M4 biggest revenue grab ever?
Discussion
Had the misfortune to have to travel down the M4 from London to Swindon today.
There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
I'm commuting from Reading to Swindon so have the last few miles of average 50 to deal with. The cameras in the national speed limit have "Camera Not In Use" signage and I've been accelerating to NSl (and beyond) through those cameras for as long as they've been there. I occasionally have to go all the way along the M4 and the 50 is painfull, especially as they're rear facing and im on a bike....bring back the good old front facing cameras I say! haha
Rasta Pickles said:
Had the misfortune to have to travel down the M4 from London to Swindon today.
There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
Yaaaaawn!There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
Rasta Pickles said:
Had the misfortune to have to travel down the M4 from London to Swindon today.
There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
And your problem is?There is (at least) a 20 mile stretch of the road subject to a 50mph limit due to roadworks (no workers present and, of course, the limit was rigorously enforced by SPECS cameras).
A review of my dashcam footage counted 64 SPECS cameras.
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
The thing that amused me most? Well, the powers-that-be obviously know that they're p1$$1ng motorists off so there were a further two sets of SPECS cameras long after the national speed limit had been reinstated.
As in, Joe Bloggs is going to floor the accelerator to try and make up for the time he's lost over the last 20 miles.
Genius.
Maybe there was nobody working at the time, but do you seriously them to remove the roadworks when they are not working?
I am always wary of the the average speed cameras with the camera not in use signs, upto 70 but no more. I do find that section of roadworks a pain as it so long..
There should be a limit on how long a section of roadworks can be, I think 20 miles is just too long. As much as the 50 limit is frustrating, when the road is busy I think it is appropriate as everyone is squashed up in the narrow lanes and cars are getting wider all the time.
There should be a limit on how long a section of roadworks can be, I think 20 miles is just too long. As much as the 50 limit is frustrating, when the road is busy I think it is appropriate as everyone is squashed up in the narrow lanes and cars are getting wider all the time.
Ashtray83 said:
So it takes you what? 6 minutes longer no big deal really
Multiplied by how many cars that's a lot of lost hours and days. Delays cost 8 billion last year.. That's way way more than all the police cuts it would be the equalent of doubling the central government contribution to policing. If you prefer it is £1317 per driver so it is part of a big deal. Edited by Graveworm on Sunday 16th June 11:38
My brother broke down last night/this morning on the M25, alternator problem so I went to help by bringing jump leads (wasn’t aware of the issue at the time, car cut out and wouldn’t turn on). Anyways we spent a good 2 hours on the hard shoulder before the recovery came and seeing the cars and lorries zoom past anywhere between 56 and 70 - 80 mph really was an eye opener, it suddenly made sense as to why the average speed cameras are there when there are road works and why they won’t raise the national speed limit.
Modern cars are capable of comfortably cruising at 90+ but unfortunately the risk of human error is too high and there would be a lot more fatalities. A new Golf TDI can comfortably and safely cruise at 90 but can a car like a 2007 Citreon C1? Can it handle crosswinds etc at that speed, Too dangerous I reckon, my experience this morning has slowed me down to an extent.
Modern cars are capable of comfortably cruising at 90+ but unfortunately the risk of human error is too high and there would be a lot more fatalities. A new Golf TDI can comfortably and safely cruise at 90 but can a car like a 2007 Citreon C1? Can it handle crosswinds etc at that speed, Too dangerous I reckon, my experience this morning has slowed me down to an extent.
Chestrockwell said:
My brother broke down last night/this morning on the M25, alternator problem so I went to help by bringing jump leads (wasn’t aware of the issue at the time, car cut out and wouldn’t turn on). Anyways we spent a good 2 hours on the hard shoulder before the recovery came and seeing the cars and lorries zoom past anywhere between 56 and 70 - 80 mph really was an eye opener, it suddenly made sense as to why the average speed cameras are there when there are road works and why they won’t raise the national speed limit.
Modern cars are capable of comfortably cruising at 90+ but unfortunately the risk of human error is too high and there would be a lot more fatalities. A new Golf TDI can comfortably and safely cruise at 90 but can a car like a 2007 Citreon C1? Can it handle crosswinds etc at that speed, Too dangerous I reckon, my experience this morning has slowed me down to an extent.
Glad you survived. Hard Shoulders are notorious for accidents, in future leave it to recovery!Modern cars are capable of comfortably cruising at 90+ but unfortunately the risk of human error is too high and there would be a lot more fatalities. A new Golf TDI can comfortably and safely cruise at 90 but can a car like a 2007 Citreon C1? Can it handle crosswinds etc at that speed, Too dangerous I reckon, my experience this morning has slowed me down to an extent.
Graveworm said:
Multiplied by how many cars that's a lot of lost hours and days. Delays cost 8 billion last year.. That's way way more than all the police cuts it would be the equalent of doubling the central government contribution to tax. If you prefer it is £1317 per driver so it is part of a big deal.
But if there were no delays on any roads the police wouldn't get a single extra penny because of it. (It's a bit like the brexit bus figure)hyphen said:
Glad you survived. Hard Shoulders are notorious for accidents, in future leave it to recovery!
Used the SOS phone to make the highways agency we’re getting the car recovered, their logic was that we had to stay with the car because the hazards weren’t working ?! Even more dangerous the tribester said:
You know where there's ave speed camera areas, so set off 6 minutes earlier.
Then wait for your refund cheque for £1317 to arrive in the post!
Simplies.
Obviously not a commuter. 12 mins lost each day. 1 hour lost a week. 52 hours a year. Then wait for your refund cheque for £1317 to arrive in the post!
Simplies.
Had the misfortune of M3 roadworks for years. Even now it still has roadworks due to drains collapsing/shoddy tarmac.
I feel for you.
Drumroll said:
But if there were no delays on any roads the police wouldn't get a single extra penny because of it. (It's a bit like the brexit bus figure)
The Brexit figure is save X but lose Y. The argument is not the same. The NET cost of congestion is 8 billion. The Gross costs are eye watering ..
https://www.ibtta.org/sites/default/files/document...
If the economy were 8 billion bigger everyone would benefit it's basic economics. That much money has tangible benefits for public services etc. Conversely taking that much out of the economy does measurable harm. Indirectly in the starkest terms it will result in many unnecessary deaths.
Edited by Graveworm on Sunday 16th June 08:47
Rasta Pickles said:
If only the powers-that-be invested half as much enthusiasm into catching burglars eh?
Not going to happen. Think of all the extra insurance premium tax they collect after your premiums have gone up following a claim. Think of all the VAT they rake in from the purchase of replacements for stolen items. The government likes burglars.Drumroll said:
And your problem is?
Maybe there was nobody working at the time, but do you seriously them to remove the roadworks when they are not working?
No reason why they couldn't relax the speed limit.Maybe there was nobody working at the time, but do you seriously them to remove the roadworks when they are not working?
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