Malmesbury to Cricklade road - why the 50mph limit
Discussion
This road (B 4040) used to be one of the greats in Wiltshire. Good clear straights with smooth progressive bends, few villages and even fewer farms, but this morning when I took this route for a change only to find a blanket 50mph limit between Charlton & Minety (and most likely beyond here between Minety & Cricklade)...why????
It was, of course, previously a 60mph limit anyway, and with so few hazards why on earth impose a speed reduction of 10mph
The only reason I can think of is that you occasionally come across horse riders (there's signs warning drivers of these anyway).
There's no logic in a speed limit of 50 on this road when other roads nearby with heavier traffic and more bends are at 60! (I'd better shut up otherwise they'll go them same way!)
It was, of course, previously a 60mph limit anyway, and with so few hazards why on earth impose a speed reduction of 10mph

The only reason I can think of is that you occasionally come across horse riders (there's signs warning drivers of these anyway).
There's no logic in a speed limit of 50 on this road when other roads nearby with heavier traffic and more bends are at 60! (I'd better shut up otherwise they'll go them same way!)

Yep, more chance to raise revenue.
Like any of our roads, where higher speed limits were OK for the days when cars had minimal brakes (transmission brakes, or drums all round operated by rods or cables, no servo or hydraulics), bad handling and so on.
Now that we have cars with vastly better brakes and handling and fewer chances to enjoy driving because of the sheer amount of traffic, we have little Hitlers imposing their little bit of power. I can picture their whining voices now, smirking as they lower limits all round and then consider imposing revenue cameras.
Like any of our roads, where higher speed limits were OK for the days when cars had minimal brakes (transmission brakes, or drums all round operated by rods or cables, no servo or hydraulics), bad handling and so on.
Now that we have cars with vastly better brakes and handling and fewer chances to enjoy driving because of the sheer amount of traffic, we have little Hitlers imposing their little bit of power. I can picture their whining voices now, smirking as they lower limits all round and then consider imposing revenue cameras.
Paul - 50mph speed limits are popping up everywhere in Wilts, Gloucs, Berks & Oxon.
They are imposed by Local Government Officers, who by definition have neither the dosh nor the imagination to own a powerful, fun sports car. Instead they drive their 2.4 children and dog around in a Shitroen Saxo and want everyone else to do the same. We are anathema to them, but while they may not have the fun, they have the power.

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