Incomplete Barrier 40 Limit?
Discussion
I’ve just been on the M11. The particular stretch has been a disaster for a few days due (I think) to an accident that damaged the central barrier. The stretch was down to one lane in each direction due to repairs to the barrier, but now it seems to be fully open but with a 40 limit - presumably the barrier repairs have not gone well.
My question is why the 40 limit? Even with a dodgy barrier it is presumably as safe (probably more so) than your average busy single carriageway NSL road. If a reduction is thought to be necessary why not 60?
I worry that it will now remain like this for some time - a stretch of the A11 had a 40 limit for literally years with the same reason given. As already the case with the new problem on the M11, many drivers completely ignored the signs, which can’t be helpful to safety with the big speed differentials it causes.
My question is why the 40 limit? Even with a dodgy barrier it is presumably as safe (probably more so) than your average busy single carriageway NSL road. If a reduction is thought to be necessary why not 60?
I worry that it will now remain like this for some time - a stretch of the A11 had a 40 limit for literally years with the same reason given. As already the case with the new problem on the M11, many drivers completely ignored the signs, which can’t be helpful to safety with the big speed differentials it causes.
These temp 40 limits are a danger because so many drivers ignore them.
Previously there was a damaged barrier on the A34 located a bit south of the M4 and a 40 limit was imposed for 100 meters. My adaptive cruise control adapted but the HGV behind had no intention of complying with the law and attempted an overtake but was only level when the NSL resumed.
There is currently a similar 40 mph between Bicester and Aylesbury which has been in place for months waiting for a barrier repair and again if the limit is observed then you are vulnerable to the antics of following traffic.
Previously there was a damaged barrier on the A34 located a bit south of the M4 and a 40 limit was imposed for 100 meters. My adaptive cruise control adapted but the HGV behind had no intention of complying with the law and attempted an overtake but was only level when the NSL resumed.
There is currently a similar 40 mph between Bicester and Aylesbury which has been in place for months waiting for a barrier repair and again if the limit is observed then you are vulnerable to the antics of following traffic.
Limits for barrier issues often seem to make no sense. I know a road with a temporary 30mph limit (reduced from 60mph) because of 'damaged barrier'.
The rest of the same road has no barriers at all, is just as safe/dangerous and is 60mph NSL.
And of course in spite of the fact that this stretch of barrier is absolutely essential, nothing has been done to repair it in 2 years.
The rest of the same road has no barriers at all, is just as safe/dangerous and is 60mph NSL.
And of course in spite of the fact that this stretch of barrier is absolutely essential, nothing has been done to repair it in 2 years.
I went down the same stretch of the M11 on Tuesday in my way to the EuroTunnel & thought pretty much the same thing.
Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
Car bon said:
I went down the same stretch of the M11 on Tuesday in my way to the EuroTunnel & thought pretty much the same thing.
Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
If you were out doing repairs ,what speed would you be happy with for cars to past you, 40 or 55 ?Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
Car bon said:
lancslad58 said:
If you were out doing repairs ,what speed would you be happy with for cars to past you, 40 or 55 ?
That would be assuming that someone was doing repairs.... they certainly weren't on the M11. Both lanes open & not a person in sight, just a 40mph limit for miles.Actual said:
These temp 40 limits are a danger because so many drivers ignore them.
Previously there was a damaged barrier on the A34 located a bit south of the M4 and a 40 limit was imposed for 100 meters. My adaptive cruise control adapted but the HGV behind had no intention of complying with the law and attempted an overtake but was only level when the NSL resumed.
There is currently a similar 40 mph between Bicester and Aylesbury which has been in place for months waiting for a barrier repair and again if the limit is observed then you are vulnerable to the antics of following traffic.
Another reason I don’t use that tech. Until almost every vehicle has it, it’s asking for trouble. Previously there was a damaged barrier on the A34 located a bit south of the M4 and a 40 limit was imposed for 100 meters. My adaptive cruise control adapted but the HGV behind had no intention of complying with the law and attempted an overtake but was only level when the NSL resumed.
There is currently a similar 40 mph between Bicester and Aylesbury which has been in place for months waiting for a barrier repair and again if the limit is observed then you are vulnerable to the antics of following traffic.
lancslad58 said:
Do you expect them to take the cones away at the end of the days work and then put them back the next day before they start the repair work.
and there were no cones either - both lanes fully open, just a 40mph limit - mostly through electronic signs though there were probably a few physical ones as well, I don't recall 100%lancslad58 said:
Car bon said:
I went down the same stretch of the M11 on Tuesday in my way to the EuroTunnel & thought pretty much the same thing.
Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
If you were out doing repairs ,what speed would you be happy with for cars to past you, 40 or 55 ?Once in France they had sections being worked on with contraflows - oncoming traffic separated by cones - and didn't feel the need to drop to 40mph IIRC they were 90kph (55mph)
But as pointed out, 90% of the time there's nobody there to hit.
Its unbelievable.
Yesterday I drove to `decathlon near Limoges (France). Large "A" road around Limoges, quite busy. Happened upon a crash between a lorry and a car, car stranded straddling the white line.
Road closed? Nope.
Just a policeman directing traffic around the side of the car to make sure we kept moving, while another was dragging the car off to the side sharpish so both lanes didnt have to alternate. No drama, not much of a queue. (2 minutes maybe).
The UK would have had that closed for 3 days, would have waited for 87 recovery lorries to move the car while here a big police van just dragged it out of the way.
Yesterday I drove to `decathlon near Limoges (France). Large "A" road around Limoges, quite busy. Happened upon a crash between a lorry and a car, car stranded straddling the white line.
Road closed? Nope.
Just a policeman directing traffic around the side of the car to make sure we kept moving, while another was dragging the car off to the side sharpish so both lanes didnt have to alternate. No drama, not much of a queue. (2 minutes maybe).
The UK would have had that closed for 3 days, would have waited for 87 recovery lorries to move the car while here a big police van just dragged it out of the way.
Foss62 said:
I ve just been on the M11. The particular stretch has been a disaster for a few days due (I think) to an accident that damaged the central barrier. The stretch was down to one lane in each direction due to repairs to the barrier, but now it seems to be fully open but with a 40 limit - presumably the barrier repairs have not gone well.
My question is why the 40 limit? Even with a dodgy barrier it is presumably as safe (probably more so) than your average busy single carriageway NSL road. If a reduction is thought to be necessary why not 60?
I worry that it will now remain like this for some time - a stretch of the A11 had a 40 limit for literally years with the same reason given. As already the case with the new problem on the M11, many drivers completely ignored the signs, which can t be helpful to safety with the big speed differentials it causes.
Good point. In Wales we have 2 stretches of knackered barriers (Swansea North between J45 and J46) and A48(M) towards old Severn bridge. And in both cases they've been 50mph (and widely ignore) for several years now.My question is why the 40 limit? Even with a dodgy barrier it is presumably as safe (probably more so) than your average busy single carriageway NSL road. If a reduction is thought to be necessary why not 60?
I worry that it will now remain like this for some time - a stretch of the A11 had a 40 limit for literally years with the same reason given. As already the case with the new problem on the M11, many drivers completely ignored the signs, which can t be helpful to safety with the big speed differentials it causes.
lancslad58 said:
Do you expect them to take the cones away at the end of the days work and then put them back the next day before they start the repair work.
It depends on the type of works.Ive got a barrier repair for 5 nights next week where the same lane closure will be installed and removed each night.
Steviesam said:
Its unbelievable.
Yesterday I drove to `decathlon near Limoges (France). Large "A" road around Limoges, quite busy. Happened upon a crash between a lorry and a car, car stranded straddling the white line.
Road closed? Nope.
Just a policeman directing traffic around the side of the car to make sure we kept moving, while another was dragging the car off to the side sharpish so both lanes didnt have to alternate. No drama, not much of a queue. (2 minutes maybe).
The UK would have had that closed for 3 days, would have waited for 87 recovery lorries to move the car while here a big police van just dragged it out of the way.
I think forensic standards may be different, if a fatal accident. For non-fatal accidents in U.K., they seem pretty sharpish at getting the traffic moving, and we would use Highways vehicles not police.Yesterday I drove to `decathlon near Limoges (France). Large "A" road around Limoges, quite busy. Happened upon a crash between a lorry and a car, car stranded straddling the white line.
Road closed? Nope.
Just a policeman directing traffic around the side of the car to make sure we kept moving, while another was dragging the car off to the side sharpish so both lanes didnt have to alternate. No drama, not much of a queue. (2 minutes maybe).
The UK would have had that closed for 3 days, would have waited for 87 recovery lorries to move the car while here a big police van just dragged it out of the way.
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