Motorway speed limit to slow?

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

I'm pretty confident that the majority of law abiding citizens (so to speak) break the law on a regular basis when traveling on the motorway. As everyone knows (who drives) the national speed limit is 70 miles per hour (mph). I do a lot of motorway driving because of my job and I've seen a all types of people braking this limit (in effect making them criminals). What do you think? Should they up the limit? I think 90 mph would be more appropriate. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the stopping distance's that are printed in the handbook based on older car's? Surely they should be updated? After all with today's technology car's are lasting longer and stopping over shorter distances.
I also think that this would cut down on congestion. How often do you get someone blocking the inside lane because they're doing 70 mph (in effect the limit) and feel they don't need to move over because of this.
After driving in Germany I know for sure that our lane discipline is shocking. If you hog the wrong lane and slow the traffic then they literaly push you over. (OK, I'm lieing, but they do drive right up your arse and are realy aggresive).
What do you think confused

:

Steve

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Yeh......Raise it to 90mph so many will drive at over 100mph then as they will still drive the same margin above the set speed limit as they always do....

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Steve
Yeh......Raise it to 90mph so many will drive at over 100mph then as they will still drive the same margin above the set speed limit as they always do....

The setting of the national limit to 70mph on motorways was an oil crisis measure in the 70's I think.
I seem to recall a study some years back on congestion on the M25 which suggested that a constant speed of 50mph prevented "bunching" and inevitable tailbacks as drivers hit the brakes causing reactions behind them.
Braking distances are irrelevant in this context in my view. It's more to do with reaction speeds and the faster you go, the more distance is covered when the driver realises something needs attention.
Cars don't stop dead - only drivers do wink

Steve

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by GnV
Yeh......Raise it to 90mph so many will drive at over 100mph then as they will still drive the same margin above the set speed limit as they always do....

The setting of the national limit to 70mph on motorways was an oil crisis measure in the 70's I think.

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Steve
Yeh......Raise it to 90mph so many will drive at over 100mph then as they will still drive the same margin above the set speed limit as they always do....

The setting of the national limit to 70mph on motorways was an oil crisis measure in the 70's I think.

Thanks Steve.. I was correct on the 70's and the oil crisis but wrong on the speed :thumbup:
The article mentions speed limits in France:

As driving experience has become ingrained, cars have radically improved, and road building likewise, voices are now starting to be heard about raising the limit, comparing things with France where the top speed is 130kph (80mph), for example.

That bit is not quite complete. There is an automatic restriction reducing it to 110kph if raining, on dual carriageways (110kph) reduces to 100kph and open roads (90kph) reduces to 80kph which I think is sensible.
If your licence is less than 2 years old, there are even more restrictions.
Further info
There are still some spectacular accidents even so.
I still think the British Government's Public Information film "Only a Fool Breaks the 2 Second Rule" still remains good advice.

Witchy

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Chris-1977
I'm pretty confident that the majority of law abiding citizens (so to speak) break the law on a regular basis when traveling on the motorway. As everyone knows (who drives) the national speed limit is 70 miles per hour (mph). I do a lot of motorway driving because of my job and I've seen a all types of people braking this limit (in effect making them criminals). What do you think? Should they up the limit? I think 90 mph would be more appropriate. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the stopping distance's that are printed in the handbook based on older car's? Surely they should be updated? After all with today's technology car's are lasting longer and stopping over shorter distances.
I also think that this would cut down on congestion. How often do you get someone blocking the inside lane because they're doing 70 mph (in effect the limit) and feel they don't need to move over because of driving in Germany I know for sure that our lane discipline is shocking. If you hog the wrong lane and slow the traffic then they literaly push you over. (OK, I'm lieing, but they do drive right up your arse and are realy aggresive).
What do you think :

A tad baffled- do you mean the outside lane? If so, it is the limit- not the limit in effect, and no, of course they shouldn't have to move over for people to be able to speed.
If I speed on motorways (within certain sensible pre-set parameters, of course) - read the way it's phrased officer, it's not an admission- I sure as hell don't expect people abiding the law to pander to me.

Max777

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Witchy
I'm pretty confident that the majority of law abiding citizens (so to speak) break the law on a regular basis when traveling on the motorway. As everyone knows (who drives) the national speed limit is 70 miles per hour (mph). I do a lot of motorway driving because of my job and I've seen a all types of people braking this limit (in effect making them criminals). What do you think? Should they up the limit? I think 90 mph would be more appropriate. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the stopping distance's that are printed in the handbook based on older car's? Surely they should be updated? After all with today's technology car's are lasting longer and stopping over shorter distances.
I also think that this would cut down on congestion. How often do you get someone blocking the inside lane because they're doing 70 mph (in effect the limit) and feel they don't need to move over because of driving in Germany I know for sure that our lane discipline is shocking. If you hog the wrong lane and slow the traffic then they literaly push you over. (OK, I'm lieing, but they do drive right up your arse and are realy aggresive).
What do you think :

A tad baffled- do you mean the outside lane? If so, it is the limit- not the limit in effect, and no, of course they shouldn't have to move over for people to be able to speed.
If I speed on motorways (within certain sensible pre-set parameters, of course) - read the way it's phrased officer, it's not an admission- I sure as hell don't expect people abiding the law to pander to me.
It is correct lane discipline to drive in the inside lane where possible, the outer 2 lanes are for overtaking. Many many drivers sit in the middle lane, often driving at less than the speed limit and this can help cause congestion.

Witchy

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

I know what the correct lane discipline is, ta. However, you didn't say the cars in the outside lane weren't overtaking.

Max777

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Witchy
I know what the correct lane discipline is, ta. However, you didn't say the cars in the outside lane weren't overtaking.

I didn't say anything at all about the cars in the outside lane....I didn't make the original post.

Unknown User

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

With modern day cars the 70mph limit on motorways is absurd.
Very few abide by them but it is the outside lane " hoggers " that are the worst.
You have most of the time three lanes, so if you want to sit there doing 68mph then do it in another lane.
Slow moving traffic is a factor on motorways. Yes excessive speed is too, but we live in a world of impatient drivers, and often it is that impatience that causes the accidents.
IF you are one of those hoggers in the outside lane, have a bit of consideration and move over.
Cars nowadays can travel much faster than their counterparts in the 70's. But the stopping abilities and the gadgets cars have now like anti lock brakes and the likes, put the 70mph speed limit into the joke category.
I think it should be 80mph minimum on the outside lanes only. Most do at least that now, and a lot of the time speed is NOT the major factor in traffic accidents, it is drivers inabilities to pay attention to what is happening around them. I should know riding my massive powerful motorbike, they are oblivious to anything around them, other than their phones and their i pods.

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by kentswingers777
snip... and a lot of the time speed is NOT the major factor in traffic accidents, it is drivers inabilities to pay attention to what is happening around them. I should know riding my massive powerful motorbike, they are oblivious to anything around them, other than their phones and their i pods.

but, isn't that the point kent?
the driver's inability to focus their attention to what is happening around them, at higher speeds, leaves less margin for error and that is a major factor in traffic accidents. Cause and effect - simples wink

foxylady2209

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

There can only be a single speed limit for all drivers - and it can't sensibly be varied person by person based on ability experience etc.
Also I think it is pretty well established that the people who drive 10 mph over 70 will drive 10 mph over 80, or 90.
If we start raising the limit to 'what people currently drive' it will keep going up with the increase in speed capaibility of cars.
Perhaps the better approach would be to a) mechanically limit cars to 80 and b) design cars with a variable engine setting - be that gears or cruise control - that means it runs most efficiently at the limit in force - ie 70.
Why do people do 90 instead of 70? On a 100 mile motorway journey that will 'save' you about 5-7 mins. Seriously,the non-motorway section of most journeys, or road-works on the motorway, has far more effect on overall trip journey time than what your max speed is on the 'free' section.
Is there just a touch of "I'm going faster cos I'm bigger/cleverer/more important/busier than you (delete as appropriate) in people's insistance on going faster than 70?
I do drive motorways, and I do up to 80 where the rest of the traffic is also doing that, so I include myself in the above musings.

thevillians

Master of Sex

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Plain and simple up the speed limit on motorways to 90mph.
As it seems most people who use the motorways are already doing 90mph.

Unknown User

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by foxylady2209
Why do people do 90 instead of 70? On a 100 mile motorway journey that will 'save' you about 5-7 mins. Seriously,the non-motorway section of most journeys, or road-works on the motorway, has far more effect on overall trip journey time than what your max speed is on the 'free' section.

just like to correct that as it would save 19 minutes.
The only place to drive quickly and without regard to the rules of the road is on a race track.
The speed limit will be reduced in this country before it is raised.

foxylady2209

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Rogue_trader
Why do people do 90 instead of 70? On a 100 mile motorway journey that will 'save' you about 5-7 mins. Seriously,the non-motorway section of most journeys, or road-works on the motorway, has far more effect on overall trip journey time than what your max speed is on the 'free' section.

just like to correct that as it would save 19 minutes.
The only place to drive quickly and without regard to the rules of the road is on a race track.
The speed limit will be reduced in this country before it is raised.
Thanks for that - I couldn't be bothered to do the maths outside my head. biggrin

Witchy

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Max777
I know what the correct lane discipline is, ta. However, you didn't say the cars in the outside lane weren't overtaking.

I didn't say anything at all about the cars in the outside lane....I didn't make the original post.
My humblest apologies- it was the 7's that did it. Careful, I'll be mistaking you for Kenty next :giggle:

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by thevillians
Plain and simple up the speed limit on motorways to 90mph.
As it seems most people who use the motorways are already doing 90mph.

...and increase the RFL to account for the reduction in the speeding fine take by the Exchequer?

foxylady2209

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by GnV
Plain and simple up the speed limit on motorways to 90mph.
As it seems most people who use the motorways are already doing 90mph.

...and increase the RFL to account for the reduction in the speeding fine take by the Exchequer?
Depends, What's an RFL when it's at home? biggrin

Dlep

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by foxylady2209
Plain and simple up the speed limit on motorways to 90mph.
As it seems most people who use the motorways are already doing 90mph.

...and increase the RFL to account for the reduction in the speeding fine take by the Exchequer?
Depends, What's an RFL when it's at home? biggrin

As I recall - Road fund licence - the new name for road tax.

Max777

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Witchy
I know what the correct lane discipline is, ta. However, you didn't say the cars in the outside lane weren't overtaking.

I didn't say anything at all about the cars in the outside lane....I didn't make the original post.
My humblest apologies- it was the 7's that did it. Careful, I'll be mistaking you for Kenty next :giggle:
:shock: Can I change my name by deed poll? smile

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 1 Nov 2009

Quote by Max777
I know what the correct lane discipline is, ta. However, you didn't say the cars in the outside lane weren't overtaking.

I didn't say anything at all about the cars in the outside lane....I didn't make the original post.
My humblest apologies- it was the 7's that did it. Careful, I'll be mistaking you for Kenty next :giggle:
:shock: Can I change my name by deed poll? smile

I think it costs a few quid, unless you know a friendly mod or two wink

"brucie" may be available soon pmsl
bolt

hicky

Warming the Bed

0 likes 2 Nov 2009

I've done a little driving in France, on the autoroutes the speed limit is 130kph(80mph) in the rain it drops to 110kph(70mph).....speed in brackets a rough guess.
More or less everyone I seen stuck to it and the lane disapline is fantastic, otherwise you have irate(sp?) french right up your chuff gesticulating.
Most speeders had GB stickers on.
On our motorways I think making motorway driving part of the test should be introduced, the biggest problem is poor lane disapline.
Drive along the M62 from 60 to birchwood and pretty much everyone is doing the same speed no matter which lane...those in the "fast" lane MUST drive no less than 5M behind the other causeing accordian effect. rolleyes

browning

Orgasminator

0 likes 2 Nov 2009

The cars may be safer, but the bloody drivers arn't!!
70 mph is fast enough.

foxylady2209

Sex God

0 likes 2 Nov 2009

Quote by browning
The cars may be safer, but the bloody drivers arn't!!
70 mph is fast enough.

Spot on - SPOT ON! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Unknown User

0 likes 2 Nov 2009

Quote by GnV
:shock: Can I change my name by deed poll?

I think it costs a few quid, unless you know a friendly mod or two wink

Sorry to disappoint you, but mods don't have the authority to change user names. If we did there'd be a few people getting "modified". :giggle: bolt

GnV

Sex God

0 likes 3 Nov 2009

Quote by Cubes
:shock: Can I change my name by deed poll?

I think it costs a few quid, unless you know a friendly mod or two wink

Sorry to disappoint you, but mods don't have the authority to change user names. If we did there'd be a few people getting "modified". :giggle: bolt

Genetically?

gald

Forum Virgin

0 likes 3 Nov 2009

Quote by Dlep
As I recall - Road fund licence - the new name for road tax.

That's the old name for it, when there was actually a pretense that most of it was spent on the roads.
The new name is Vehicle Excise Duty or VED and it is simply just another tax.

gald

Forum Virgin

0 likes 3 Nov 2009

Quote by Dlep
As I recall - Road fund licence - the new name for road tax.

That's the old name for it, when there was actually a pretense that most of it was spent on the roads.
The new name is Vehicle Excise Duty or VED and it is simply just another tax.

Unknown User

0 likes 3 Nov 2009

As things stand I don't see what good raising the maximum speed limit would do, except maybe on the toll part of the M6. The M25 is a shambles especially when you get within 25 miles either side of Heathrow. The M1 needs updating, more lanes would be a good start although that would mean another 10 years of bloody roadworks. More bypasses are required to take the pressure off major towns and all cities, with better slip roads on and off the motorways reducing the amount of junction delays.
Of course if there was unlimited free parking at all train stations there would surely be less cars on the road, but that would be for another thread.
BG.

Max777

Sex God

0 likes 3 Nov 2009

Quote by BrightonGeezer
As things stand I don't see what good raising the maximum speed limit would do, except maybe on the toll part of the M6. The M25 is a shambles especially when you get within 25 miles either side of Heathrow. The M1 needs updating, more lanes would be a good start although that would mean another 10 years of bloody roadworks. More bypasses are required to take the pressure off major towns and all cities, with better slip roads on and off the motorways reducing the amount of junction delays.
Of course if there was unlimited free parking at all train stations there would surely be less cars on the road, but that would be for another thread.
BG.

Not at prices like this :shock: