I love the police.
Discussion
That`s right. I think all serving police officers, particularly in the traffic division are hard working, caring human beings doing a difficult job. (I read the rules re: postings on this forum).
Now then - I think I might have the solution to the mayhem that is about to erupt as people start damaging speed cameras, it`s not rocket science either. Sort the speed limit out.
People view drink driving as anti social because when you`re pissed you can`t drive a car and react properly. You`re a menace on the road and are going to injure someone, hopefully yourself.
The reason people don`t view speeding as anti social is because the speed limits are wrong. When they were set the braking distance for your average car was probably three times what it is today. I`ll wager I could bring my car to rest from 100mph in less distance than the highway code tells me I should be allocating for 70mph. An electronically aided Porsche on good rubber is a little better at slowing down than a 1975 Hillman Hunter on Ye Olde Rubber company covers.
I race a Porsche GT3 on the track, I spend most of the time at well in excess of 100mph, I leave braking to the last minute, most corners see the car out of shape and yet I still drive at 30mph through built up areas. On the motorway I don`t travel at 70mph though.
Through my racing I have spun, hit or been hit. I have also seen some massive shunts. I realise that as a driver you are not immortal. A normal road user might only spin their car once or twice in a lifetime. I mention this just in case someone thinks I`m some boy racer with something to prove. I`m not. People are well aware how quickly the cars I drive will go, if they want to race me I`m well up for it - just get an MSA race licence and some numbers on your car then enter a sanctioned race meeting. I won`t even race people on a trackday.
Speed cameras in built up areas where there is a risk of injuring people and the road is clearly marked as such with clearly defined Speed notices are a very good idea indeed and I applaud them.
Speed cameras on a wide road in the open countryside with good forward visiblitiy are not such a good idea and I can see why people might want to deface them.
The problem is that the government / dept of transport / police are crying wolf. Put speed limits in force where they need to be and relax them where they do not. That way they will carry more weight, people will respect them and motorists who decide to break that limit will be seen as anti social.
Can any serving Traffic officer honestly come on this forum and defend a limit of 70mph on a clear motorway in good weather. Especially when 95% of motorists break that limit even if only by a few miles an hour.
Rather than have an "unofficial" speed limit in some areas below which people won`t be prosecuted why not have proper limits then enforce them. 100mph on a busy motorway is dangerous. 85 or 90 mph when circumstances allow is not. Admit it and then let`s set about improving the genreral driving standard of people in the areas that count, ie. observancy, car control, road discipline and vehicle maintenance and preparation.
One final point. Whilst travelling along the M40 the other evening I was flashed by an unmarked car and told to slow down via an electric sign in the back of the car. I wasn`t being silly, but I slowed down as asked, as did several other motorists in the next 15 or 20 minutes. What a fantastic way to enforce speed. In one shift probably 40 or 50 people will be dealt with as I was, rather than 3 or 4 people who will have gone away feeling alienated against the Police with their 3 points and £40. Well done lads, credit where credit is due.
Now then - I think I might have the solution to the mayhem that is about to erupt as people start damaging speed cameras, it`s not rocket science either. Sort the speed limit out.
People view drink driving as anti social because when you`re pissed you can`t drive a car and react properly. You`re a menace on the road and are going to injure someone, hopefully yourself.
The reason people don`t view speeding as anti social is because the speed limits are wrong. When they were set the braking distance for your average car was probably three times what it is today. I`ll wager I could bring my car to rest from 100mph in less distance than the highway code tells me I should be allocating for 70mph. An electronically aided Porsche on good rubber is a little better at slowing down than a 1975 Hillman Hunter on Ye Olde Rubber company covers.
I race a Porsche GT3 on the track, I spend most of the time at well in excess of 100mph, I leave braking to the last minute, most corners see the car out of shape and yet I still drive at 30mph through built up areas. On the motorway I don`t travel at 70mph though.
Through my racing I have spun, hit or been hit. I have also seen some massive shunts. I realise that as a driver you are not immortal. A normal road user might only spin their car once or twice in a lifetime. I mention this just in case someone thinks I`m some boy racer with something to prove. I`m not. People are well aware how quickly the cars I drive will go, if they want to race me I`m well up for it - just get an MSA race licence and some numbers on your car then enter a sanctioned race meeting. I won`t even race people on a trackday.
Speed cameras in built up areas where there is a risk of injuring people and the road is clearly marked as such with clearly defined Speed notices are a very good idea indeed and I applaud them.
Speed cameras on a wide road in the open countryside with good forward visiblitiy are not such a good idea and I can see why people might want to deface them.
The problem is that the government / dept of transport / police are crying wolf. Put speed limits in force where they need to be and relax them where they do not. That way they will carry more weight, people will respect them and motorists who decide to break that limit will be seen as anti social.
Can any serving Traffic officer honestly come on this forum and defend a limit of 70mph on a clear motorway in good weather. Especially when 95% of motorists break that limit even if only by a few miles an hour.
Rather than have an "unofficial" speed limit in some areas below which people won`t be prosecuted why not have proper limits then enforce them. 100mph on a busy motorway is dangerous. 85 or 90 mph when circumstances allow is not. Admit it and then let`s set about improving the genreral driving standard of people in the areas that count, ie. observancy, car control, road discipline and vehicle maintenance and preparation.
One final point. Whilst travelling along the M40 the other evening I was flashed by an unmarked car and told to slow down via an electric sign in the back of the car. I wasn`t being silly, but I slowed down as asked, as did several other motorists in the next 15 or 20 minutes. What a fantastic way to enforce speed. In one shift probably 40 or 50 people will be dealt with as I was, rather than 3 or 4 people who will have gone away feeling alienated against the Police with their 3 points and £40. Well done lads, credit where credit is due.
Henry-F said:
One final point. Whilst travelling along the M40 the other evening I was flashed by an unmarked car and told to slow down via an electric sign in the back of the car. I wasn`t being silly, but I slowed down as asked, as did several other motorists in the next 15 or 20 minutes. What a fantastic way to enforce speed. In one shift probably 40 or 50 people will be dealt with as I was, rather than 3 or 4 people who will have gone away feeling alienated against the Police with their 3 points and £40. Well done lads, credit where credit is due.
What an excellent idea.
[quote]Can any serving Traffic officer honestly come on this forum and defend a limit of 70mph on a clear motorway in good weather. Especially when 95% of motorists break that limit even if only by a few miles an hour. [/quote]
Sure they can. Its cos the limit IS the limit and that IS the law. Right or wrong......(wrong or course)
Sure they can. Its cos the limit IS the limit and that IS the law. Right or wrong......(wrong or course)
Henry-F said:
I was flashed by an unmarked car and told to slow down via an electric sign in the back of the car. I wasn`t being silly, but I slowed down as asked, as did several other motorists in the next 15 or 20 minutes. What a fantastic way to enforce speed. In one shift probably 40 or 50 people will be dealt with as I was, rather than 3 or 4 people who will have gone away feeling alienated against the Police with their 3 points and £40. Well done lads, credit where credit is due.
Anyone know if the police have these?
I agree, around my way there are a lot of speed traps that instead of giving you a fine and 3 points have a sign in front of you flash the limit for a few seconds as you drive past.
Personally if this happens to me i always find myself looking at the speedo and slowing down (feel like a naughty schoolboy being told off!) i think these are far more effective that hiding in bushes catching people and handing out fines.
Personally if this happens to me i always find myself looking at the speedo and slowing down (feel like a naughty schoolboy being told off!) i think these are far more effective that hiding in bushes catching people and handing out fines.
good post - just about sums it up for me, but a good reason I can think of for not raising the speed limits on motorways is the lorries. At the moment the limit difference for trucks and cars is about 15 - 20 mph. If the limit for cars is raised the differential would be much greater and a truck pulling out on you at 55mph when you're doing over 90 would not be much fun and I would not be happy about the speed limits for trucks being raised anywhere over 60mph.
In the car catching a truck senario - what happened to Observation and Anticipation. Practically, is catching a truck at even 50mph really that hard to judge. We drive on 2 way A-roads with a 60 limit, sometimes with obstructions. You could be approaching oncoming traffic with a closing speed of 120 mph but I bet you find it fairly easy to decide wether to stop behind the obstacle (closing speed 60mph) or wether you have time to pass it without hitting oncoming traffic.
IMHO The lorry problem arises when you are driving along near the speed limit thinking about other things - suddenly a lorry pulls out and suprises you.
Generally if you travelling faster - fear of getting caught or having an accident keeps you more alert and observent.
Just a thought but If speed limits were removed completely (but police could warn / prosecute for silly behaviour would we become safer drivers?
Tony
IMHO The lorry problem arises when you are driving along near the speed limit thinking about other things - suddenly a lorry pulls out and suprises you.
Generally if you travelling faster - fear of getting caught or having an accident keeps you more alert and observent.
Just a thought but If speed limits were removed completely (but police could warn / prosecute for silly behaviour would we become safer drivers?
Tony
Good post, Henry. And one I very largely agree with. If it's obvious to any right-thinking, responsible and safe driver that a limit is ridiculously low for its not surprising that people ignore 'em.
Stop setting politically correct limits. Start setting realistic limits. Fewer people breaking the law. A good thing.
Although - its astonishing the number of drivers I find doing 40mph in a 50....and then carry straight on in the 30mph limit. These numpties are spoiling it for the rest of us...
Stop setting politically correct limits. Start setting realistic limits. Fewer people breaking the law. A good thing.
Although - its astonishing the number of drivers I find doing 40mph in a 50....and then carry straight on in the 30mph limit. These numpties are spoiling it for the rest of us...
scouse monkey said:
good post - just about sums it up for me, but a good reason I can think of for not raising the speed limits on motorways is the lorries. At the moment the limit difference for trucks and cars is about 15 - 20 mph. If the limit for cars is raised the differential would be much greater and a truck pulling out on you at 55mph when you're doing over 90 would not be much fun and I would not be happy about the speed limits for trucks being raised anywhere over 60mph.
Then let the lorries go faster!!!
56 mph is too bleedin slow and causes sooo much congestion! Faster lorries for me please
Don said:
Although - its astonishing the number of drivers I find doing 40mph in a 50....and then carry straight on in the 30mph limit. These numpties are spoiling it for the rest of us...
I've often wondered if they are driving in advanced mode (i.e. ignoring the speed limit and driving to the conditions) and it just so happens that a change in speed limit has occured. Probably not but I'm sure I've done the above.
rospa said:
Although - its astonishing the number of drivers I find doing 40mph in a 50....and then carry straight on in the 30mph limit. These numpties are spoiling it for the rest of us...
I've often wondered if they are driving in advanced mode (i.e. ignoring the speed limit and driving to the conditions) and it just so happens that a change in speed limit has occured. Probably not but I'm sure I've done the above.
Not in the cases I've seen, mate. Last one was a clear 50mph road with quarter-mile visibility going onto a roundabout. 40mph round the roundabout car scrabbling for grip...I reckon this bloke was actually asleep...
I understand that the law is the law. But it can be changed. I may not be Politically correct here, but if I offend any one i have a choice of answers- Very sorry or- tough!
Anyway, back to my point - A few years ago gay sex was illegal, now its not only legal, but actively promoted.
Why? Because it became socially acceptable, well at least in government circles.LOL
80mph on the motorway is socially acceptable, everyone does it, so change the law to reflect the wishes of the people.
Big penalties if you crash, lesser penalties if you don't.
I was once nicked for 37 in a 30. I was told they were nicking me to prevent accidents.
I have heard of numerous stories where people have been involved in accidents- one friend had a parked MR2 pushed 25 yds down the road by a merc van whose driver smelt of beer. Did the police prosecute. Nah! There was nobody hurt so no need. Fuzzy (ha ha)logic or what.
I'm sure you get my drift anyway. It's all inconsistant and thats what pi$$es folk off.
Anyway, back to my point - A few years ago gay sex was illegal, now its not only legal, but actively promoted.
Why? Because it became socially acceptable, well at least in government circles.LOL
80mph on the motorway is socially acceptable, everyone does it, so change the law to reflect the wishes of the people.
Big penalties if you crash, lesser penalties if you don't.
I was once nicked for 37 in a 30. I was told they were nicking me to prevent accidents.
I have heard of numerous stories where people have been involved in accidents- one friend had a parked MR2 pushed 25 yds down the road by a merc van whose driver smelt of beer. Did the police prosecute. Nah! There was nobody hurt so no need. Fuzzy (ha ha)logic or what.
I'm sure you get my drift anyway. It's all inconsistant and thats what pi$$es folk off.
Yes streaky, I believe it may have been a maroon Omega athough my knowledge on this type of vehicle is a little limited so do forgive if it wasn`t.
uk952. Re: the speed differential between trucks and road users you`re quite right, look well ahead and always asume the worst. Surely people realise that in a battle between a 38 tonne lorry and a little sports car the lorry will usually win.
rospa. Re: the 50-40-30 speed limits and people not keeping up with the pace it can be hard to spot exactly what the limit is. The first SP30 I ever got was in a really wide deserted 30 limit through an industrial area. The demarkation from the 40 limit I was in to the 30 limit I entered was just leaving a roundabout exit and I missed it. I was told that I should have know it was a 30 limit by the distance the lamp posts were placed. To this day I fear the worst and assume lamp posted roads are 30mph until I see otherwise.
Let anyone entering Uxbridge on the B467 for instance take note. A wide dual carriage way, central reservation, fields to one side, just come off the A40 at 70mph, not a single 30 sign on any of the lamp posts, you would assume a 40 or even 50 limit but no - it`s 30 and it`s regularly enfoced with speed guns. We`ve stopped and asked why they are doing it and they say to pevent accidents. Bo**ocks. If they wanted to slow people down they could simply put up signs telling people the speed limit and if they were really bothered an illuminated flashing sign triggered over 36mph.
But what do I know, just a simply country boy.
Happy motoring.
Henry
uk952. Re: the speed differential between trucks and road users you`re quite right, look well ahead and always asume the worst. Surely people realise that in a battle between a 38 tonne lorry and a little sports car the lorry will usually win.
rospa. Re: the 50-40-30 speed limits and people not keeping up with the pace it can be hard to spot exactly what the limit is. The first SP30 I ever got was in a really wide deserted 30 limit through an industrial area. The demarkation from the 40 limit I was in to the 30 limit I entered was just leaving a roundabout exit and I missed it. I was told that I should have know it was a 30 limit by the distance the lamp posts were placed. To this day I fear the worst and assume lamp posted roads are 30mph until I see otherwise.
Let anyone entering Uxbridge on the B467 for instance take note. A wide dual carriage way, central reservation, fields to one side, just come off the A40 at 70mph, not a single 30 sign on any of the lamp posts, you would assume a 40 or even 50 limit but no - it`s 30 and it`s regularly enfoced with speed guns. We`ve stopped and asked why they are doing it and they say to pevent accidents. Bo**ocks. If they wanted to slow people down they could simply put up signs telling people the speed limit and if they were really bothered an illuminated flashing sign triggered over 36mph.
But what do I know, just a simply country boy.
Happy motoring.
Henry
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