Compulsory 10 mph limit

[cologne2792]

Driving up the A30 a few weeks ago, having left Cornwall and heading through Devon, on the long dual carriageway section around 8 pm; I spot a road work sign and then a Red Traffic light in the carriageway. The traffic was coned down to one lane with A Follow Escort setup - some poor guy on a quad. To my left were a series of 10 mph signs with a red ring around them and we set off behind the quad at a glacial speed.

After about a mile the quad turned back as typically there was no work force present or anything else that needed protecting. The 10 mph limit continued for another two miles which myself and the two cars in front attempted to stick to. My problem now was a rather irate HGV driver about six inches from the back of my car who obviously wasn't very happy at the ludicrous speed that I wasn't travelling at.

As the lane was still coned I had nowhere to go to let the guy past which made the problem worse. I'd already had a long day, driven about 150 miles and was trying to recall what Speed, Plod & the law had said on unexpected, disproportionate speed limits and whether or not they are actually enforceable with an apparent lack of cameras ?

As we approached the turn off at Fingle Glenn it occurred to me that there is a GATSO present and had it been re calibrated to 10 mph as this was the current legal limit ?

By this point the lorry driver would probably have cheerfully killed me and I can't say I'd blame him.

Fortunately as we left the camera the signs and the cones ended - although there was no official confirmation or end of roadworks sign.

At this point I felt 70 mph and some distance from the HGV driver would be prudent and safer for all of us.


Anyone else had a similar experience ?

[Chrisgr31]

It may have had something to do with the road surface or a bridge where they are working underneath or have decided it needs structural works and a low speed limit is required to reduce vibration etc until the works are done.

[sonnenschein3000]

How can they possibly enforce 10mph when some cars (albeit older cars) have speedometers that don't even start to move until you go over 10mph? (in other words, the needle rests at 10mph as its lowest point)

[Mammasaid]

sonnenschein3000 said:

How can they possibly enforce 10mph when some cars (albeit older cars) have speedometers that don't even start to move until you go over 10mph? (in other words, the needle rests at 10mph as its lowest point)

By using an escort vehicle, as the OP mentions.

Not this type of escort....