So much for safety - bad tarmac

[Globulators]

SO much for safety, a type of tarmac (stone mastic asphalt, or SMA) has been known about since the '60s, declared unsafe by the Germans and the Dutch, restricted and resurfaced by the Irish.

According to our very own safety conscious Highways Agency: "just because roads require further investigation, it doesn't necessarily mean they are unsafe".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/file_on_4/4278419.stm

BBC said:

Police crash investigators have become concerned because, in certain conditions, some do not offer much grip for up to two years until they have bedded in. 'Gentle hiss' Sergeant Jim Allen said he experienced grave difficulties when conducting routine skid tests in optimum conditions on a Derbyshire road newly laid with SMA. "It was a sunny day in August. I jumped on the brakes and the car just kept going and going. "Instead of the scream of tyre on road and a cloud of smoke there was just a gentle hiss as I passed over the road, and I skidded far further than I ever expected to."

They lead, we follow: "just because I did 140mph through the village doesn't necessarily mean that is unsafe, officer".

[Streetcop]

Just seen a report on the TV about the A1/M1 link road in West Yorkshire...suffering with aquaplaning and other problems...

[streaky]

Globulators said:

... tarmac ... resurfaced by the Irish.

Streaky

[Balmoral Green]

This must be what they have put on the A52 as you go into Derby at Spondon. Left hand curve was comfortable at the 70 speed limit, and easy at 20-30 beyond that. It was resurfaced about two years ago and now it is brown trouser territory well below the speed limit. It is like driving on oil or ice. I always hang well back now if there is a spirited driver ahead of me here, have seen more than a few wiggles.