View Full Version : bad drivers
silverfox57
06-Jun-08, 10:05
having just left thurso at 9 oclock in thick fog, three cars in front going at under 50 mph and was behind them at save distance,when some clown in small black car, over took the 4 of us just before hump back bridge at claycock,if a car was coming the other way would have been pile up,[evil] if fog was not so think or see reg of car ,would have pulled in and phoned police,some think it will never happen to me,as 40odd years driving it only takes one clown like that ,to change someone life forever[evil] rand over,
You're so right, SilverFox, but unfortunately for some, they have to see the carnage first hand before they fully understand the risks they're taking. They should make speeding offenders watch videos of RTAs and victim's funerals for a couple of hours instead of fining them.
I'm surprised the Government hasn't already put a 50mph national speed limit in force with all this whinging about fuel prices - most cars have a much better fuel consumption at 50 than they do at 70 so we'd get further for our pennies and the roads would be safer, too. It would suit me just fine.
Tighsonas4
06-Jun-08, 17:19
anyone overtaking at the bridge at clayock even without fog has got to be cuckoo.trouble is you get this all the time on the roads today tony
As quoted by Tootler, (I'm surprised the Government hasn't already put a 50mph national speed limit in force with all this whinging about fuel prices - most cars have a much better fuel consumption at 50 than they do at 70 so we'd get further for our pennies and the roads would be safer, too. It would suit me just fine.)
Whilst I in no way condone potentially dangerous driving during spells of bad weather, ie fog, heavy rain, snow etc, 50mph on normal roads is a ridicuous speed to be travelling and is itself potentially dangerous. It is poeple travelling at this sort of speed that are the cause of frustration accidents as cars end up queing behind and others have to overtake 2 or 3 cars at a time to get a move on. As for fuel consumption, most modern cars do not reach their optimum efficiency until at least 65-75 mph due to them being geared for motorway driving.
silverfox57
06-Jun-08, 19:39
it is against the law to drive my works van over 50mph,and as every driver should know 60 MPH is speed limit and should keep save distance from car in front,dont know why posting this as is all in highway code,
It only takes one idiot then!!!!!
The amount of idiots who drive right up at the back of the car when I'm learning to drive is just terrible. Some people who have passed their tests obviously have no respect for learner drivers and think that they are so clever by showing off that they've passed their test. It's bad enough tailgating a driver who has passed their test, never mind one who is still learning to drive.
It's bad enough tailgating a driver who has passed their test, never mind one who is still learning to drive.
Yes we drivers have to put up with taxi drivers tailgating us:eek:
Yes we drivers have to put up with taxi drivers tailgating us:eek:
Oh so there is someone else who agrees with me that taxi drivers aren't the most considerate of drivers. Funny, no one said this when we had a thread about the increase of taxi charges.
Oh so there is someone else who agrees with me that taxi drivers aren't the most considerate of drivers. Funny, no one said this when we had a thread about the increase of taxi charges.
OH, I've always said they are the worst drivers. Don't remember the thread, maybe i wasn't around.
OH, I've always said they are the worst drivers. Don't remember the thread, maybe i wasn't around.
Good, someone that agrees with me. This is a very rare occasion on Caithness.org. :Razz
northener
06-Jun-08, 23:34
OH, I've always said they are the worst drivers. Don't remember the thread, maybe i wasn't around.
OK, some taxi drivers are muppets.
But I'll wager that the only reason you are able to single them out from the rest of the rubbish drivers is the fact that they have a sign on their roof that makes them stand out from the crowd.
I could say the same about any cars with the prefix 'SY' or 'SX' - they are all driven by clueless local geriatrics who shouldn't be on the road.....it ain't so, but that's what it seems like because the 'local' number plate stands out.
OK, some taxi drivers are muppets.
But I'll wager that the only reason you are able to single them out from the rest of the rubbish drivers is the fact that they have a sign on their roof that makes them stand out from the crowd.
I could say the same about any cars with the prefix 'SY' or 'SX' - they are all driven by clueless local geriatrics who shouldn't be on the road.....it ain't so, but that's what it seems like because the 'local' number plate stands out.
There's also a couple of taxi drivers, who I regularly have the misfortune of experiencing who believe you can take a junction at 10mph in 3rd gear, then spend 10 or 20 meters coasting to recover.
Believe me, my experience of this has been as a regular customer and nothing to do with the sign on the roof!
northener
07-Jun-08, 00:12
There's also a couple of taxi drivers, who I regularly have the misfortune of experiencing who believe you can take a junction at 10mph in 3rd gear, then spend 10 or 20 meters coasting to recover.
Believe me, my experience of this has been as a regular customer and nothing to do with the sign on the roof!
I'd use a different company if I were you!:Razz
Amy-Winehouse
07-Jun-08, 00:21
Good, someone that agrees with me. This is a very rare occasion on Caithness.org. :Razz
Not like you to complain about taxi drivers matey, Why dont you start your own business if you believe you could provide a better service?
:Razz
I'd use a different company if I were you!:Razz
Having left top joes and visited the empire takeaway, it's only polite I use the first taxi in the line.....
In saying that, the last taxi in the line is closest......................
Not like you to complain about taxi drivers matey, Why dont you start your own business if you believe you could provide a better service?
Because I don't have a licence to drive, that's why ;)
Oh and thanks for the bad reputation you gave me, here, have one back in return since it looks like you can give them out for posts expressing your opinions and disagreeing with people. Very unnecessary.
Anyway, very much appreciated ;)
"Oh so there is someone else who agrees with me that taxi drivers aren't the most considerate of drivers. Funny, no one said this when we had a thread about the increase of taxi charges."
"Good, someone that agrees with me. This is a very rare occasion on Caithness.org. :Razz"
Sorry for these such horrible things I've said...
it is against the law to drive my works van over 50mph,and as every driver should know 60 MPH is speed limit and should keep save distance from car in front,dont know why posting this as is all in highway code,
it iant against the law to drive ur van over 50mph its your company wich has said this
DeHaviLand
07-Jun-08, 12:34
it iant against the law to drive ur van over 50mph its your company wich has said this
Quite wrong I'm afraid. The speed limit for vans (not car-derived vans) on single carriageway roads is 50mph. On dual carriageways and motorways, (quite scarce in Caithness:roll:) its 60mph.
silverfox57
07-Jun-08, 12:43
Quite wrong I'm afraid. The speed limit for vans (not car-derived vans) on single carriageway roads is 50mph. On dual carriageways and motorways, (quite scarce in Caithness:roll:) its 60mph.
dehavil land as was only going at 50mph you bet me to repley:lol:
DeHaviLand
07-Jun-08, 12:46
dehavil as was only going at 50mph you bet me to repley:lol:
Yeah, sorry mate, I was speeding AGAIN ;)
Oh and thanks for the bad reputation you gave me, here, have one back in return since it looks like you can give them out for posts expressing your opinions and disagreeing with people. Very unnecessary.
I wouldn't be too bothered about the bad rep rfr10, whats losing 1 point..;)
I wouldn't be too bothered about the bad rep rfr10, whats losing 1 point..
True ;) Every little helps though :Razz
it iant against the law to drive ur van over 50mph its your company wich has said this
National speed limit for Cars is 60 mph, Vans is 50 mph along with cars with trailers, buses, etc, heavy loaded lorries is 40mph if my memory serves me right and common sense will tell you the rest I think.
northener
07-Jun-08, 22:26
Built-up areas *
Single carriage-ways
Dual carriage-ways
Motorways
Type of vehicle
Cars & motorcycles
(including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30 (48)
60 (96)
70 (112)
70 (112)
Cars towing caravans or trailers
(including car-derived vans and motorcycles)
30 (48)
50 (80)
60 (96)
60 (96)
Buses, coaches and minibuses
(not exceeding 12 metres in overall length)
30 (48)
50 (80)
60 (96)
70 (112)
Goods vehicles
(not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30 (48)
50 (80)
60 (96)
70 (112) **
Goods vehicles
(exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30 (48)
40 (64)
50 (80)
60 (96)
* The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
** 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.
northener
07-Jun-08, 22:29
National speed limit for Cars is 60 mph, Vans is 50 mph along with cars with trailers, buses, etc, heavy loaded lorries is 40mph if my memory serves me right and common sense will tell you the rest I think.
Note: Vans up to 2 tonnes is 60mph. Between 2-7.5 tonnes is 50mph.
northener
07-Jun-08, 22:32
As an aside about speeding, up until very recently I could have done 50mph through the centre of Wick quite legally.:eek:
Can anyone who lives in Wick tell me why?
Let's see who's really being paying attention to their road signs in Wick.......
captain chaos
07-Jun-08, 23:12
Northerner
If you read it again it says 60mph for CAR derived vans eg astravan, escortvan, corsavan etc
Ford Transits, Vauxhall vivaros, Merc vitos etc are not car derived vans so the speed limit for them is 50mph
Amy-Winehouse
08-Jun-08, 00:13
Because I don't have a licence to drive, that's why
Oh and thanks for the bad reputation you gave me, here, have one back in return since it looks like you can give them out for posts expressing your opinions and disagreeing with people. Very unnecessary.
Anyway, very much appreciated
"Oh so there is someone else who agrees with me that taxi drivers aren't the most considerate of drivers. Funny, no one said this when we had a thread about the increase of taxi charges."
"Good, someone that agrees with me. This is a very rare occasion on Caithness.org. :Razz"
Sorry for these such horrible things I've said...
So you dont have a licence yet you are such a good driver that you can slate others when you havnt passed your test yourself????
And if you read the front page of the Org, Highland council put up the taxi charges-complain to them :Razz
northener
08-Jun-08, 00:38
Northerner
If you read it again it says 60mph for CAR derived vans eg astravan, escortvan, corsavan etc
Ford Transits, Vauxhall vivaros, Merc vitos etc are not car derived vans so the speed limit for them is 50mph
I agree 100%
RFR's point was that vans are 50mph, this is only partially correct.
'Van' is a generic term, the Law isn't interested in whether it's car derived or otherwise, the Law is interested in gross vehicle weight.
Which is the point I originally made.
captain chaos
08-Jun-08, 08:41
Not quite northener...
The law is that to be able to legally do 60mph on single cariageway roads the van must be both car derived and under 2 tonnes weight
A non-car derived van under 2 tonnes would be limited to 50mph on single cariageway roads
There is one (small) group of vans which have the same speed limits as cars by virtue of the definitions in Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act of 1984. These are vans that are both derived from a car chassis and also have a maximum laden weight of no more than 2 tonnes. This means that the weight of the vehicle and the payload it is designed to be able to carry when added together do not exceed 2 tonnes. The van design must be a derivative of a car body, it is not sufficient that it looks similar to a particular car.
So you dont have a licence yet you are such a good driver that you can slate others when you havnt passed your test yourself????
And if you read the front page of the Org, Highland council put up the taxi charges-complain to them :Razz
Excuse me, I didn't say I was such a good driver but I can tell you I'll most certainly be a more considerate and safe driver that some that are on our roads today.
Oh, and I have complained and was contacted by the Trading Standards Officer of the Highland Council. Not about prices, about hygene, safety, etc.
As an aside about speeding, up until very recently I could have done 50mph through the centre of Wick quite legally.:eek:
Can anyone who lives in Wick tell me why?
Let's see who's really being paying attention to their road signs in Wick.......
We'll I've been out learning to drive recently and have come into Wick from most the ways into Wick. There are 30 signs going South bound, North Bound and coming in from Thurso Road. I'm certain there are also signs as you enter Wick from Newton but not sure about Staxigoe so it must be there? One thing I do notice though is the amount of drivers who obviously don't notice that the 30 mph sign has been moved further out near Tesco.
northener
08-Jun-08, 10:53
Not quite northener...
The law is that to be able to legally do 60mph on single cariageway roads the van must be both car derived and under 2 tonnes weight
A non-car derived van under 2 tonnes would be limited to 50mph on single cariageway roads
There is one (small) group of vans which have the same speed limits as cars by virtue of the definitions in Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act of 1984. These are vans that are both derived from a car chassis and also have a maximum laden weight of no more than 2 tonnes. This means that the weight of the vehicle and the payload it is designed to be able to carry when added together do not exceed 2 tonnes. The van design must be a derivative of a car body, it is not sufficient that it looks similar to a particular car.
Well, you learn something every day!
It's rather puzzling, really. You could go out and buy a purpose-built LWB Ford Connect which seats 5 people (inc driver) and has as much power and braking capabilities as a reasonably sized car.
Yet because it's gross weight is 2330 kg, you can only legally do 50mph on single carriageways. But I could go out and buy a 1970/80's car with chocolate block brakes and the handling charecteristics of a tea trolley and legally do 60.
It's as bizarre as restricting modern HGV's to 40mph on the same roads.
Time for an overhaul of the speed laws? - I'm talking about max speeds for types of vehicles as opposed to doing unrealistic speeds on a given road.
northener
08-Jun-08, 13:23
We'll I've been out learning to drive recently and have come into Wick from most the ways into Wick. There are 30 signs going South bound, North Bound and coming in from Thurso Road. I'm certain there are also signs as you enter Wick from Newton but not sure about Staxigoe so it must be there? One thing I do notice though is the amount of drivers who obviously don't notice that the 30 mph sign has been moved further out near Tesco.
Well, you're on the right track Rfr.
But seeing as you're only just starting to drive you probably aren't aware of the anomaly that was there until recently (a couple of months ago - there's a clue there for the more experienced drivers). It's certainly to do with the change in speed limit from National to 30mph:D
Ask your Driving Instructor if they'd ever noticed it.......
Well, you're on the right track Rfr.
But seeing as you're only just starting to drive you probably aren't aware of the anomaly that was there until recently (a couple of months ago - there's a clue there for the more experienced drivers). It's certainly to do with the change in speed limit from National to 30mph:D
Ask your Driving Instructor if they'd ever noticed it.......
Was the sign turned the wrong way round? :Razz Give us a clue.
northener
08-Jun-08, 15:04
Was the sign turned the wrong way round? :Razz Give us a clue.
Nope, Legally I could have driven through the centre of Wick at well over 30mph......
Clue: It was on the approach road to the Airport from Ackergill St.;)
Is the end of the 30 mph speed limit before you get to the turn off to the industrial estate? Is it something to do with the 20 mph limit for the school or something like that?
northener
08-Jun-08, 16:11
Is the end of the 30 mph speed limit before you get to the turn off to the industrial estate? Is it something to do with the 20 mph limit for the school or something like that?
You've got it.
As you drove up to the airport road from Ackergill St, the National Speed Limit sign was just after the first turning onto the Industrial estate (by McConecheys). I would assume this dates back to when the road across the airfield was still open - they closed the road but didn't change the speed limit on the approach road.
This meant that you came up the road, passed from a 30mph zone to a 60mph zone. Unfortunately, once you were in the 60mph zone you could still turn left into the industrial estate by the Ambulance Station.
No speed restriction signs were ever placed at the entrance to the industrial estate off the Airport road. So legally, you are now still in an area where the national speed limit applies.
Continue to drive through the estate (at 60mph;)) and emerge at the A99 junction next to Caithness Glass. Even before the 30mph zone was extended up towards Tesco, the 30mph signs were always to your right as you emerge.
If you turn left towards the town centre, the last speed sign you have passed is the National Speed sign back on the Airport road. You have not passed any signs commanding you to restrict your speed to 30mph.
So, therefore, you can travel through the town centre above 30mph with impunity!
Unfortunately, some spoiler must have worked this out as the National Speed Limit signs on the Airport Rd have now been moved further back beyond the 2nd junction.:~(
Good luck with your driving lessons and don't forget to ask your instructor about doing 60mph on Bridge St!
You've got it.
As you drove up to the airport road from Ackergill St, the National Speed Limit sign was just after the first turning onto the Industrial estate (by McConecheys). I would assume this dates back to when the road across the airfield was still open - they closed the road but didn't change the speed limit on the approach road.
This meant that you came up the road, passed from a 30mph zone to a 60mph zone. Unfortunately, once you were in the 60mph zone you could still turn left into the industrial estate by the Ambulance Station.
No speed restriction signs were ever placed at the entrance to the industrial estate off the Airport road. So legally, you are now still in an area where the national speed limit applies.
Continue to drive through the estate (at 60mph) and emerge at the A99 junction next to Caithness Glass. Even before the 30mph zone was extended up towards Tesco, the 30mph signs were always to your right as you emerge.
If you turn left towards the town centre, the last speed sign you have passed is the National Speed sign back on the Airport road. You have not passed any signs commanding you to restrict your speed to 30mph.
So, therefore, you can travel through the town centre above 30mph with impunity!
Unfortunately, some spoiler must have worked this out as the National Speed Limit signs on the Airport Rd have now been moved further back beyond the 2nd junction.:~(
Good luck with your driving lessons and don't forget to ask your instructor about doing 60mph on Bridge St!
Clever me ;)
Thank you. I'm sure that would be a great idea coming to the corner where the pedestrian crossing is! :lol:
Im fed up with cars speeding past me the whole time, i drive at 60 when im meant to and 30 when im meant to and people are always tail gating me. Ive had a thurso taxi over take me on the haster bend with a car coming it was a scary situation to be in especially when u have 2 young kids in the back. I drive at the proper speed and i try to be patient with learner drivers as i was one short ago. Some taxis do tail gate but dont blame them all some are considerate.
You've got it.
As you drove up to the airport road from Ackergill St, the National Speed Limit sign was just after the first turning onto the Industrial estate (by McConecheys). I would assume this dates back to when the road across the airfield was still open - they closed the road but didn't change the speed limit on the approach road.
This meant that you came up the road, passed from a 30mph zone to a 60mph zone. Unfortunately, once you were in the 60mph zone you could still turn left into the industrial estate by the Ambulance Station.
No speed restriction signs were ever placed at the entrance to the industrial estate off the Airport road. So legally, you are now still in an area where the national speed limit applies.
Continue to drive through the estate (at 60mph;)) and emerge at the A99 junction next to Caithness Glass. Even before the 30mph zone was extended up towards Tesco, the 30mph signs were always to your right as you emerge.
If you turn left towards the town centre, the last speed sign you have passed is the National Speed sign back on the Airport road. You have not passed any signs commanding you to restrict your speed to 30mph.
So, therefore, you can travel through the town centre above 30mph with impunity!
Unfortunately, some spoiler must have worked this out as the National Speed Limit signs on the Airport Rd have now been moved further back beyond the 2nd junction.:~(
Good luck with your driving lessons and don't forget to ask your instructor about doing 60mph on Bridge St!
Whether there is a sign or not the 30mph limit can be enforced due to the existance of lamp posts believe it or not!
northener
09-Jun-08, 08:52
Whether there is a sign or not the 30mph limit can be enforced due to the existance of lamp posts believe it or not!
I've been waiting for this one;)
The fact that there are lamp posts there does not automatically make the road a 30mph zone. The Highway Code states that 'generally speaking' the limit is 30mph in built-up areas or areas with street lighting. This is not a rule but a general guideline and as such, is not legally enforcable. It's simply there to help people take a safe course of action if they are unsure of the limit. When reading the Highway Code, the legally enforceable bits always have the word 'must' whereas the words 'generally speaking' or 'should' are used in grey areas.
All speed restrictions/limits are only enforceable by the use of approved signage.
There are many areas where there is street lighting and the limit is above 30mph.
For example: I'm pretty certain there are some street lamps on the main road through Bower, yet the signs dictate a maximum speed of 40mph.
Having said all of this, I could still be charged with, say, reckless driving if an police officer decided my speed was a real danger to other road users. ie I could argue that doing 40mph going out towards Tesco in light traffic and good visibility posed no threat to other road users. Doing 40mph on South Road at 4 in the morning could be argued as well. Doing 40mph through a busy town centre would be hard to justify.
I have to go, gotta do some wheelies outside the school:Razz
.
As an ex-taxi driver I'd like to say that I was one of the more considerate ones. I'm a fast driver, I like speed, but only when I'm alone in the car and when road conditions allow-mostly through the night on the motorway heading to Scotland.
I encountered an idiot at the bridge street roundabout in Wick.
Iwas facing the bridge having come down the cliff. It was clear to my right. There was a car coming towards me with no indicators on so I assumed he was going straight on. He then decided to go round the bout heading towards police station, I gestured to his indicators to let him know that he should have signalled. He then stopped in front of me to block me, he only moved after about 3 blasts of the horn. He obviously didnt know how to use the bout, I thinks maybe a wee read of the highway code wouldnt go amiss.
To make it worse the driver was aged between 50-60, wheras most people would think it would be a "newbie" or "boy racer but must admit havent encountered any probs with them as they seem to know how to use a roundabout :)
try living in watten,stepping out your front door to find a row of 4/5 cars going 40plus mph when theres clearly a 20mph sign for the school,idiots!!!
As an ex-taxi driver I'd like to say that I was one of the more considerate ones. I'm a fast driver, I like speed, but only when I'm alone in the car and when road conditions allow-mostly through the night on the motorway heading to Scotland.
Well done. Yes there are some considerate taxi drivers so I'll give you that. Some are friendly and will drive safely. I tend to find the safer, more considerate taxi drivers, drive better cars but then not always.
I've been waiting for this one;)
The fact that there are lamp posts there does not automatically make the road a 30mph zone. The Highway Code states that 'generally speaking' the limit is 30mph in built-up areas or areas with street lighting. This is not a rule but a general guideline and as such, is not legally enforcable. It's simply there to help people take a safe course of action if they are unsure of the limit. When reading the Highway Code, the legally enforceable bits always have the word 'must' whereas the words 'generally speaking' or 'should' are used in grey areas.
All speed restrictions/limits are only enforceable by the use of approved signage.
There are many areas where there is street lighting and the limit is above 30mph.
For example: I'm pretty certain there are some street lamps on the main road through Bower, yet the signs dictate a maximum speed of 40mph.
.
A "built up area" is considered, by the road traffic act, as one in which streetlights are not more than 200m apart.
The speed limit in "built up areas" is always 30mph, unless signs show that another limit applies. You often get "repeater" signs, little ones on every 2nd or 3rd lamp post, I assume this is what you mean in Bower?
You are right in saying that on entry to a built up area there should be a 30mph sign, but the absense of one does not make the speed limit void.
northener
09-Jun-08, 19:27
A "built up area" is considered, by the road traffic act, as one in which streetlights are not more than 200m apart.
The speed limit in "built up areas" is always 30mph, unless signs show that another limit applies. You often get "repeater" signs, little ones on every 2nd or 3rd lamp post, I assume this is what you mean in Bower?
You are right in saying that on entry to a built up area there should be a 30mph sign, but the absense of one does not make the speed limit void.
Plain wrong. Speed limits can only be enforced by physical signs consisting of a round red circle (a command sign, something you must do) with the actual command inside the red circle.
The Law cannot seen to be open to individual interpretation over what is classed as a 'built up area'. That's why the speed signs are there in the first place. Street lamps and buildings mean nothing legally.
Plain wrong. Speed limits can only be enforced by physical signs consisting of a round red circle (a command sign, something you must do) with the actual command inside the red circle.
The Law cannot seen to be open to individual interpretation over what is classed as a 'built up area'. That's why the speed signs are there in the first place. Street lamps and buildings mean nothing legally.
I have to disagree.
http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/DefensiveDriving/Speed/UK_Speed_limits.html
and here also
http://www.abd.org.uk/speed_limit_signs.htm
You are right there should be a sign, but street lights are used as a measure of the LEGAL description of a built up area.
I quote from the second link:
"The reference in subsection (4) to a system of street lighting, with lamps not more than 200 yards apart, concerns the way in which 30mph speed limits are indicated in built-up areas. Where a system of street lighting exists, a road is automatically a 'restricted road' under the terms of section 82 of the Act, and carries a 30mph speed limit, unless the highway authority has taken steps to revoke restricted road status and apply a different speed limit."
northener
09-Jun-08, 20:06
Quoted from your second link:
(In Scotland, only C-class and unclassified roads are automatically restricted roads if they have street lights. For a 30mph limit to apply on street-lit A- and B-roads, the highway authority must take positive action either to apply restricted road status or a 30mph speed limit order.)
QED.
Quoted from your second link:
(In Scotland, only C-class and unclassified roads are automatically restricted roads if they have street lights. For a 30mph limit to apply on street-lit A- and B-roads, the highway authority must take positive action either to apply restricted road status or a 30mph speed limit order.)
QED.
Well spotted.
However, would the streets of Wick (apart from the A99) not be C class or unclassified?
northener
09-Jun-08, 20:28
I agree with your points TO, but what i'm saying is that there are always loopholes in any legislative system. The links you provided are good (well, the second one was OK, the first one was pants).
Your second link provided evidence that in Scotland, the picture is not as clear as we would like to think.
As a closing remark, I would like to say the following to back up my argument about speed restrictions:
Look at my argument for doing 60 on Bridge St - If the law in Scotland is as clear cut as you would like us to believe - why did the council in Wick feel it necessary to move the national speed limit signs back beyond the second junction?
Somebody other than me must have realised they were on sticky ground....
Tighsonas4
09-Jun-08, 20:37
in spite of all that has been said on this subject.when you see the carnage on our roads today in many cases a bit of common sense should prevail .many are left grieving their loved ones even tonight tony
There is one thing that will tell you what the speed limit is, regardless to whether there are signs, lamp posts, etc there or not- common sense.
If you're in a town, on a single carriageway road, the speed limit will usually be 30mph. If you're in a town/ city, on a dual carriageway, the speed limit will usually be 40 mph.
I'm sure some people from other countries across the world will require signs to be in place though. Do these "street lighting guidelines" apply to all over the world or just in the UK?
northener
09-Jun-08, 23:35
in spite of all that has been said on this subject.when you see the carnage on our roads today in many cases a bit of common sense should prevail .many are left grieving their loved ones even tonight tony
I agree with you totally, Tony.
Legal niceties are a complete waste of time on those who couldn't give a shite about their neighbours.
.
Kevin Milkins
10-Jun-08, 00:04
I have just returned back to Wick after a week or so down south.
I have been up here for just over 2 years and either I have slipped into a go slow mode or the world has gone mad down south.
It just seems every drivers ambition in life is to be in front of the car in front of them, (regardless of the speed limit).
silverfox57
10-Jun-08, 07:13
in spite of all that has been said on this subject.when you see the carnage on our roads today in many cases a bit of common sense should prevail .many are left grieving their loved ones even tonight tony
total agree with you on this tony,my reason for starting this thread was how bad drivers can change familys lives forever,not what is stuck on a lamp post,but careful driving,with consideration for all drivers users,road rage can kill.on a lighter note, org rage makes me laugh:lol:
northener
10-Jun-08, 08:22
I have just returned back to Wick after a week or so down south.
I have been up here for just over 2 years and either I have slipped into a go slow mode or the world has gone mad down south.
It just seems every drivers ambition in life is to be in front of the car in front of them, (regardless of the speed limit).
Strange how there is a totally different attitude to driving in the Far North compared to the rest of the UK.
I'm always the first to criticise some of the drivers up here for being completely clueless and a menace to others, yet the one thing they won't do up here is deliberately carve you up.
Having said that, at least the drivers down South know how to make progress and take opportunities as they arise - as opposed to just sitting at a mini roundabout or junction going '....derrrrr....'.
Amy-Winehouse
10-Jun-08, 11:26
I've been waiting for this one;)
The fact that there are lamp posts there does not automatically make the road a 30mph zone. The Highway Code states that 'generally speaking' the limit is 30mph in built-up areas or areas with street lighting. This is not a rule but a general guideline and as such, is not legally enforcable. It's simply there to help people take a safe course of action if they are unsure of the limit. When reading the Highway Code, the legally enforceable bits always have the word 'must' whereas the words 'generally speaking' or 'should' are used in grey areas.
All speed restrictions/limits are only enforceable by the use of approved signage.
There are many areas where there is street lighting and the limit is above 30mph.
For example: I'm pretty certain there are some street lamps on the main road through Bower, yet the signs dictate a maximum speed of 40mph.
Having said all of this, I could still be charged with, say, reckless driving if an police officer decided my speed was a real danger to other road users. ie I could argue that doing 40mph going out towards Tesco in light traffic and good visibility posed no threat to other road users. Doing 40mph on South Road at 4 in the morning could be argued as well. Doing 40mph through a busy town centre would be hard to justify.
I have to go, gotta do some wheelies outside the school:Razz
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Okay Northener,while were on the subject, I have a question for you, What is the speed limit for Thrumster?
On the A99 when you drive by the village, there are signs that ask you to slow down but to what speed?
Myself personally , Id have thought 40 would have been sufficient but what is the speed meant to be or is there no speed limit???
Okay Northener,while were on the subject, I have a question for you, What is the speed limit for Thrumster?
On the A99 when you drive by the village, there are signs that ask you to slow down but to what speed?
Myself personally , Id have thought 40 would have been sufficient but what is the speed meant to be or is there no speed limit???
There is no speed limit in force for Thrumster. You are just asked to drive carefully. I would say about 40 mph sounds about right although you'll find most drivers still overtake you at this speed. I would think the reason for not having a speed limit is the fact that the houses are well away from the road- most being round the back. There is a school bus stop though which is on the opposite side of the road of most the houses so children will have to cross the road to get to the bus stop. It's a very straight road there so it's easy to see for distance if there are cars coming or not but there still should be a speed limit of at least 40 mph just incase you do get any children running loose.
Alice in Blunderland
10-Jun-08, 16:18
The speed limit in the village of Thrumster is thirty. Passing through the bottom of the village heading south from Wick to Inverness its SIXTY.The signs asking you to slow down only do that ask you to slow down but if you dont feel like it then you dont have to.
Thats sixty miles an hour right past the bus stop where the children wait for the bus or cross from the cemetry road to the village for school.
Yes there have been children knocked down in years gone by but the limit has remained at sixty.
There were many letters written to Jamie Stone ,Transport agencies, council ,police etc etc but they have never managed to get the speed limit lowered seems to be you need a child to get killed first and then they might take action. [evil]
Alice in Blunderland
10-Jun-08, 16:25
I would think the reason for not having a speed limit is the fact that the houses are well away from the road- most being round the back. There is a school bus stop though which is on the opposite side of the road of most the houses so children will have to cross the road to get to the bus stop. It's a very straight road there so it's easy to see for distance if there are cars coming or not but there still should be a speed limit of at least 40 mph just incase you do get any children running loose.
mmm ...There are four houses sighted right on the side of the road with the front gates coming out on a very small piece of road at the front of the houses and yes there are ,and have been children in these houses. No path just straight out onto the road have a look next time you are passing.Its not the safest but thats the way its always been.
Also directly opposite the Smiddy is a house which is right beside the road and when you think of it theres a few people who must stagger out the pub in various states of intoxication who are also very close to a busy road some needing to cross it to make their journey home.
Also with it being a very straight bit of road thats where most folk overtake the slower cars and also put the foot down to get into or out of town a little quicker....Oh and not forgetting the wee boy racers who nip out of Wick turn at the bottom of the village then race back in....Glad youve got the petrol in this day and age to waste.
northener
10-Jun-08, 19:24
I always thought that the use of 3-2-1 markers by themselves on the approach to Thrumster was rather odd. I don't really agree with them in this instance as it creates confusion amongst motorists. - As we have seen on this thread. The limit is 60mph, by the way.
Normally, 3-2-1's are used to warn of a junction/slip road on A roads and dual cabbageways/motorways or, as we see around Caithness, to warn of an impending speed restriction. Yet at Thrumster, they give the impression of an impending speed restriction that doesn't actually exist.
IMO, the road needs restricting to 40mph through Thrumster - the same as Reiss, Bower etc.
There is something at the back of my mind that tells me that the council does not have the power to restrict speed on trunk roads (which the main road at Thrumster is...I think) - this can only be done by Government.
So maybe to try and alleviate an obvious danger the council has done the next best thing - place some signage there that creates an impression/awareness of speed restriction, without having to jump through legal hoops to actually get it reduced.
Or they could be there just to 'count down' to the junction....
So there you have it, 60mph through the centre of a village, signs that don't actually tell you much and confusion for everyone.
If anyone can give me a straight answer on who holds the power to change speed limits on Trunk Roads, I'd be very interested to find out if I'm right or not with my theory:Razz
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