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[steve6367]

Why don't we just have a suitable / sensible speed limit that we all stick to and is actually enforced? Would love to understand the social process that has occured where speed 'limits' are now seen as flexible. (I include myself in that sometime)

[Broomies Mate]

Why don't we just have a suitable / sensible speed limit that we all stick to and is actually enforced? Would love to understand the social process that has occured where speed 'limits' are now seen as flexible. (I include myself in that sometime)

The simple and logical answer is that a speed limit is only as good as the read-outs (the speedometers) in cars.

Increase the speed-limit to 100mph, and you have the 10% rule (acceptable variation in speedo), so technically, someone doing 110MPH could not be prosecuted.

I believe the law is 10% + 2.  So, at Motorway limits (70MPH) the 'allowed' speed is actually 79MPH.

On all the motorway roadworks at the moment and the SPECS set at 50MPH, I bang the cruise on an indicated 55MPH and I've not had a ticket yet.  Bear in mind I'm probably only doing 51 or 52MPH.  I'd guess the SPECS are set to report at 57MPH.  In that, I am well below the limit (at the indicated 55MPH).

[Andy B]

Digressing from the OP

it p's me off when I'm following a car at 33/34 in a 30 which then stays at 33/34 in a 40 limit & the same again in a 60/NSL!  READ THE FRIGGING SIGNS ..........

and don't come the 'speed limits aren't a target' routine 

[05omegav6]

Digressing from the OP

it p's me off when I'm following a car at 33/34 in a 30 which then stays at 33/34 in a 40 limit & the same again in a 60/NSL!  READ THE FRIGGING SIGNS ..........

and don't come the 'speed limits aren't a target' routine 

Aren't they?

Must have missed that memo...

[Kevin Wood]

Digressing from the OP

it p's me off when I'm following a car at 33/34 in a 30 which then stays at 33/34 in a 40 limit & the same again in a 60/NSL!  READ THE FRIGGING SIGNS ..........

and don't come the 'speed limits aren't a target' routine 

Aren't they?

Must have missed that memo...

No, they're guidance for the rising percentage of drivers who can only "drive by numbers". Give them a 40 MPH bend in the wet in a 60 MPH speed limit and they are straight into the undergrowth, so a 40 MPH limit it has to be. 

[Shackeng]

Why don't we just have a suitable / sensible speed limit that we all stick to and is actually enforced? Would love to understand the social process that has occured where speed 'limits' are now seen as flexible. (I include myself in that sometime)

The simple and logical answer is that a speed limit is only as good as the read-outs (the speedometers) in cars.

Increase the speed-limit to 100mph, and you have the 10% rule (acceptable variation in speedo), so technically, someone doing 110MPH could not be prosecuted.

I believe the law is 10% + 2.  So, at Motorway limits (70MPH) the 'allowed' speed is actually 79MPH.

On all the motorway roadworks at the moment and the SPECS set at 50MPH, I bang the cruise on an indicated 55MPH and I've not had a ticket yet.  Bear in mind I'm probably only doing 51 or 52MPH.  I'd guess the SPECS are set to report at 57MPH.  In that, I am well below the limit (at the indicated 55MPH).

When I did the dreaded safety course recently, we were asked for various ways to avoid speeding. I proposed cruise, which I try to use as you do. " No No no", says the instructor ( a lady advanced motorcycle trainer ), "that will reduce your attention on the speed."

[aaronjb]

When I did the dreaded safety course recently, we were asked for various ways to avoid speeding. I proposed cruise, which I try to use as you do. " No No no", says the instructor ( a lady advanced motorcycle trainer ), "that will reduce your attention on the speed."

If I'd been in your shoes there would probably have been an audible "pop" as my brain imploded at that point..

[Shackeng]

When I did the dreaded safety course recently, we were asked for various ways to avoid speeding. I proposed cruise, which I try to use as you do. " No No no", says the instructor ( a lady advanced motorcycle trainer ), "that will reduce your attention on the speed."

If I'd been in your shoes there would probably have been an audible "pop" as my brain imploded at that point..

Well I must admit, I immediately said "What utter rubbish", which she chose to ignore, fortunately, as I still passed.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Reminds me of that bit I read in one of Clarkson's books - he was attending a 'road safety how to drive properly advanced motorist jobby course day lecture things' and he lost any faith in what the instructor was saying when they told him the correct, safe way to overtake a vehicle is to move over to the right hand side of the road then change down a gear, then accelerate   

[05omegav6]

That is pretty much the order it happens if you're driving an automatic turbo diesel

[Andy B]

That is pretty much the order it happens if you're driving an automatic turbo diesel

is it? 

[05omegav6]

Yup... Indicate, foot down, pull out, ecu wakes up, car kicks down, this wakes the turbo and the car finally accelerates properly... Granted, that process only takes a second or two, but...

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Yup that's about right 

Strangely I find myself slowing a little, leaving a nicer gap, then indicating, throttle, then pull out, acceleration. Does means sometimes a slightly unnerving gap between the right hand corner of the lorry trailer and the nearside Omegas headlight, though! 

[chrisgixer]

Yup... Indicate, foot down, pull out, ecu wakes up, car kicks down, this wakes the turbo and the car finally accelerates properly... Granted, that process only takes a second or two, but...

Probably on a par with the Edwardian signal box then.

Even the 2.2  sport was able to keep up better (Ie, change down (and up) quicker than the manual) on the way to the curry house.

[The Sheriff]

Anyone who is worried about breaking the speed limit should buy a people carrier. The slightest cross wind will make you desist and loathe to do it again.