Done on Cat & Fiddle
Discussion
Popularised by Performance Berk in the early nineties, the Cat & Fiddle became a mecca for riders looking for a challenging road. Inevitable accidents followed, with a good number caused by people sabotaging the road surface - perhaps with fatal consequences.
The speed limit was one of the early NSL-50mph lowerings and SPECS followed reasonably soon afterwards.
The speed limit was one of the early NSL-50mph lowerings and SPECS followed reasonably soon afterwards.
I recently got my speeding ticket on the A54 at Wildboarclough, apparently clocked at 61mph. Now this road between Buxton and Congleton has SPECS cameras, the average speed type and indeed whilst there are 50mph repeater signs every couple of miles, the big signs say "Average Speed Cameras".
I know the road well, and it is a nice driver's road, much like it's twin it splits from which goes from Buxton to Macclesfield via the Cat and Fiddle. It's scenic with twists and turns and changes of elevation, and on the A54 you can even get airborne at little more than 50 mph. But some bends will have you down to 20-30mph
So I was astonished to find I had been prosecuted for doing 61mph, which I believed because of the type of cameras and signage, could only be an average speed. I was astonished because I was in a diesel Honda Accord not some sporty little number, and on the day I got the ticket I remember well I was driving particularly gently as I had our young puppy in a cage balanced on top of the spare wheel in the boot and didn't want to throw her around (which happens even if you drive at under 50mph on this twisty road). I've since driven the route a couple of times since then and watched my speedo carefully and found that I rarely got above 45mph, only getting to 50mph on a short stretch. It takes a lot of extra speed over a longer period to average 61mph.
So it is my suspicion that as SPECS cameras photograph cars entering and exiting the average speed zone, that the Police are issuing tickets if one of the cameras records a speed in excess of 50mph. Is this legal? There are no lines on the road by the SPECs cameras.
I know the road well, and it is a nice driver's road, much like it's twin it splits from which goes from Buxton to Macclesfield via the Cat and Fiddle. It's scenic with twists and turns and changes of elevation, and on the A54 you can even get airborne at little more than 50 mph. But some bends will have you down to 20-30mph
So I was astonished to find I had been prosecuted for doing 61mph, which I believed because of the type of cameras and signage, could only be an average speed. I was astonished because I was in a diesel Honda Accord not some sporty little number, and on the day I got the ticket I remember well I was driving particularly gently as I had our young puppy in a cage balanced on top of the spare wheel in the boot and didn't want to throw her around (which happens even if you drive at under 50mph on this twisty road). I've since driven the route a couple of times since then and watched my speedo carefully and found that I rarely got above 45mph, only getting to 50mph on a short stretch. It takes a lot of extra speed over a longer period to average 61mph.
So it is my suspicion that as SPECS cameras photograph cars entering and exiting the average speed zone, that the Police are issuing tickets if one of the cameras records a speed in excess of 50mph. Is this legal? There are no lines on the road by the SPECs cameras.
GC8 said:
Popularised by Performance Berk in the early nineties, the Cat & Fiddle became a mecca for riders looking for a challenging road. Inevitable accidents followed, with a good number caused by people sabotaging the road surface - perhaps with fatal consequences.
The speed limit was one of the early NSL-50mph lowerings and SPECS followed reasonably soon afterwards.
"people sabotaging the road surface" ! ?The speed limit was one of the early NSL-50mph lowerings and SPECS followed reasonably soon afterwards.
Did anyone get caught doing this? Seems like the equivalent of leaving something on a railway line.
I can see why it has a 50 limit and when ever we have been having fun it has struck me that 50 would be quite an achievement in a car and so the limit made sense.
It was brought home when we came round a bend to find a policeman, ambulance and biker buried half up a hedge. Struck me as somewhat Darwinian when another bike then over took us on the very next blind bend.
It was brought home when we came round a bend to find a policeman, ambulance and biker buried half up a hedge. Struck me as somewhat Darwinian when another bike then over took us on the very next blind bend.
Its a long time ago - I probably haven't bought Performance Bike for a decade or more.
There were reported cases of oil being spread across the carriageway and also of Great Escape style trip lines too.
I have seen oil on the corners, so I am confident that the stories have a real foundation in fact. I don't know whether anyone has ever been caught though.
There were reported cases of oil being spread across the carriageway and also of Great Escape style trip lines too.
I have seen oil on the corners, so I am confident that the stories have a real foundation in fact. I don't know whether anyone has ever been caught though.
A cautionary tale perhaps?
Posted here without comment from me
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2014-04-01/h...
Posted here without comment from me
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2014-04-01/h...
Most of the sabotage happened at the bottom of the Tegg's Nose road, a residential road that bikers used as a shortcut some years ago. I've not heard/seen any truth in rumours of deliberate road surface contamination on the C&A - that's not to say it didn't happen though. Lots of farm vehicles, lots of trucks going about their business on that road makes unintentional spillages more likely.
As far as the cameras are concerned if you take the first right after the Setter Dog and the Wildboarclough shortcut you can proceed at virtually any speed you like - depending on your stupidity. Stay on the C&A all the way though and you'll get done.
Well done to the chap averaging 61 mph - must have had 80+ on the straight after the second camera to manage that.
As far as the cameras are concerned if you take the first right after the Setter Dog and the Wildboarclough shortcut you can proceed at virtually any speed you like - depending on your stupidity. Stay on the C&A all the way though and you'll get done.
Well done to the chap averaging 61 mph - must have had 80+ on the straight after the second camera to manage that.
covboy said:
A cautionary tale perhaps?
Posted here without comment from me
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2014-04-01/h...
I'll comment.Posted here without comment from me
http://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2014-04-01/h...
d
head rider.Even if you are 'pushing on' you should only do so with the impression that there are 100 foot drops either side of your lane. If you have to use the other side of the road without the intention of doing so you have got it wrong. If you are using the other side of the road and can't see if there is something coming towards you then you are a danger to others.
You wouldn't roll it on through a right hander expecting to be able to use the verge if you have mis judged the grip available, the other side of the road should not be considered any different.
Edited by Rude-boy on Wednesday 2nd April 15:21
Rude-boy said:
I'll comment.
dhead rider.
I'm glad someone posted that video here. I had a quick peek in biker banter lastnight and didn't see a thread on it.d
head rider. I thought the rider made a good job of missing that car.
What was that line Casey Stoner came out with about another rider making moves their talent cheques couldn't cover? Would you rather have that rider intrude into your life uninvited when their talent runs out while they're behind the wheel or on a motorcycle?
That footage shows them going both side of the solid white lines before that mishap. So it shows a crash and a breach of the law? People play up to cameras.
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