Misuse of Matrix and info signs on M27 & M3
Discussion
Ok so my normal run everyday, M27 J1 up to J5 of the M3, All those lovelly new information boards that caused much chaos as they were erected this morning said, SKID RISK SLOW DOWN, no S*&t sherlock it's wet..
Every Matrix sign was flashing 50 all the way, the only reason I can guess for is it was wet, mildly damp further up the M3, no-one took any notice.
So what do we get, these signs have always in the past warned of hazards by misusing them in this way we get the same effect as the blanket 40 limits in the New Forest - when there is a reason for them people will continue to ignore them
A far more useful message on the info signs on the M27 this morning would have been long delays J13-J12 M3 ( I would have gone through Romsey then... )
What a waste of the many thousands those signs must have cost!
Every Matrix sign was flashing 50 all the way, the only reason I can guess for is it was wet, mildly damp further up the M3, no-one took any notice.
So what do we get, these signs have always in the past warned of hazards by misusing them in this way we get the same effect as the blanket 40 limits in the New Forest - when there is a reason for them people will continue to ignore them
A far more useful message on the info signs on the M27 this morning would have been long delays J13-J12 M3 ( I would have gone through Romsey then... )
What a waste of the many thousands those signs must have cost!
Scoop940 said:
we get the same effect as the blanket 40 limits in the New Forest - when there is a reason for them people will continue to ignore them
C'mon, the money those limits are going to make is tremendous, how you you say there is no reason for them?? Plus how are the fixed cameras going to be justified unless we generate a few RTAs from frustrated suicidal overtaking? It's now the perfect place for multiple cameras to make it 'safe' like the A14.That's an abbreviation. "A queue's likely ahead". 
Non-PH drivers don't seem to be able to work out it's slippery without being told, though. Especially the ones who sit 6 inches off my back wheel when I'm feeling my way round a greasy filthy roundabout on the bike.
Scoop940 said:
SKID RISK SLOW DOWN, no S*&t sherlock it's wet..
Non-PH drivers don't seem to be able to work out it's slippery without being told, though. Especially the ones who sit 6 inches off my back wheel when I'm feeling my way round a greasy filthy roundabout on the bike.
Part of the problem with these signs seems to be that there aren't enough characters available in the design to say anything really useful. Why anyone would specify a 10(?)x3 matrix in this day and age I can't imagine, but the result is that you get pious platitudes rather than real traffic news. And they don't seem able to display multiple messages in rotation either. As you say, what a waste of 50 limits for months.
combemarshal said:
So you assume it was cause it was wet and not say a lorry leaking diesel??
And I there would be a thread on here if someone had slipped and wasn't warned
And I there would be a thread on here if someone had slipped and wasn't warned
There was a nice oily residue on the inside lane of the M1 the other day when it was raining and no signs were lit. Mind you they are quite good when it comes to predicting queues, even beating Trafficmaster!
Peter Ward said:
Part of the problem with these signs seems to be that there aren't enough characters available in the design to say anything really useful. Why anyone would specify a 10(?)x3 matrix in this day and age I can't imagine, but the result is that you get pious platitudes rather than real traffic news. And they don't seem able to display multiple messages in rotation either. As you say, what a waste of 50 limits for months.
Matrices come in 2x12, 2x16, 3x16 and 3x18. The new T5 spur on the M25 will have a huge 4x18 on it.
They're this size because quite simply if they're any bigger, it takes too long to read what's on 'em.
When I was in the USA on 'oliday, I noticed that they had a fairly hap-hazard motorway management system on I95 (the Atlantic City Expressway) and they had huge signs saying things like "25 minutes to exit 34 (Bumville/Freetown/Arse End Of Nowhere at 60MPH in a tailwind if it's not raining but not at night and not in a diesel".
The best one is:
"Don't drink and drive"
Every time I see that I'm like 'S***, I knew there was something I forgot!'.
Gone are the days when warning boards are used for warnings. Whilst I agree with the sentiment using warning boards for propaganda will merely make the public switch off to their meaningful existance.
"Don't drink and drive"
Every time I see that I'm like 'S***, I knew there was something I forgot!'.
Gone are the days when warning boards are used for warnings. Whilst I agree with the sentiment using warning boards for propaganda will merely make the public switch off to their meaningful existance.
combemarshal said:
So you assume it was cause it was wet and not say a lorry leaking diesel??
And I there would be a thread on here if someone had slipped and wasn't warned
And I there would be a thread on here if someone had slipped and wasn't warned
For 60 odd miles in both directions up the M27 & M3..... It was because it was wet...
Oil on the road would be usefull information I do agree, as would info of the 20 minute delay J13 on the M3..
Edited by Scoop940 on Friday 8th December 09:12
justinp1 said:
The best one is:
"Don't drink and drive"
Every time I see that I'm like 'S***, I knew there was something I forgot!'.
Gone are the days when warning boards are used for warnings. Whilst I agree with the sentiment using warning boards for propaganda will merely make the public switch off to their meaningful existance.
"Don't drink and drive"
Every time I see that I'm like 'S***, I knew there was something I forgot!'.
Gone are the days when warning boards are used for warnings. Whilst I agree with the sentiment using warning boards for propaganda will merely make the public switch off to their meaningful existance.
Even better Justin is, "check your tyre pressures".
What, at 80 MPH in the outside lane???!!!
Scoop940 said:
So what do we get, these signs have always in the past warned of hazards by misusing them in this way we get the same effect as the blanket 40 limits in the New Forest - when there is a reason for them people will continue to ignore them
I understand your point about the M27 matrix signs, but every fule no that the 40mph blanket limits in the New Forest are only applied "inside" the Forest boundaries, and were brought in to reduce the (previously very significant) numbers of accidents involving New Forest animals.
I'm sorry, but if you are "wellying" your motor inside the Forest zone then you shouldn't be. I'm against unnecessary speed limits but this is genuinely one case where it's a good idea, and the New Forest is a much safer place for both drivers and animals as a result of it.
Just wait until they can beam the messages straight to your dashboard via the integrated road charging and speed fine collection system which car manufacturers will have to integrate into their ECU's in a few years !
"Slow down, think of the children!" fashed at you every time you stray over 31mph in a 30, possibly even with an audible message recorded by Mary from BRAKE! in her best condescending voice.
Oh joy !
"Slow down, think of the children!" fashed at you every time you stray over 31mph in a 30, possibly even with an audible message recorded by Mary from BRAKE! in her best condescending voice.
Oh joy !
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