Discussion
Sent via email 28/9 - no response at all:
I was travelling anti clockwise on the M25 on Sunday 19th September and around 11.30 am near (I think) the M1 junction came up to 2 HATO vehicles travelling in lane 2. They had my attention because they were very close to each other (certainly within the possible stopping distance)
On drawing near the rear vehicle the front vehicle indicated and darted out into my line causing me to brake sharply. Both vehicles then put their light bars on and positioned themselves parallel in lanes 2 and 3 leaving lane 1 clear.
I slowed to maintain the correct gap
Unable to understand what was happening I approached and could then see the VERY dim small signs in the rear window saying Don't pass. Condition were overcast at the time
My wife was also completely puzzled by all this and could not see the signs either (we both have excellent eyesight)
I can understand the need for a rolling roadblock but would it not be more appropriate to use signs that can be read and to straddle lanes 1/2 and 2/3 ?
When passing the drivers gave a thumbs up out of the window. I would prefer it if they kept both hands on the wheel
I was travelling anti clockwise on the M25 on Sunday 19th September and around 11.30 am near (I think) the M1 junction came up to 2 HATO vehicles travelling in lane 2. They had my attention because they were very close to each other (certainly within the possible stopping distance)
On drawing near the rear vehicle the front vehicle indicated and darted out into my line causing me to brake sharply. Both vehicles then put their light bars on and positioned themselves parallel in lanes 2 and 3 leaving lane 1 clear.
I slowed to maintain the correct gap
Unable to understand what was happening I approached and could then see the VERY dim small signs in the rear window saying Don't pass. Condition were overcast at the time
My wife was also completely puzzled by all this and could not see the signs either (we both have excellent eyesight)
I can understand the need for a rolling roadblock but would it not be more appropriate to use signs that can be read and to straddle lanes 1/2 and 2/3 ?
When passing the drivers gave a thumbs up out of the window. I would prefer it if they kept both hands on the wheel
There is a problem with the rear matrix boards in certain conditions, ie if the sun is shining on them from the rear at such an angle it deflects off the glass of the rear door, making it more of a mirror. the size of the matrix board is also limited as a certain amount of rear vision through the centre window is required.
I do believe the problem is being looked at (but it is the civil service, and that takes for ever..................we wait.........
Many thanks for complying with the RRB.
I do believe the problem is being looked at (but it is the civil service, and that takes for ever..................we wait.........
Many thanks for complying with the RRB.
Couldn't see the matrix sign?
Did you write to the HA or the DfT?
If the HA, then please address your comments to the DfT instead, as it is them who won't let them have matrix signs that are animated (ie flash on and off to capture you eye) nor the red colour (which is more visible in the daytime)!
Did you write to the HA or the DfT?
If the HA, then please address your comments to the DfT instead, as it is them who won't let them have matrix signs that are animated (ie flash on and off to capture you eye) nor the red colour (which is more visible in the daytime)!
Sgt Bilko said:
Couldn't see the matrix sign?
Did you write to the HA or the DfT?
If the HA, then please address your comments to the DfT instead, as it is them who won't let them have matrix signs that are animated (ie flash on and off to capture you eye) nor the red colour (which is more visible in the daytime)!
As suggested by Vaux (previously) an email was sent to ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.ukDid you write to the HA or the DfT?
If the HA, then please address your comments to the DfT instead, as it is them who won't let them have matrix signs that are animated (ie flash on and off to capture you eye) nor the red colour (which is more visible in the daytime)!
cuneus said:
When passing the drivers gave a thumbs up out of the window. I would prefer it if they kept both hands on the wheel
So they gave the thumbs up as a thankyou and you didnt like that.Are thay allowed to take their hands off the wheel to change gear etc?
Edited by TPS on Tuesday 9th October 19:03
TPS said:
cuneus said:
When passing the drivers gave a thumbs up out of the window. I would prefer it if they kept both hands on the wheel
So they gave the thumbs up as a thankyou and you didnt like that.Are thay allowed to take their hands off the wheel to change gear etc?
Edited by TPS on Tuesday 9th October 19:03
It was a naive stupid gesture
cuneus said:
On drawing near the rear vehicle the front vehicle indicated and darted out into my line causing me to brake sharply. Both vehicles then put their light bars on and positioned themselves parallel in lanes 2 and 3 leaving lane 1 clear.
I can understand the need for a rolling roadblock but would it not be more appropriate to use signs that can be read and to straddle lanes 1/2 and 2/3 ?
Not quite proper procedure - there should be no need to make you brake sharply, and, as you say, stradling lanes is preferred, but then if you get an LGV in lane 1, that helps you and you can focus on the other lanes - did you notice a big truck in lane 1?I can understand the need for a rolling roadblock but would it not be more appropriate to use signs that can be read and to straddle lanes 1/2 and 2/3 ?
Strangely enough, there is no definite requirement to use the rear VMS messages. I would agree with you that at distance they're not too legible. The vehicle presence, along with red/amber lights, is adequate to put on a block.
Good to know you understood what was going on anyway! At least the rolling road block is mentioned in the new Highway Code (281)
PS - There's no "e" in HATO....
Edited by Vaux on Tuesday 9th October 19:49
Why didn't you let your wife take the photo leaving you with both hands on the wheel?
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