What road traffic law would you introduce?

[Eddieslofart]

Not actually reading 20 pages, but, Elephant Racing HGV bds. Instant ban for a week, 10 years for second offence.

Ban same bds from lanes 3/4 of a 4 lane stretch. Hang them by the goolies from m/way gantry for 3rd offence.

I’ve been using the M11 this week, can you tell ?

[Haltamer]

I've got a good one.
Smart motorway derestriction in light / favourable conditions (Traffic and weather) so proper progress can be made on empty stretches

[Frank7]

Eddieslofart said:

Not actually reading 20 pages, but, Elephant Racing HGV bds. Instant ban for a week, 10 years for second offence.

Ban same bds from lanes 3/4 of a 4 lane stretch. Hang them by the goolies from m/way gantry for 3rd offence.

I’ve been using the M11 this week, can you tell ?

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

[NikBartlett]

Mandatory drug testing for any driver tugged - should remove a good few miscreants from the roads

Nearly invisible cyclists who ride at night with little or no lighting or visibility lose all right to reply if squished

Ban parking within 1000 yards of any school between 0730 and 0930 / 1430 and 1630 unless a medical exempt permit held (or unless you are a resident)

Dump valve systems to be banned unless part of the original vehicle.

Caravans to be banned from Devon and Cornwall

[Eddieslofart]

Frank7 said:

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Would you have used the 2 mile section on the M11 with a 7.5t limit before the A11 to race another HGV ?

My Uncle did continental on the fridges before he went over a mountain in Italy, i know what proper truckers used to be.

[Frank7]

Eddieslofart said:

Frank7 said:

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Would you have used the 2 mile section on the M11 with a 7.5t limit before the A11 to race another HGV ?

My Uncle did continental on the fridges before he went over a mountain in Italy, i know what proper truckers used to be.

Eddie, pardon me for not being au fait with the section of the M11 to which you refer, the only times I use that M-Way now, is if I’ve been unfortunate enough to have to fly from Stansted, and even then, I’m either asleep or reading the paper, while my wife is at the wheel.
However, if the section has a 7.5t limit, then my 44 ton Merc shouldn’t/wouldn’t have been there, but I used the M11 many times, and I can’t recall that section, so I maybe used it illegally, my bad.
I appreciate that there are 5, 6, and 7 ton trucks, perhaps you mean a couple of those, and no, if I was aware that the section was only 2 miles long, I would have hung back for those 2 miles, but that’s me, I try to be Mr. Nice Guy if I can.
Sorry about your Uncle.

[Red 4]

Increase motorway speed limits to 90 mph between 22.00 and 06.00.

No sympathy for anyone who gets busted at 21.59 hours or 06.01 though. Just to add some balance.

[AstonZagato]

Frank7 said:

Eddieslofart said:

Frank7 said:

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Would you have used the 2 mile section on the M11 with a 7.5t limit before the A11 to race another HGV ?

My Uncle did continental on the fridges before he went over a mountain in Italy, i know what proper truckers used to be.

Eddie, pardon me for not being au fait with the section of the M11 to which you refer, the only times I use that M-Way now, is if I’ve been unfortunate enough to have to fly from Stansted, and even then, I’m either asleep or reading the paper, while my wife is at the wheel.
However, if the section has a 7.5t limit, then my 44 ton Merc shouldn’t/wouldn’t have been there, but I used the M11 many times, and I can’t recall that section, so I maybe used it illegally, my bad.
I appreciate that there are 5, 6, and 7 ton trucks, perhaps you mean a couple of those, and no, if I was aware that the section was only 2 miles long, I would have hung back for those 2 miles, but that’s me, I try to be Mr. Nice Guy if I can.
Sorry about your Uncle.

There is a two lane section north of Stansted to the A11 (and really to the M11). It is hilly which causes lorries to slow at variable rates. It is governed by these signs: https://goo.gl/maps/FQqrHvVvnNS2 (no lorries greater than 7.5t in L2 between 7am and 7pm). It is nevertheless the favourite place for lorries to snail race, despite the signs (no enforcement). A tiny speed differential on any of the rolling hills will cause the faster lorry to pull out.

It is a popular route for lorries coming from the north heading for the channel ports (A1, A14, M11, M25, M20).

The tailbacks behind the lorries are appalling.

Widening is essential but has always been kicked into the long grass.

[Frank7]

AstonZagato said:

There is a two lane section north of Stansted to the A11 (and really to the M11). It is hilly which causes lorries to slow at variable rates. It is governed by these signs: https://goo.gl/maps/FQqrHvVvnNS2 (no lorries greater than 7.5t in L2 between 7am and 7pm). It is nevertheless the favourite place for lorries to snail race, despite the signs (no enforcement). A tiny speed differential on any of the rolling hills will cause the faster lorry to pull out.

It is a popular route for lorries coming from the north heading for the channel ports (A1, A14, M11, M25, M20).

The tailbacks behind the lorries are appalling.

Widening is essential but has always been kicked into the long grass.

Thanks for that AZ, I must have used that section years ago, and providing I stayed in Lane 1, I’d have been legal at 44t, although I couldn’t say with my hand on heart that I didn’t ever venture into Lane 2.
For some reason, I had the idea in my mind, that the 2 mile section that Eddie mentioned, was at the South end of the M-Way.

[nonsequitur]

Red 4 said:

Increase motorway speed limits to 90 mph between 22.00 and 06.00.

.

You wouldn't be able to move for boy racers. (both child and adult).

[AstonZagato]

Frank7 said:

AstonZagato said:

There is a two lane section north of Stansted to the A11 (and really to the M11). It is hilly which causes lorries to slow at variable rates. It is governed by these signs: https://goo.gl/maps/FQqrHvVvnNS2 (no lorries greater than 7.5t in L2 between 7am and 7pm). It is nevertheless the favourite place for lorries to snail race, despite the signs (no enforcement). A tiny speed differential on any of the rolling hills will cause the faster lorry to pull out.

It is a popular route for lorries coming from the north heading for the channel ports (A1, A14, M11, M25, M20).

The tailbacks behind the lorries are appalling.

Widening is essential but has always been kicked into the long grass.

Thanks for that AZ, I must have used that section years ago, and providing I stayed in Lane 1, I’d have been legal at 44t, although I couldn’t say with my hand on heart that I didn’t ever venture into Lane 2.
For some reason, I had the idea in my mind, that the 2 mile section that Eddie mentioned, was at the South end of the M-Way.

The L2 lorry prohibition is only about 5-10 years old. I think there was a trial at the beginning for a couple of years which improved traffic flow. They then implemented it permanently a year or so later. Over time both the number of lorries has increased and the compliance has decreased leading to that section between the A11 and Stansted (in both directions) being a 50mph traffic jam with snail racers causing massive issues to maintain a couple of mph over their journeys.

[mikeveal]

I'd legislate that every car should be fitted with a single guided car to car missile and 360 degree cameras. The missile should obliterate the car/ truck/cyclist (and occupants) it's aimed at in a crater-less mushroom cloud of metallic / organic vapour.

At MOT time, if your missile has been fired, the video recordings are reviewed and if the use was justified, you get a new missile and no more is said. If the use isn't justified, then its off to gaol for you laddie. Nothing but porridge and sharing a cell with a big hairy fella called "Dorris" for the rest of your days.

Justified use would include, rudeness, cutting people up, failing to move over, refusing to use cycle lanes and pedalling down the middle of the road instead, MLMing, revving your snotty moped, failure to merge in turn or any other deliberately antagonistic behaviour.

It might seem a wee bit extreme at first, but imagine the impact on driver behaviour once the ignorant masses realise that their self centred behaviour will result in their instant annihilation. It would also have the benefit of removing the really stubborn, impolite types from the gene pool. Eugenics by self selection.

[Willy Nilly]

I would either totally remove speed limiter from LGV's or have a graduated system whereby operators can buy a higher limit subject to a few hoops to jump through. That would solve a lot of congestion issues.

[markjmd]

Frank7 said:

Eddieslofart said:

Not actually reading 20 pages, but, Elephant Racing HGV bds. Instant ban for a week, 10 years for second offence.

Ban same bds from lanes 3/4 of a 4 lane stretch. Hang them by the goolies from m/way gantry for 3rd offence.

I’ve been using the M11 this week, can you tell ?

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Sorry, this is somehow supposed to make us feel better about these ridiculous shenanigans?

[Frank7]

markjmd said:

Frank7 said:

Eddieslofart said:

Not actually reading 20 pages, but, Elephant Racing HGV bds. Instant ban for a week, 10 years for second offence.

Ban same bds from lanes 3/4 of a 4 lane stretch. Hang them by the goolies from m/way gantry for 3rd offence.

I’ve been using the M11 this week, can you tell ?

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Sorry, this is somehow supposed to make us feel better about these ridiculous shenanigans?

In all honesty mark, I’m not too bothered HOW you feel.
I tried to politely explain the reasons why it sometimes happens, and at the same time, apologise for holding anyone up whenever I did it, and point out that I was just trying to get from A to B, and sometimes there was no choice but to slowly overtake a slower moving truck.
I guess that I should have known better than to try and explain it, and hope that car drivers would understand, not be happy about it, but to realise that we, or at least I, didn’t do it to annoy you, it was just the way it was.

[mko9]

Frank7 said:

markjmd said:

Frank7 said:

Eddieslofart said:

Not actually reading 20 pages, but, Elephant Racing HGV bds. Instant ban for a week, 10 years for second offence.

Ban same bds from lanes 3/4 of a 4 lane stretch. Hang them by the goolies from m/way gantry for 3rd offence.

I’ve been using the M11 this week, can you tell ?

As an ex trucker, who spent a few years tramping all around Europe, as far East as Poland and Czechoslovakia, (as it was), north to Denmark and Sweden, south to France, Spain, and Portugal, occasionally Italy, and once or twice to Greece, I could try to explain it to you, but I doubt you’d get it, or more likely want to hear it, but take it from me, my hand to God, I, and probably no other trucker did it expressly to annoy you.
All I ever wanted to do, was get from A to B as quickly and safely as I could, if I held you up, without trying or wanting to, I’m sorry, it’s just the way it was.
My Mercedes artic was capable of around 70-71 mph max, many times I came up behind Russian or Ukrainian trucks doing about 68 mph while overtaking another truck doing 63-65, I wasn’t overjoyed at having to keep lifting my foot off the gas, but I had to suffer it.

Sorry, this is somehow supposed to make us feel better about these ridiculous shenanigans?

In all honesty mark, I’m not too bothered HOW you feel.
I tried to politely explain the reasons why it sometimes happens, and at the same time, apologise for holding anyone up whenever I did it, and point out that I was just trying to get from A to B, and sometimes there was no choice but to slowly overtake a slower moving truck.
I guess that I should have known better than to try and explain it, and hope that car drivers would understand, not be happy about it, but to realise that we, or at least I, didn’t do it to annoy you, it was just the way it was.

You are going half a mile per hour faster than the lorry in front of you. In 12 hours, you will have made 5 minutes by executing that 10 minute/10 mile long pass. Assuming there was no other traffic, fuel stops, bathroom breaks, etc, etc. The flip side is the lorry getting passed could give a lift for about 5 seconds and save us all the misery.

[aka_kerrly]

mko9 said:

You are going half a mile per hour faster than the lorry in front of you. In 12 hours, you will have made 5 minutes by executing that 10 minute/10 mile long pass. Assuming there was no other traffic, fuel stops, bathroom breaks, etc, etc. The flip side is the lorry getting passed could give a lift for about 5 seconds and save us all the misery.

You really are blowing this out of all proportion. There are not regular instances of two HGVs taking 10 miles to pass each other, certainly not on the M4/M5/M6/that I am mostly using.

The difference in speed is quite often more than 1-2mph and quite often if one HGV is overtaking another on a 3 lane motorway section you can blame the majority of car drivers who will drive to within 1/2 a car length of the lorry in the middle lane (slowing to sub 60mph in the process) then decide they need to move into the outer lane which is full of cars approaching at 70+mph.

If everyone on the road just took a bit more time to read ahead and anticipate developing situations then it wouldn't be half as bad on the roads!!

[FiF]

aka_kerrly said:

mko9 said:

You are going half a mile per hour faster than the lorry in front of you. In 12 hours, you will have made 5 minutes by executing that 10 minute/10 mile long pass. Assuming there was no other traffic, fuel stops, bathroom breaks, etc, etc. The flip side is the lorry getting passed could give a lift for about 5 seconds and save us all the misery.

You really are blowing this out of all proportion. There are not regular instances of two HGVs taking 10 miles to pass each other, certainly not on the M4/M5/M6/that I am mostly using.

The difference in speed is quite often more than 1-2mph and quite often if one HGV is overtaking another on a 3 lane motorway section you can blame the majority of car drivers who will drive to within 1/2 a car length of the lorry in the middle lane (slowing to sub 60mph in the process) then decide they need to move into the outer lane which is full of cars approaching at 70+mph.

If everyone on the road just took a bit more time to read ahead and anticipate developing situations then it wouldn't be half as bad on the roads!!

Quite. When I started reading all this frothing about elephant racing on PH I started taking notice of the trip mileage reading at the point where I backed off from my normal cruising speed compared to the reading when I resumed my normal cruising pace.

My conclusions were firstly that the allegations of jumbo racing such as above ten miler are sheer fantasy, I have never encountered such.

Secondly these claims that folks have been delayed twenty minutes on their journeys and similar. Again fantasy, possibly from people who haven't left enough time in their plan.

One day I got held up behind a heavy all the way from the A34 junction with the M4 right to Sutton Scotney, not elephant racing but an abnormal load. It made 35 to 40 most of the way which wasn't bad I thought, considering the size of it, though some other drivers appeared to be losing their cool. I still made my appointment in Southampton on time, close admittedly, but on time.

[TooMany2cvs]

FiF said:

My conclusions were firstly that the allegations of jumbo racing such as above ten miler are sheer fantasy, I have never encountered such.

Secondly these claims that folks have been delayed twenty minutes on their journeys and similar. Again fantasy, possibly from people who haven't left enough time in their plan.

Even if the "ten mile" figure was accurate...
10 miles at 56mph = 10min 42sec
10 miles at 70mph = 8min 34sec

Two minutes would be "lost", not twenty.

[FiF]

TooMany2cvs said:

FiF said:

My conclusions were firstly that the allegations of jumbo racing such as above ten miler are sheer fantasy, I have never encountered such.

Secondly these claims that folks have been delayed twenty minutes on their journeys and similar. Again fantasy, possibly from people who haven't left enough time in their plan.

Even if the "ten mile" figure was accurate...
10 miles at 56mph = 10min 42sec
10 miles at 70mph = 8min 34sec

Two minutes would be "lost", not twenty.

That's the point actually, yet you get lots of folks banging on about got held up for twenty minutes here or thirty minutes there on thread after thread. On the above the implication by whoever was that they were held up for ten minutes, implication ten minutes delay. They lost nothing like that, IF the ten miles is accurate, which ime it never is and thus the whole original complaint is bks.