:27pm

I don't really watch Top Gear although I have seen it in the past. The reaction to Richard's accident is fairly typical of the "PC" brigade that seem to be operating in this country. Nobody "makes" anybody speed, commit crime, get into debt or whatever the topic may be. I do think that the BBC were wrong to decide to put one of their presenters in such a powerful car without proper experience or training, but I don't believe there is a problem with the programme in general.

Posted by Elaine Talbot, 27th September 2006 4:27pm

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

Ban TG???? Ask Richard Hammond. I will bet my bottom dollar he would say No.

All the best Hamster. Looking forward to seeing you back on TG soon. At least you know what should be on the cool wall.

Posted by Mark O, 27th September 2006 4:27pm

I'm glad Richard "The Hampster" is getting better, but the only think I do when Top Gear is on is switch off !!

It is total rubbish and if the BBC decide to take it off air , that will be a good riddens to a bad program.

Posted by Dave Smith, 27th September 2006 4:28pm

Forgot to add - my 84 year old father thinks that Top Gear is one of the few programmes worth watching. He is however from that period before H&S were invented!!
Richard Hammond - get well soon mate.

Posted by Carl Bretherton, 27th September 2006 4:28pm

Just like to wish Richard well and a speedy recovery.

Top Gear is an entertaining program, developed to show new cars on the market remember old classics and to show the new technology that is continuely being used to make our cars safer and more reliable.

As a under 25 girl who drives two modified vehicles I can honestly say it has no influence on how we all drive. What influences me and how I drive is the Advanced Motoring qualifications i hold and the numerous safety courses I have been on, which helps me avoid accidents caused by the 'coat hanger business man on the motorway' and the 'school run mums and dad' who lose all ability to drive once children are in their cars.

Give Top Gear a break, keep it on our screens so we can watch the entertainment without the need to re-create the stunts ourselves to see what would happen.

Posted by Bex N, 27th September 2006 4:28pm

Should they axe Top-Gear?, should they Axe Top-Gear?, Oh Yeah, sure! & while we're about it, what about "F1", that promotes fast driving. Dodgems at the fair?, better ban those too, just in case after a ride, your so wound up you'll want to do it in your Cleo!
Come to think of it, Wind surfing, that's a bit risky & Oh my God?, have you seen Grandstand when they show the Javelin?, Christ those things are sharp!
Should they axe Top-Gear?, Doh?
No! they bloody well shouldnt, but they should take the blunt end of the Axe & thump over the head, whatever wet behind the ears, Namby Pamby "Flanders" numpty who does.
Get well soon Richard mate & back on our screens asap along with Captain Slow & that other lofty quiet one who doesn't say much.
BBC, Please dont cave in to the "Cardigan-Police", or you'll loose your Flag-ship show to the Commercial channels quicker than you can say, "Richards Teeth are naturally White"

Posted by Marc Wodehouse, 27th September 2006 4:28pm

If only this country would stop thinking we need saving from ourselves. Richard Hammond had a choice and he chose to get in the car. that was HIS choice and he had every right to make it. HE doesnt need saving from himself and NEITHER do the British Public. As for number 74 comment - WHAT on earth are you talking about!!

Posted by Natalie Hopkinson, 27th September 2006 4:29pm

The presenters know the risks and " no risk" TV would be so boring... it would mean no David Attenborough hanging from trees, no Steve Irwin with the crocs and no Bruce Parry ! Unthinkable.

TG is entertaining and funny ..even if you don't like cars. We all know that Clarkson is politically incorrect but hopefully can separate the fantasy ( for most of us) of over powered expensive cars for the reality of economical hatchbacks! Some people just seem to take the programme too seriously. And surely Richard's views should be respected - if he wants it to continue then it should !

Posted by Judy Earl, 27th September 2006 4:29pm

Since Richard Hammond himself wishes for the film of the actual crash to be televised it would seem that the last thing he would want to come out of this unfortunate accident would be the demise of the programme he loves working on. I am sure it is his intention to return to Top Gear as soon as he recovers which we all hope he will.

The BBC need to understand that this show has been running for a number of years and nothing such as this has ever happened before. I think this would be a sledgehammer to crack a nut situation.

Our thoughts are with Richard and his family at this time and they would be the best judges of what now transpires in terms of the show.

Posted by Margaret Lawson, 27th September 2006 4:29pm

Forget Chavmobiles etc etc.........each person to their own taste. Max power focusses on those who likes modding cars......good for them............Top Gear focusses on the latest road vehicles (as standard) and super cars.
Top Gear happens to be the most watched TV magazine.....IN THE WORLD!
If people who watch it decide to drive fast because of the show, then they are complete and utter morons.........as the show is there to report on Vehicles.........not on encouraging driving fast!!!

U dont need to watch a show to be encouraged to drive fast!!!

And the show is pure quality entertainment. Their reports are accurate and beneficial to all viewers and I myself have learnt a lot of general things from the show.

So lets smarten up and not start blaming the show for other morons on the road who tailgate, drive recklessly and quite frankly are a danger on the road!

Otherwise, I say ban half the bloody cartoons they show, encouraging fighting and all that bull! If children are smart enough to know not to pull stunts from cartoons, then how is it that adults can not take the same lesson!!!

Posted by Mr Mak, 27th September 2006 4:29pm

TOP GEAR RULES

You couldnt ban it - all that would happen if the BBC axe it is it will end up on SKY somewhere and wouldnt be as good.

Its a prime example of why the BBC is great and as we have already paid for it dont let the money making gets at SKY mess it up!

Get well soon Richard!

P.S. Being a life long drag racer we have to suffer these horrible hairdryers who cant even race against each other all the time - its THEM that should be baned!!!!!!!!!

Posted by George Kinghorn, 27th September 2006 4:31pm

Complete and utter rubbish - of course the show must stay. Those who don't like it, don't watch it. Clarkson may be annoying at times but personally I like his dry sense of humour and straight opinions. If we banned all things that went wrong we wouldn't have much left in life. Face it, accidents can happen to even the most careful drivers. After the accident to Catherine Lee (?) the other day in the champ racing (I think?), is that too going to be banned? Let the hamster keep his job, If it hasn't put him off then why should it worry the others out there who are only watching?
Get well soon Richard, we want you and Top Gear back very soon.

Posted by Fran Martin, 27th September 2006 4:31pm

Yes Top gear does show off the fast the flashy and the amazing cars, the like of which most of us will never get to see let alone ride in. Why not let us dream. Why contain us to the mundane and humdrum that we can afford, put us in our box & leave us there.
We need shows like this to enable us to dream. We also need the humour they present as we all drive on highly congested roads every day and everyones nightmare is getting behind a caravan / lorry / dust cart even a tractor! And we even need the safety aspect & changes in goverment regulations which they also bring to our attention from time to time.
Yes we need it all still.

Posted by Lucy Hoadley, 27th September 2006 4:32pm

its one of the most informative and interesting programmes on tv. To axe it due to Richards crash is ridiculous. Why don't they axe some of the programmes that are more in danger of boring people to death, like Celebrity Love Island etc!

Posted by Kerry Miller, 27th September 2006 4:32pm

1) He was tryin to break a world record
2) It was an accident. Safety guidelines would have been followed.
3) Was Formula One banned when Ayton Senna died? No!
4) Keep Top Gear on - show the footage.
5) All the best to Richard Hammond.

Posted by Keith Winterbone, 27th September 2006 4:32pm

I think the actual accident should be shown at the start of every Top Gear programme to show drivers what CAN happen, even to very experienced drivers.

Posted by Mrs Betty Smith, 27th September 2006 4:33pm

I'm in favour of keeping Top Gear just as it is. Listening to the presenters engage in one of their hilarious debates over some issue or other, is far more amusing than any BBC sitcom you care to mention.

Posted by Nigel Haywood, 27th September 2006 4:33pm

This is a flawed vote - the article is very pro top gear, demonstrated by a previous 'get well richard' blog.

Therefore the majority of people will vote in favour of keeping it.

It is NOT an accurate vote sorry. It is totaly biased.

Posted by Christian, 27th September 2006 4:33pm

No Way should top gear be axed. It is clear that accidents do happen on the road and people do get killed but i (being a young driver and all) do not feel the need to drive faster and more dangerously after watching top gear - I just like cars. If banning top gear is the correct response to richard hammonds accident - what about the all those nature programs... RIP steve irwin.

Posted by Bradley Kirby, 27th September 2006 4:33pm

Anybody with half a brain would be able to understand that driving at over 300 mph could be a tad dangerous, therefore it's a personal choice surely! He knew the risks, and he took them, and thankfully he is OK. Do we stop mountaineers who freeze to death half way up mount everest because they have sprained their ankles?

Posted by Suzanne Myers, 27th September 2006 4:33pm

All the presenters on Top Gear are professional drivers and "adults" see it as that. What Richard did he did with his eyes open and knew the risks. We all take risks and way up the odds before we do something. We could sit in a cocoon and do nothing or we could enjoy life. I know what I would prefer.

Posted by Andy, 27th September 2006 4:34pm

I remember many years ago when I was a young watching Top Gear on a Thursday evening. In those days it was a Motor Magazine programme which test drove a variety of cars from the new Mini Metro or the Ford Escort through to the Jaguars and Mercs. Very seldomly did William Woolard and Chris Goffey take to the track as they were testing normal road cars that one day I could see myself driving. I must say that I dont watch TG much now as I think it has lost all reality for normal people. Who cares how fast that weeks celeb. can hurtle round a track in a funny wee car! I have to admit the other Car shows are not much better.

Posted by Campbell Troup, 27th September 2006 4:34pm

Typical. The most entertaining and humourous show to hit the television in years is threatened by the fun police because of one accident. If we applied the same theory to everything then motor racing, flying planes, taboggening, and tree-climbing would all be banned because at some stage in the history of the human race somebody has died in an accident involving one of these past times. Get a grip and stop wrapping this damned country in cotton wool.

Posted by Marcus Milne Home, 27th September 2006 4:34pm

Top gear maybe shouldn't be axed but Clarkson should be replaced with someone a bit more modern, he is an idiot

Posted by Jamie, 27th September 2006 4:35pm

I hope Richard makes a full recovery and goes on to enjoy driving as he so clearly did before the accident.
I don't think the programme should be axed at all and I'm no petrol-head! It is very entertaining, but the stunt that so very nearly killed Richard was perhaps a bit OTT and, whilst it would have been good viewing had it succeeded, it really doesn't have anything to do with regular motoring. As for the insults that have been flying backwards and forwards in these blogs - everyone is entitled to their opinion - however I will say this - we should be driving at a speed which reflects the conditions and situation we are in and not be slagging each other off for having a different point of view!

Posted by Rosemary Shackleton, 27th September 2006 4:35pm

I love Top Gear ...it was unfortunate what happened but Richard knew the risks! Does this mean that all speed tests on land,sea and air should be banned???He wasnt 1 of these stupid drivers who tear up the motorway at 150 mph+ or the idiots who have passed a driving test 1 year ago who drive like maniacs around our streets!!
The show is probably the most watched on tv so leave it alone!!

Posted by Maureen Craig, 27th September 2006 4:36pm

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

No more censorship please. Top Gear presenters driving high-performance cars are fun to watch, and alleviate the need for me to 'try this at home'

Lets hope Richard is back behind a wheel ASAP

Posted by Chris Butler-donnelly, 27th September 2006 4:37pm

As a female I was expecting not to like Top Gear but its informative in a funny, keep you interested, kind of way. Other car shows I've gone to the remote button fairly quickly but Top Gear keeps your interest. Why don't we just leave it up to Richard Hammond about whether he wants to carry on with Top Gear or not - lets not make any rash decisions.

Posted by Lesley Findlay-bill, 27th September 2006 4:37pm

Hey - someone died in a crash on the M1 the other day - quick lets ban the M1 - even better lets ban cars - oh yes and dogs and boats and planes etc. There isn't much left in the world that can't potentially kill you!

Posted by Mark Williams, 27th September 2006 4:38pm

Just one other thought.

When the lad sadly died on The Late Late Breakfast Show with Noel Edmonds - did you all say the BBC was wrong then to scrap the programme?

Or is that not the same?

I say keep top gear - but all this sensationalism has got out of hand - it is now being used by third parties to promote their products (yes sadly Petrol Prices has fallen for it as well :( And we are all (me included) are just adding to the commercialisation of the situation)

Hmmm..............

Posted by Christian, 27th September 2006 4:39pm

I recently went along to the recording of top gear, where i can say that Richard hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May were absolutly fantastic.

I can understand why some groups of people want the show to be axed, but for a "Car" programme this is truly the best. Everyone on the production team are fully aware of the risks, if they didnt then "Top Gear" would not be watched by over 350 million people around the world every week!!

Once Richard is back and fully fit, iam sure he will be driving again!

Well done to all at Top gear and my best wishes to Richard and all of his family for a full recovery

Derek Clarkson

Posted by Derek Clarkson, 27th September 2006 4:39pm

The fact that Richard has survived a 300 MPH crash must say a lot for the safety precautions that were put in place for the attempt in the first place. There is no justification for trying to axe the show and the PC crowd needs to get a life.

Posted by Norman Wight, 27th September 2006 4:39pm

The program 'Top Gear' is what I consider to be light entertainment. Yes there is an aspect of fast driving in the program, but to suggest that this should be a reason for banning the program, is utter nonsense, and also to suggest that the accident involving Richard was as a result of 'Top Gear' is equally utter nonsense.

So long as there are mountains to be climbed, challenges to be met, men and women alike will persue them, that's one of the reasons why we have advanced in areas of human, technological, medical and scientific development etc ... Without risk takers we may not have found the rest of the world and our planet may still for many be undiscovered.

Don't ban the program, sit back and enjoy it.

Posted by Cliff Beckett, 27th September 2006 4:39pm

The cars on top gear are not remote controlled by the BBC - all drivers decide how fast to go and no axeing of a tv programme will ever change that. Have some duty to your viewers BBC! If we like it - LEAVE it!

Top gear rules ;)

Posted by Alison Terry, 27th September 2006 4:40pm

TG should stay. Forever. It is excellent entertainment and went up a notch when Richard joined and gained yet another dimension when the seriously out-of-place-looking James joined.
Leave it alone. It is un-PC in a PC world, to axe it would be a crime.

Posted by Tony Green, 27th September 2006 4:42pm

Top Gear is a good programme - it's so much better than the "reality shows" that are taking over the box. The presenters seem to enjoy making it and there is generally something for everyone on every show.

The accident was just that - an accident. All the safety procedures were reportedly followed and there was a team of experts there looking after things. It's unfortunate that it happened and good news that RH seems to be getting better. I hope to see him back on Top Gear soon.

Posted by Beth Stansby, 27th September 2006 4:42pm

The person at comment 70 I am sorry for your brother's death but surely blaming a TV show is not the answer. It wasn't the wind that caused his death it was doing excessive speed in a car, I assume he wasn't trained to drive. We learn to drive a 1.3 Fiesta and expect to drive a 6 litre Ferrari. I am trained to drive at excessive speeds but would never drive country lanes at 150mph, that's is madness. Top Gear does not promote driving at excessive speeds you problem is with the the garage that sold the weapon to your brother.

Posted by Andy, 27th September 2006 4:43pm

I am sure saftey was taken in to consideration it was just an accident which we all have from time to time. Thank got Richard is ok and Hope he make a full recovery. looking forward to see him back on the sette at the top gear headquaters. Taking the Piss out of Clarkson

Posted by Matthew Mills, 27th September 2006 4:44pm

keep the programme

Posted by Nigel, 27th September 2006 4:45pm

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