"Max"
privacy.net> wrote in message
news:k267t2pu6k3nqvqlb1lracmq1pf2791lb8@4ax.com...> On Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:36:53 +0000, Cynic
yahoo.co.uk>
> wrote:
>>>On Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:04:14 -0000, "A. Little"
>>
the-edges.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>>Driving on country lanes we now find ourselves under a 30 limit with
>>>open,
>>>straight roads, beet fields with no hedges to obstruct views.
>>>A mile or two further, for no obvious sensible reason we will pass
>>>through a
>>>hamlet of houses with national speed limits applying.
>>
>>Yes, there is a road I habitually use where a 30MPH limit on a clear
>>road bordered by fields changes to a 50MPH limt just before entering a
>>village with shops and houses on both sides of the road, and then
>>backs down to a 40MPH limit about half-way through the village (with a
>>speed camera immediately after the 40MPH sign).
>>
>>I expect the speed limits were all carefully decided by a comittee.
>>
>>I have noticed an increase in the use of the radar operated "slow
>>down" signs that advise drivers that they are above the speed limit
>>without actually enforcing it. In one case the sign is situated a
>>hundred yards or so in front of a very visible speed camera, and also
>>carries the warning "speed camera ahead". I *still* see people
>>regularly tripping the speed camera.
>>
>>I have nothing against the *principle* of speed limits, but ISTM that
>>the UK does not impose limits consistently, and has gone way OTT
>>regarding their enforcement.
>
> Most country roads are 'derestricted', i.e. 60mph, where nearby trunk
> roads are 50 or 40mph.
>
> It's just a historical matter - no-one has thought to reduce the limit
> on the windy road.
Unfortunately, it clearly is not an historical matter. Many new speed limits
are springing up in increasingly bizarre and inappropriate places whilst
national speed limits still apply in adjacent settlements and villages.
I rather like the radar slow down signs without the enforcement. They do
seem to have a significant effect. The only niggled that I have is that when
you approach such signs which are posted very close to the start of the
limit, they will flash you even though you are slowing to the speed limit.
Whilst this might seem a relatively trivial criticism, it falls very firmly
into the category of yet another slow down, dangerous, don't do it sign
which motorists encounter every day and slowly learn to ignore.
How many times have you been advised to reduce speed to 50, 40, 30 on a
motorway yet, along with everyone else, you continue, unobstructed at 70.
Does anyone listen to a weather man a.k.a. traffic expert, or a police chief
who says at the slightest chill in the air, "Only drive if your journey is
absolutely necessary".
I must have been around four or five when I had the parable of the boy who
cried wolf explained to me.
