Trucks speeding
Discussion
Followed an HGV (big one) down the A404 from the M40 past Marlow this morning. Why didn't I pass him you ask? Well because he was doing over 75 mph!!!! I was pacing him from behind in my Audi (with a reasonably accurate speedo). Everyone who uses this road knows there's usually a big queue at the bottom of the hill. I didn't think it was safe to pass him (Dual Carriageway BTW) 'cos he'd never have stopped in an emergency.
RPL Transport of Milton Keynes was written on the truck. Anyone know them?
So, how was he able to do this speed? I thought they were limited to 55ish mph (OK that's too slow but that's another conversation).
Later another smaller truck tried to stop me joining the M3 (accelerated to close a gap and there was no gap behind him - thanks mate), and as I was exiting the M3 I saw a nasty crash Northbound between a truck and a 406 Estate.
Trucks ... I am really getting a dislike for them.
RPL Transport of Milton Keynes was written on the truck. Anyone know them?
So, how was he able to do this speed? I thought they were limited to 55ish mph (OK that's too slow but that's another conversation).
Later another smaller truck tried to stop me joining the M3 (accelerated to close a gap and there was no gap behind him - thanks mate), and as I was exiting the M3 I saw a nasty crash Northbound between a truck and a 406 Estate.
Trucks ... I am really getting a dislike for them.
I've been told that the speed limiter can be disabled by removing the fuse, the only penalty being a loss of indicators into the bargain!
No real issues with tacho readings because they're only checked for driver's time in the cab - speed infractions not dealt with on the basis of tacho plots. I think this is to do with needing corroborated evidence of excessive speed, and the tacho only provides one piece of evidence where two are necessary.
I see plenty of trucks doing a happy 65-75 on motorways at night - traffic is lighter, they don't need to use their indicators so much, less Plod around these days to catch 'em at it and anyway they're not going fast enough to trip a speed camera, hand-held gun, whatever...
No real issues with tacho readings because they're only checked for driver's time in the cab - speed infractions not dealt with on the basis of tacho plots. I think this is to do with needing corroborated evidence of excessive speed, and the tacho only provides one piece of evidence where two are necessary.
I see plenty of trucks doing a happy 65-75 on motorways at night - traffic is lighter, they don't need to use their indicators so much, less Plod around these days to catch 'em at it and anyway they're not going fast enough to trip a speed camera, hand-held gun, whatever...
jay w said:
No real issues with tacho readings because they're only checked for driver's time in the cab - speed infractions not dealt with on the basis of tacho plots.
Actually if you calibrate a tacho which is not that complicated a process, its amazing how much detailed information can be found from the record.
One example, lorry stolen, later recovered minus load. Tacho disc still in place.
Knowing start & finish points was possible to compare the record with an accurate map and determine the possible route(s) the lorry took and thus short list the locations where it stopped long enough to be unloaded.
Which turned out to be a pykie camp but that is another story.
Equally accurate speed determination is possible.
However I would suggest there are other more important issues with HGV drivers than speed, as you say hours.
For example how unique was the driver who drove Sheffield (loaded) to Felixstowe (tipped & loaded) then on to Aberdeen (tipped & loaded) and then back to Felixstowe before he took a break. He was actually stopped just before he got to Felixstowe the second time as the DoT (as it was known then) inspectors following him throughout just couldn't keep themselves awake any more, and they were sharing the driving.
In case you wondered the transport firm in question still has an operators licence.
trefor said:
RPL Transport of Milton Keynes was written on the truck. Anyone know them?
www.rpltransport.co.uk/
mcflurry said:
I thought it was only uk supplied lorries that had the limiter fitted
Only those after about 1990 as well i think (not sure though). Talking to a guy who bought an artic-unit and replaces the nice shiney tractor unit with and old knackered E reg one if he's doing any long motorway miles so he car clog on a bit.
This is a big problem.
The only way to deal with it effectively is to follow them whilst driving an unmarked car.
That way, you know for a fact that they have tampered with the 'limiter' and you can give them 3 points and take the vehicle off the road as well as the company getting into trouble as well.
The only way to deal with it effectively is to follow them whilst driving an unmarked car.
That way, you know for a fact that they have tampered with the 'limiter' and you can give them 3 points and take the vehicle off the road as well as the company getting into trouble as well.
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