Speeding and limits
Discussion
Sitting at home after a more than brisk journey on the M3 I was wondering about speed limits.
I think the minimum speed should be 60mph (inc coaches / trucks) and the max 120 on a motorway (in daylight, good condition car and alert driver)
I know there are lots of enforceability / complications / factors / arguments etc for and against speed. My question is : What are your
Min speeds
Max speeds
As a foot note the congestion charge in London had a target to reduce traffic volume by 10% in 2 years and cost millions and makes millions. Increasing the speed limits 20% will reduce traffic volume by up to 20%, because everyone’s journeys CAN take 20% less time.
Or am I being selfish ?
P.S I am sure I was done by a mobile detector van on the A4. My only hope is that since it was lunchtime the operators were up front munching sandwiches.
>>> Edited by cyrus1971 on Thursday 15th July 13:29
I think the minimum speed should be 60mph (inc coaches / trucks) and the max 120 on a motorway (in daylight, good condition car and alert driver)
I know there are lots of enforceability / complications / factors / arguments etc for and against speed. My question is : What are your
Min speeds
Max speeds
As a foot note the congestion charge in London had a target to reduce traffic volume by 10% in 2 years and cost millions and makes millions. Increasing the speed limits 20% will reduce traffic volume by up to 20%, because everyone’s journeys CAN take 20% less time.
Or am I being selfish ?
P.S I am sure I was done by a mobile detector van on the A4. My only hope is that since it was lunchtime the operators were up front munching sandwiches.
>>> Edited by cyrus1971 on Thursday 15th July 13:29
I concur with you generally.
How old is the 70mph speed limit? 40years or there about - just think how much car technology has come on during that time, better breaking systems, stability control, headlight etc etc.
These days cars can stop more quickly and more safely, so isn't it time for a review?
OK I accept that there are more vehicles on the roads and this means more idiots not paying attention - but, make the driving test harder (some advanced stuff) and a regular test / check up?
How old is the 70mph speed limit? 40years or there about - just think how much car technology has come on during that time, better breaking systems, stability control, headlight etc etc.
These days cars can stop more quickly and more safely, so isn't it time for a review?
OK I accept that there are more vehicles on the roads and this means more idiots not paying attention - but, make the driving test harder (some advanced stuff) and a regular test / check up?
Motorway (min 3 lanes) - no limit except in wet, 80mph
Dual carriage ways (2 lanes) - 80mph
Main roads - 45mph
side streets single parked 30mph
side streets double parked 20mph
Any cameras take 2 pictures, one for proving the speed, the other giving a broader view behind and well in front of the car. Say, a further 400m. This would be used to prove conditions and density of other traffic as mitigating circumstances.
Dual carriage ways (2 lanes) - 80mph
Main roads - 45mph
side streets single parked 30mph
side streets double parked 20mph
Any cameras take 2 pictures, one for proving the speed, the other giving a broader view behind and well in front of the car. Say, a further 400m. This would be used to prove conditions and density of other traffic as mitigating circumstances.
Bit of a motorway diversion here... but I've been shouting for ages that rush hours (06.00 - 9.00 & 16.00 - 19.00) should see heavy vehicles restricted to the inside lane only (no minimum speed) - minimum speed for lane 2 and (if there is one) overtaking lane 60 mph.
...Which would stop the 6 mile overtaking manoeuvre where one lorry is doing 50 and the other 50.1 mph
I guess 90 would be a 'sensible' max speed. At least I could get into 3rd
...Which would stop the 6 mile overtaking manoeuvre where one lorry is doing 50 and the other 50.1 mph
I guess 90 would be a 'sensible' max speed. At least I could get into 3rd
120 is way too fast. One sneeze and its all over!!
Also, you have to consider the potential 60mph difference between two lanes - careless overtaking would result in a pile-up, completely ruining your day.
How many times have you had near heart-failure when some-one's pulled out in front of you? Imagine that as the norm...
Also, you have to consider the potential 60mph difference between two lanes - careless overtaking would result in a pile-up, completely ruining your day.
How many times have you had near heart-failure when some-one's pulled out in front of you? Imagine that as the norm...
911 habit said:
Not 120. The majority of cars in this country are almost uncontrollable in an unpanned situaton at that speed.
Wouldn't the world be a safer place if everyone drove Porsches? - or at least decent cars!
Yes, the world would also be far nicer if we could all afford porsches.
I drive in Germany nearly each day. Standard of driving in the Dusseldorf/Essen/Cologne area far higher that my native Surrey. Autobahns have speed restrictions where necessary - merging lanes from the right, some narrow sections and some sections with pronounced curves. They just get on with it over here and it works.
Int cities and when coming into towns/villages, everybody slows down to the official speed limit. Respect for the people who live there.
Basically, if you treat people like adults they will behave accordingly. Sadly missing from the UK not just with traffic regulations but in other aspects of life there.
>> Edited by silver993tt on Friday 16th July 07:40
Int cities and when coming into towns/villages, everybody slows down to the official speed limit. Respect for the people who live there.
Basically, if you treat people like adults they will behave accordingly. Sadly missing from the UK not just with traffic regulations but in other aspects of life there.
>> Edited by silver993tt on Friday 16th July 07:40
Thanks for your contributions.
However I really don't get the point "People cant handle 120 mph" Germany has had this for years. I have driven there at over 170 for long periods, slowing for cars as they appear. It is just about upping your game.
We live in a society of excuse makers indulging poor standards by building values & laws on a foundation of the inadequate norm. A society low on analysis and evidence driven decision making and high on emotion & value judgements.
It is simply about standards.
I wish the Police would stop a goofy fools sat in an inappropriate lane blocking traffic.
While I am having a rant : The man sitting at 90 mph blocking me and “tut tutting” as I eventually pass by wanting to go faster is oblivious to his hypocrisy since who is he to say his version of law breaking is more acceptable than mine !
However I really don't get the point "People cant handle 120 mph" Germany has had this for years. I have driven there at over 170 for long periods, slowing for cars as they appear. It is just about upping your game.
We live in a society of excuse makers indulging poor standards by building values & laws on a foundation of the inadequate norm. A society low on analysis and evidence driven decision making and high on emotion & value judgements.
It is simply about standards.
I wish the Police would stop a goofy fools sat in an inappropriate lane blocking traffic.
While I am having a rant : The man sitting at 90 mph blocking me and “tut tutting” as I eventually pass by wanting to go faster is oblivious to his hypocrisy since who is he to say his version of law breaking is more acceptable than mine !
The problem of lorries overtaking is that they are limited to 58mph mechanically. That means it is impossible to "just slip past". Once back in lane one it can be hard to get back out to lane two to overtake and it is the most dangerous move they have to perform on a motorway, (with the lorry at fault if he hits another vehicle). For that reason they tend to hang onto lane 2 sometimes.
In fairness I see more cars sitting in lane 2 for extended periods than large vehicles. At least a lorry will pull back into lane 1 one the overtaking has been completed.
You only have to see how many people joining a motorway swing straight into lane 2 when lane 1 is free to realise their perception of where they think they should position their car.
I get a very good overview of the motorway from driving both Supercars capable of 200mph as well as trailers and heavy vehicles.
As for speed limits I don`t think the 100mph instant ban is too far wrong. The problem is that 70 mph is obviously too slow and hence the "grey area" where certain forces don`t prosecute below 80 or 90 mph - except for that twat in Wales what ever his name is / was.
90mph maximum in the dry with no grey area. Prosecutions over 90mph (subject to a coupel of MPH to allow for equipement error).
In the wet sometimes even 70 is too fast. Having been backwards at 120 in the GT3 on water and oil I can confirm it`s no fun - even less fun on the road with no run off - roll cage or friendly marshalls to cut you out and stick you back together should the need arise !
Henry
In fairness I see more cars sitting in lane 2 for extended periods than large vehicles. At least a lorry will pull back into lane 1 one the overtaking has been completed.
You only have to see how many people joining a motorway swing straight into lane 2 when lane 1 is free to realise their perception of where they think they should position their car.
I get a very good overview of the motorway from driving both Supercars capable of 200mph as well as trailers and heavy vehicles.
As for speed limits I don`t think the 100mph instant ban is too far wrong. The problem is that 70 mph is obviously too slow and hence the "grey area" where certain forces don`t prosecute below 80 or 90 mph - except for that twat in Wales what ever his name is / was.
90mph maximum in the dry with no grey area. Prosecutions over 90mph (subject to a coupel of MPH to allow for equipement error).
In the wet sometimes even 70 is too fast. Having been backwards at 120 in the GT3 on water and oil I can confirm it`s no fun - even less fun on the road with no run off - roll cage or friendly marshalls to cut you out and stick you back together should the need arise !
Henry
cyrus - I totally agree.
As an outsider, every time I come to the UK, I see the average standard of driving has made another step change downwards.
The roads of this country are driven by zombies. The philosophy is clearly "If I follow the speed limit signs and don't get gatsoed, then clearly I am driving safely". So they take their brains out, and sit in the middle lane on motorways.
Personally I now undertake on motorways, I am so fed up with a string of ten cars all sitting in the middle, each inches away from the car in front. If I get pulled over, I think I could make a convincing case that easing past traffic on the inside lane is considerably less dangerous than doing 69.9 mph in the middle with your brain replaced by cheese.
Driving has become totally joyless in the UK. Speed humps, gatsoes, digital cameras, tut-tutting Daily Mail readers, car envy, mindless vandalism.
Kudos to all of you who own Porsches and other great cars over here, because honestly I'm not sure that I could justify it.
As an outsider, every time I come to the UK, I see the average standard of driving has made another step change downwards.
The roads of this country are driven by zombies. The philosophy is clearly "If I follow the speed limit signs and don't get gatsoed, then clearly I am driving safely". So they take their brains out, and sit in the middle lane on motorways.
Personally I now undertake on motorways, I am so fed up with a string of ten cars all sitting in the middle, each inches away from the car in front. If I get pulled over, I think I could make a convincing case that easing past traffic on the inside lane is considerably less dangerous than doing 69.9 mph in the middle with your brain replaced by cheese.
Driving has become totally joyless in the UK. Speed humps, gatsoes, digital cameras, tut-tutting Daily Mail readers, car envy, mindless vandalism.
Kudos to all of you who own Porsches and other great cars over here, because honestly I'm not sure that I could justify it.
"In fairness I see more cars sitting in lane 2 for extended periods than large vehicles. At least a lorry will pull back into lane 1 one the overtaking has been completed."
There has been a spate of LHD lorries taking out cars on the M25 around here (Egham)-TAKE CARE AND GIVE THEM SPACE!! Not all the truckers fault when cars just blindly carry on in the middle lane, IMNVHO!!
"You only have to see how many people joining a motorway swing straight into lane 2 when lane 1 is free to realise their perception of where they think they should position their car."
According to my version of the Highway Code, when joining the motorway, one is supposed to adjust one's speed to the traffic on the motorway -this seems to have gone completely out of the window these days........towing the car with the motorhome, and I guess Henners has the same prob, there is nowhere to go quickly in one of rigs....if you want to give 'joiners' room, lane three seems the only place to go to get out of their way, and with a trailer, that ain't allowed......
Mind you, just the same on track -remember that red turbo at Combe, Henry/Iguana????
I've got so pissed off with the attitude of other cars on the road to just wanting to go quickly,that I haven't bothered to renew the tax or MOT on the Cup Car at present....will just plod along in the 4x4...
Harris -cannot but agree!!
Rant over!
Mel
>> Edited by Melv on Friday 16th July 11:50
There has been a spate of LHD lorries taking out cars on the M25 around here (Egham)-TAKE CARE AND GIVE THEM SPACE!! Not all the truckers fault when cars just blindly carry on in the middle lane, IMNVHO!!
"You only have to see how many people joining a motorway swing straight into lane 2 when lane 1 is free to realise their perception of where they think they should position their car."
According to my version of the Highway Code, when joining the motorway, one is supposed to adjust one's speed to the traffic on the motorway -this seems to have gone completely out of the window these days........towing the car with the motorhome, and I guess Henners has the same prob, there is nowhere to go quickly in one of rigs....if you want to give 'joiners' room, lane three seems the only place to go to get out of their way, and with a trailer, that ain't allowed......
Mind you, just the same on track -remember that red turbo at Combe, Henry/Iguana????
I've got so pissed off with the attitude of other cars on the road to just wanting to go quickly,that I haven't bothered to renew the tax or MOT on the Cup Car at present....will just plod along in the 4x4...
Harris -cannot but agree!!
Rant over!
Mel
>> Edited by Melv on Friday 16th July 11:50
Harris_I said:
cyrus - I totally agree.
As an outsider, every time I come to the UK, I see the average standard of driving has made another step change downwards.
The roads of this country are driven by zombies. The philosophy is clearly "If I follow the speed limit signs and don't get gatsoed, then clearly I am driving safely". So they take their brains out, and sit in the middle lane on motorways.
Personally I now undertake on motorways, I am so fed up with a string of ten cars all sitting in the middle, each inches away from the car in front. If I get pulled over, I think I could make a convincing case that easing past traffic on the inside lane is considerably less dangerous than doing 69.9 mph in the middle with your brain replaced by cheese.
Driving has become totally joyless in the UK. Speed humps, gatsoes, digital cameras, tut-tutting Daily Mail readers, car envy, mindless vandalism.
Kudos to all of you who own Porsches and other great cars over here, because honestly I'm not sure that I could justify it.
I also agree (as long as you are leaving out the Western Highlands of Scotland from that equation!)
Steve
I agree with much that has been said, but feel that the "Joy of Driving" (too old now for the other "Joy of...") is even more threatened by the ever-increasing creep of speed restrictions on rural roads where previously unrestricted. Many roads in the Peak District are now 50mph with numerous fixed and floating cameras, with no reason for the additional restriction IMHO. Personally, and with all the provisos about the difference between corners on trackdays as opposed to public roads, I get more satisfaction from making good progress on these roads than motorways, although the lack of attention or any pride in driving skills is equally apparent everywhere.
Steve
Steve
henry-F said:
The problem of lorries overtaking is that they are limited to 58mph mechanically.
One answer is to re-restrict them to 80 mph ? Truckers are some of the best drivers on the road and they are gagging to go faster. This will lower total number of trucks on road too due to shorter journey times.
Still not got an answer to the question of how does Germany manage so well ? Basically "better" drivers I guess ? But what of the Trucks – aren’t they restricted there too ?
Sad but true - beaten again, better cars and better drivers ?
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