View Full Version : Done For Speeding. Damn!!!
walpurgis
26-10-2012, 18:33
Got back from Cornwall recently, only to find a letter from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary notifying me of their intent to prosecute the driver of car so and so (me) for speeding.
My fault I know, but I'd got so used to cruising at around seventy or so on most of the A303 and A30 that I forgot the 60mph limit on the A39 to Truro on the last leg down to the Lizard peninsular and one of their mobile camera units clocked me doing 71 mph. I saw the bugger too, but didn't react, probably would have been too late anyway, those cameras have a hell of a range these days.
I've been fortunate in that after getting my paperwork back, they've written again and told me I have the option to take a 'Speed Awareness Course'. Needless to say I'll take up that option. I can attend nearby and avoid the 3 points on the licence and £60 fine alternative. Its still going to cost just under £100 though.
Rare Bird
26-10-2012, 18:41
serves you right ;)
Police ought to be more tough imho
walpurgis
26-10-2012, 19:11
serves you right ;)
Police ought to be more tough imho
I knew I could count on people's sympathy and understanding.
The A303 is a bugger of a road, isn't it?
Personally, I'm so tight fisted I try to stick to 57mph and maximise fuel economy. I'm only paying 76p/litre for LPG, too... that shows how tight I am.
Actually, I try to cycle everywhere.
That's how tight I am.
You have my sympathy. I drive according to the conditions and that means that sometimes a bizarre and pointless speed limit change like a dual carriageway that used to be a 50 limit and is now a 40 limit goes unnoticed.
You have to remember that the pressure groups that campaign for pointless speed reductions are generally non-driving foaming at the mouth types. Even the AA and RAC, once bastions of representing the motorist, are no such thing any more.
I drive according to the conditions and that means that sometimes a bizarre and pointless speed limit change like a dual carriageway that used to be a 50 limit and is now a 40 limit goes unnoticed.
Thats a fair point Martin and driving according to the conditions is exactly right (are you an advanced driver?). However, whilst I would imagine you are fully competent and drive a well designed, safe and well maintained vehicle that no doubt holds the road well and stops when you want it to stop. You have to legislate for the feckwits that don't concentrate, don't drive well or drive in buckets that stop well after the spot they would like to stop at and therefore crash into something or someone. These people need speed limits and they need to be enforced to keep folk like you and I safe when we are on the roads - and even then its still a lottery at times ;)
What many people often don't consider are the economics of speed limits - a fatal car crash costs society in excess of £1,000,000 (don't ask me how they calculate that, but its well documented), so speed enforcement is actually big business both as a revenue earner and loss leader when it goes wrong.
A common sense approach needs to be adopted. Simply - if in town, slow down. On an empty motorway or suitable A road (not many suitable A roads in the South East), then put your foot down.
Adapt your driving to suit the conditions.
Much better than the sudden change of speed limits that force drivers to brake suddenly.
You have my sympathy. I drive according to the conditions and that means that sometimes a bizarre and pointless speed limit change like a dual carriageway that used to be a 50 limit and is now a 40 limit goes unnoticed.
You have to remember that the pressure groups that campaign for pointless speed reductions are generally non-driving foaming at the mouth types. Even the AA and RAC, once bastions of representing the motorist, are no such thing any more.
That would suggest you are not driving with "due care and attention". The speed limit signs are plain to see; it's the notification of the removal of a speed limit that is not well advertised.
walpurgis
26-10-2012, 19:51
I have no objection to speed limits, but they aren't always obvious which doesn't help.
Traffic control in general has to be implemented. Can you imagine the chaos if there was none? Its just a shame things are done ineffectively and haphazardly.
Speed humps and their like for instance are a real bugbear, even though I used to design the schemes and arrange their installation (just a job, I didn't necessarily approve of the idea).
I have no objection to speed limits, but they aren't always obvious which doesn't help.
Traffic control in general has to be implemented. Can you imagine the chaos if there was none? Its just a shame things are done ineffectively and haphazardly.
Speed humps and their like for instance are a real bugbear, even though I used to design the schemes and arrange their installation (just a job, I didn't necessarily approve of the idea).
Speed humps just don't work as a means to slow down traffic: drivers go over them slowly and then speed up until the next.
If you want to enforce, say, a 20mph zone, you need to replace the smooth road surface with a cobbled surface. That'll slow the buggers down!
The speed limit signs are plain to see
Not always these days Barry, with Councils reducing their roadside maintenance budgets this has become an all too common occurrence.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/30mph.png
Not always these days Barry, with Councils reducing their roadside maintenance budgets this is becoming an all too common occurrence.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/30mph.png
If a road sign is not plain to see, then legally it does not exist. This applies to worn road markings as well as to the visability of road signs.
Taken a pedantic pill today Barry :eyebrows:
Stratmangler
26-10-2012, 20:09
I'm not familiar with the A39 - is it a dual carriageway?
Taken a pedantic pill today Barry :eyebrows:
No, it's the law.
so speed enforcement is actually big business both as a revenue earner and loss leader when it goes wrong.
It's when it is so cynically used as a revenue earner that I get annoyed.
That would suggest you are not driving with "due care and attention"
No, it does not. I see the signs, but the road quality and surroundings tell me something else.
No, it does not. I see the signs, but the road quality and surroundings tell me something else.
So you see the signs and choose to ignore them?
Traffic control in general has to be implemented. Can you imagine the chaos if there was none?
The more our actions are controlled the less we have to think. If we want drivers to really pay attention we'd remove all the signs and road markings.
While we're about it we could dismantle government and live our lives free of politicians' interference. :eyebrows:
isuckedmandelsonslemons
26-10-2012, 20:52
It's when it is so cynically used as a revenue earner that I get annoyed.
Why do you think they are offering speed awareness courses all over the country?
1. Brings in more money than fines
2. Too many drivers on 9 points.
Why do you think they are offering speed awareness courses all over the country?
1. Brings in more money than fines
2. Too many drivers on 9 points.
1. Not exactly, yes a NSAC costs more than a FPN, but they cost a lot more to administer than the admin fee to process a £60.00 fine. Additionally FPN money goes to central funds, but a NSAC goes to the police force running the course.
2. Education of drivers does have a positive impact on road safety and as a PR exercise is preferred to points and a fine, remember its a choice you can refuse to accept, but any driver who chooses a FPN over a NSAC will end up paying a lot more financially.
I don't necessarily agree or disagree with this article, I just post it as a matter of interest.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/8759868/Speed-awareness-courses-work.html
Got back from Cornwall recently, only to find a letter from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary notifying me of their intent to prosecute the driver of car so and so (me) for speeding.
My fault I know, but I'd got so used to cruising at around seventy or so on most of the A303 and A30 that I forgot the 60mph limit on the A39 to Truro on the last leg down to the Lizard peninsular and one of their mobile camera units clocked me doing 71 mph. I saw the bugger too, but didn't react, probably would have been too late anyway, those cameras have a hell of a range these days.
I've been fortunate in that after getting my paperwork back, they've written again and told me I have the option to take a 'Speed Awareness Course'. Needless to say I'll take up that option. I can attend nearby and avoid the 3 points on the licence and £60 fine alternative. Its still going to cost just under £100 though.
You have my sympathy mate, if I were you I'd take the three points if you have a spotless license, it shouldn't affect your insurance that much if at all. And it'll soon be off your license again if you keep your nose clean. The speed awareness course is a cash cow con run by ex coppers. it'll be the most boring day of your life and they'll treat you like dullard, plus you'll have the expense of getting there and back.
If ever you get caught again purposely fill in the wrong section, they'll send it back so fill in the wrong section again, and then they'll just give up. Apparently this works rather well.
I don't necessarily agree or disagree with this article, I just post it as a matter of interest.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/8759868/Speed-awareness-courses-work.html
It's the difference between life and death. Hit someone at 20mph and 99 per cent survive. At 30mph it's still an encouraging 80 per cent. But at 35mph there's a 50 per cent chance they'll die. That rises to a horrifying 90 per cent at 40mph impact. I am now a fully paid up speed limit freak.
When you've seen the anguish in your auntie's face at making the decision to turn off the life support for your 13 year old cousin, you'll realise just how important those numbers are. As the adverts say - "It's 30 for a reason."
Not having a go, we all make mistakes, and speeding is easily done, I've had my fair share of tickets in the past, but in built up areas sticking to the limit is the right thing to do.
it'll be the most boring day of your life and they'll treat you like dullard, plus you'll have the expense of getting their and back.
Attending my cousin Jenny's funeral was a pretty boring day too. She was treated like a dullard - what with being dead in a coffin, and all. The expense of getting her to the crematorium was not inconsequential, either.
If ever you get caught again purposely fill in the wrong section, they'll send it back so fill in the wrong section again, and then they'll just give up. Apparently this works rather well.
Maybe the guy that killed her used your trick of filling in the wrong section the previous times he'd been caught. :rolleyes:
it shouldn't affect your insurance that much if at all
It most certainly will, most if not all insurers will bump your premium and maybe your excess too - if its less than the course then bonzer, but just check by giving them a call to find out if in doubt? What you need to bear in mind though is if you get caught again, the premium will go up significantly a second time so its really not sensible to accept a fixed penalty if you don't have to IMO. You are not legally obliged to inform an insurer about a NSAC but you are a FPN or Court appearance.
A mate at work got pinged by a camera and took the fine as he had a clean licence, so it was cheaper than the course. His premium went up by £75.00 and they doubled his excess from £150 to £300. He wished he had taken the course now, but he never speeds anymore as he's concerned about getting pinged again.
There's more to it than just trying to take the cheapest route, unless you don't intend to drive again.
If ever you get caught again purposely fill in the wrong section, they'll send it back so fill in the wrong section again, and then they'll just give up. Apparently this works rather well.
There's a phrase for that.... what is it?.... oh yes, perverting the course of justice punishable by imprisonment..... not good advice there Paul.
Not always these days Barry, with Councils reducing their roadside maintenance budgets this has become an all too common occurrence.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/30mph.png
What about the one on the nearside of the road! :rolleyes:
The speed awareness courses are good, I feel they should be compulsory for all drivers at some point...its quite shocking you can pass at 17 years of age and never be asked or tested for your driving acumen or general ability to drive until you are 70.
Audio Al
26-10-2012, 23:41
I have a cunning plan :eyebrows:
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Works ever time for me :eyebrows:
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THEY have never caught me yet :eyebrows:
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No Money extracted :eyebrows:
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NO points on my licence :eyebrows:
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I stick to the speed limit :D:D
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Ali Tait
26-10-2012, 23:56
What worries me is that the climate the police are creating is producing a load of drivers who are constantly watching their speedos rather than the road. There needs to be a bit of common sense really. Oh shit, what am I saying? That went out the window years ago.
I speak as someone who works on site all over the UK and averages about 50k per year, so I think I'm better qualified than most here to comment on driving in this country.
snuffbox
27-10-2012, 00:35
The speed awareness course is a cash cow con run by ex coppers. it'll be the most boring day of your life and they'll treat you like dullard, plus you'll have the expense of getting there and back.
If ever you get caught again purposely fill in the wrong section, they'll send it back so fill in the wrong section again, and then they'll just give up. Apparently this works rather well.
Been there and done that then have you.
I did it a couple of years back and feel I learnt a lot from it,suppose it all depends on whether you go into it with an open mind or not.
Of course there are always those of us that are perfect and know everything
What worries me is that the climate the police are creating is producing a load of drivers who are constantly watching their speedos rather than the road.
Its got very little to do with the police anymore Ali, Safety Camera Partnerships are multi-agency, driven mostly by local and central government. Static cameras and those sneaky vans that park on the roadside are all SCP, police involvement is down to folk standing with guns on the roadside or if you are dumb enough to get followed by a patrol car whilst speeding, but there's not many of those left now either. I was reading about my local force recently and 10 years ago they had over 100 traffic officers, now there's around 30 for the whole county of Dorset (population 715,000), which means with shifts etc you probably get around 8 working at a time, so speed enforcement is not possible and why its handled by SCP, all they do now is deal with serious or fatal accidents.
As Martin alluded too its money driven a lot now, which is down to central government and not coppers trying to fill their ticket books - hardly anybody gets booked by the old bill anymore, its all cameras which are SCP. What makes folk think its the police is that the letter that pops through the door will come with a police crest on it, but its all run by SCP now. I don't think many coppers like cameras or those bastard vans either ;)
isuckedmandelsonslemons
27-10-2012, 05:15
I stand by my original comments. That's because they're correct.
The money generated by SCPs is pugged back into SCPs. Jobs for the boys, more cameras etc etc.
The government see this as a double edged sword. Cash cow and employment provider. Motorist pays.
Haselsh1
27-10-2012, 07:08
You have my sympathy totally. I spent twenty fives years or more of my life riding motorcycles around the country lanes of Lincolnshire and frequently used highly excessive speeds but fortunately never got caught. It was all a bit of a game back then but the thrill was amazing.
but in built up areas sticking to the limit is the right thing to do.
I don't think any of us (including the O/P) were talking about speeding in built-up areas, Alex.
Ali Tait
27-10-2012, 07:56
Its got very little to do with the police anymore Ali, Safety Camera Partnerships are multi-agency, driven mostly by local and central government. Static cameras and those sneaky vans that park on the roadside are all SCP, police involvement is down to folk standing with guns on the roadside or if you are dumb enough to get followed by a patrol car whilst speeding, but there's not many of those left now either. I was reading about my local force recently and 10 years ago they had over 100 traffic officers, now there's around 30 for the whole county of Dorset (population 715,000), which means with shifts etc you probably get around 8 working at a time, so speed enforcement is not possible and why its handled by SCP, all they do now is deal with serious or fatal accidents.
As Martin alluded too its money driven a lot now, which is down to central government and not coppers trying to fill their ticket books - hardly anybody gets booked by the old bill anymore, its all cameras which are SCP. What makes folk think its the police is that the letter that pops through the door will come with a police crest on it, but its all run by SCP now. I don't think many coppers like cameras or those bastard vans either ;)
Well I was talking in general, but yes, I agree entirely. However, I am currently working at a substation on Loch Lomond, and every Friday on the way home, I see at least one police car doing some poor bugger for doing 31mph through a deserted village (I know this is happening as I've talked to a bloke who was done)
Now I'm all for sticking to speed limits in built up areas, but this is just bloody rediculous.
Attending my cousin Jenny's funeral was a pretty boring day too. She was treated like a dullard - what with being dead in a coffin, and all. The expense of getting her to the crematorium was not inconsequential, either.
Maybe the guy that killed her used your trick of filling in the wrong section the previous times he'd been caught. :rolleyes:
very sorry to hear about your cousin Alex, this must be a very emotive subject for you. no offense intended mate.
I'll keep my mouth shut from now on, as i feel its inappropriate to start a debate in the circumstances. I've been caught twice for speeding in my driving career, both events followed a similar pattern. The second time last year, Surrey's finest felt I was out of line for driving at 36mph along an empty A30 in Sunninghill at 10.30pm on a Monday night. They immediately offered me the speed awareness course, I took the points.
You're right, it is an emotive subject Paul, and Martin's point is equally valid in that the OP wasn't about speeding in built up areas - the inevitable AoS thread drift here! It was a bit unfair of me to take it the direction I did, though - no need to hold back on my account.
The sort of people who benefit most from these courses are people like my dad - used to drive everywhere at 55mph regardless of the conditions, environment or speed limit! His driving improved immeasurably after the course.
Mr Kipling
27-10-2012, 09:04
Shouldn't go round thinking you're Stirling Moss then Geoff!
And here's the evidence!
As has been said by others and from watching Top Gear, speed cameras are simply a means of generating cash. It's all about money.
isuckedmandelsonslemons
27-10-2012, 09:22
Stirling Moss? One for the teenagers.
Sonority
27-10-2012, 09:49
What is the reply when an insurer asks the question 'Have you ever attended a speed awareness course'?
A close friend had this done to his daughter who had recently been on such a course, and they refused to say why the premium had increased by so much on the previous year when it should have likely come down due to the age of the young lady?
Taking the course may save you points, it does not have to save money on insurance though.
isuckedmandelsonslemons
27-10-2012, 10:13
Good point re insurance. All part of the grand capitalism conspiracy. Get people working for as little money as possible and then find as many imaginative ways to take it off them.
MikeMusic
27-10-2012, 10:15
This idiot here got flashed on the A40 coming into London, 3 lanes, 40 mph. I slowed down like everyone else there for years, just not enough that time.
Pointless waste of time and money.
And yet where it is required and would make sense it doesn't make economical sense
Cycling home one day on a country lane I went past 2 people both riding horses, 2 abreast. Hmm not too clever.
24 hours later exact same spot a lunatic coming the other way, could have been a Subaru must have been doing around 60mph or faster
Local paper said some speeding driver killed himself and someone else I think running into a tree.
They also mention he was inexperienced, uninsured, had no licence, but the headline was he was speeding - doing 40mph I think. The tree didn't give way
walpurgis
27-10-2012, 10:35
I detect a bit of self righteousness in some of the responses to the thread (I won't be specific), not aimed personally at me (so far) I might add, but the point is anybody can be caught unawares, as I was, thinking I was in a 70 limit, when it was actually 60. That's just one scenario, there must be many other situations where you can be caught out.
Being judgemental is expected, but a 'holier than thou' attitude tends to come from people who behave and think like that through every aspect of their lives.
Think on!
Stratmangler
27-10-2012, 10:42
I detect a bit of self righteousness in some of the responses to the thread (I won't be specific), not aimed personally at me (so far) I might add, but the point is anybody can be caught unawares, as I was, thinking I was in a 70 limit, when it was actually 60. That's just one scenario, there must be many other situations where you can be caught out.
Being judgemental is expected, but a 'holier than thou' attitude tends to come from people who behave and think like that through every aspect of their lives.
Think on!
I'm not familiar with the A39 - was it dual carriageway where you were caught speeding?
walpurgis
27-10-2012, 10:50
I'm not familiar with the A39 - was it dual carriageway where you were caught speeding?
Do you know Chris, I can't remember. I believe its partly dual carriageway, but the bit I was caught by the mobile camera on may have been single carriageway and yes, I do know the various speed limits, but after driving for over four hours you tend to get a bit robot like and miss things.
Stratmangler
27-10-2012, 10:58
Do you know, I can't remember. I believe its partly dual carriageway, but the bit I was caught by the mobile camera on may have been single carriageway and yes, I do know the various speed limits, but after driving for over four hours you tend to get a bit robot like and miss things.
It looks to be mainly single carriageway on the map, so you shouldn't be driving at speeds above 60 mph for most of it.
That's the law.
So you don't get any sympathy from my direction.
Nor do you get any self righteous comments - we all miss signs and what have you, no matter how experienced a driver we are.
Tough luck matey - you'll not get caught in that area again, or at least I hope that's the case.
walpurgis
27-10-2012, 11:00
That's fair comment Chris.
What is the reply when an insurer asks the question 'Have you ever attended a speed awareness course'?
A close friend had this done to his daughter who had recently been on such a course, and they refused to say why the premium had increased by so much on the previous year when it should have likely come down due to the age of the young lady?
Taking the course may save you points, it does not have to save money on insurance though.
that's very interesting but not very surprising.
I can't mug my current insurers off too much - when I took my recent 3 points the next years premium stayed the same. I have a feeling they wanted my to keep my business, an example of capitalism actually working for once :rolleyes:
I detect a bit of self righteousness in some of the responses to the thread (I won't be specific), not aimed personally at me (so far) I might add, but the point is anybody can be caught unawares, as I was, thinking I was in a 70 limit, when it was actually 60. That's just one scenario, there must be many other situations where you can be caught out.
Being judgemental is expected, but a 'holier than thou' attitude tends to come from people who behave and think like that through every aspect of their lives.
Think on!
I don't wish to take sides here because in a debate like this both parties have equally valid points, and this subject can often be about so much more than safety on the roads, hence the thread drift. It always seems to me that the trouble with taking sides, to either the left or the right, is that life is never that simplistic.
Patrick Dixon
27-10-2012, 11:15
Cycling home one day on a country lane I went past 2 people both riding horses, 2 abreast. Hmm not too clever.
Well 2 horses abreast are no wider that a car, and since they are going considerably slower the closing speed wrt a vehicle coming the other way will also be much lower.
There's often not room for a single horse and a car to pass on the roads around here, but since the National Speed Limit applies, no-one will ever get 3 points for doing 50mph round a series of blind bends with the likelihood of meeting horses, cyclists or walkers at any point. We always hope they meet a tractor, with a spike on the front.
So much for speed limits.
BTW, I trust you are aware that people/horses are often completely unaware of cyclists coming up behind them, and unless you make yourself known, they can step sideways (or get spooked) and can easily end up in your path (or on top of you) - so take care!
I detect a bit of self righteousness in some of the responses to the thread (I won't be specific), not aimed personally at me (so far) I might add, but the point is anybody can be caught unawares, as I was, thinking I was in a 70 limit, when it was actually 60. That's just one scenario, there must be many other situations where you can be caught out.
Being judgemental is expected, but a 'holier than thou' attitude tends to come from people who behave and think like that through every aspect of their lives.
Think on!
Lets keep it general Geoff and not personal, comments like this can steer the thread down other routes faster than a speeding bullet ;)
MikeMusic
27-10-2012, 11:30
Well 2 horses abreast are no wider that a car, and since they are going considerably slower the closing speed wrt a vehicle coming the other way will also be much lower.
There's often not room for a single horse and a car to pass on the roads around here, but since the National Speed Limit applies, no-one will ever get 3 points for doing 50mph round a series of blind bends with the likelihood of meeting horses, cyclists or walkers at any point. We always hope they meet a tractor, with a spike on the front.
So much for speed limits.
BTW, I trust you are aware that people/horses are often completely unaware of cyclists coming up behind them, and unless you make yourself known, they can step sideways (or get spooked) and can easily end up in your path (or on top of you) - so take care!
My thoughts were both the riders, nice enough girls and the lunatic driver, who could have been under the speed limit, were totally oblivious of the possibilities.
Yes I do speak and say "little ole cyclist coming past slowly"
I might go for a tiny bell for these occasions. Could bring them to complete consciousness and save me getting trampled
Just remembered. Same road about 200 yards further on. Minding my own business when I was nearly run over by a deer charging *across* the road. We were both under the speed limit.
Stratmangler
27-10-2012, 11:56
Cyclists get a raw deal on the roads from stupid and inconsiderate motorists, who seem to think that cyclists should stick to riding along the gutter.
Have you seen the state of the gutters along many roads? It's perilous to ride along them in many cases.
There's one road locally where there's a cycle lane marked out, but there are that many pot holes in the cycle lane you've got a go to A&E quickly ticket to ride there.
Then there's the odd situation of motorists giving helmet wearing cyclists less room for manoeuvre than cyclists not wearing helmets - go figure the idiocy of the situation, but that's the truth.
walpurgis
27-10-2012, 12:01
Lets keep it general Geoff and not personal, comments like this can steer the thread down other routes faster than a speeding bullet ;)
OK Tim, I wasn't being specific, so I doubt anybody will take it personally and there's no intention to offend in any case.
MikeMusic
27-10-2012, 12:35
Cyclists get a raw deal on the roads from stupid and inconsiderate motorists, who seem to think that cyclists should stick to riding along the gutter.
Have you seen the state of the gutters along many roads? It's perilous to ride along them in many cases.
There's one road locally where there's a cycle lane marked out, but there are that many pot holes in the cycle lane you've got a go to A&E quickly ticket to ride there.
Then there's the odd situation of motorists giving helmet wearing cyclists less room for man oeuvre than cyclists not wearing helmets - go figure the idiocy of the situation, but that's the truth.
I'm well aware of how soft and fragile I am compared to a ton or so of metal at any speed. There's one bit of road that is awful. You have to ride about 2-3 feet out, but cars and vans still want to hurtle past.
After getting my new bike earlier this year I decided, after a few months confirming I was only partially sighted so recently got myself a mirror- *much* happier.
Helmet ? Yes. After being knocked off in 2005 and smashing up the old one as well as grazing the side of my face and doing my shoulder in plus sundry other injuries that is a case well proven.
Funnily enough just down the road from the previously mentioned horses and maniac car driver
The guy that knocked me off was not speeding, not even going that fast. If he had been speeding he would have had to pay attention !
Mr Kipling
27-10-2012, 12:58
Sorry Geoff. Didn't mean to offend. Just had the photo and thought it might inject a bit of humour.
Speeding is always going to be an emotive subject, as its often the only time the law abiding majority will ever brush with the law and it hurts when you have to pay up, especially if you think its unjust.
Comment has been made about the driver awareness course, but that isn't the cash cow (trust me). The cash cows are the static cameras and the vans that hide behind bushes and elsewhere, they just churn out tickets like you wouldn't believe and do little more than piss people off. Surely driver education is a preferred option, if it only ever saves one life a year then that's got to be better than a ticket or going to court and ending up bitter about the whole system?
Anyway that's me done here, I'm off to watch the F1 qualifying ;)
used to drive everywhere at 55mph regardless of the conditions, environment or speed limit!
There are many occasions, especially in winter, when I won't drive at anywhere close to the speed limit because, frankly, neither the car nor my ability to see far enough nor my own driving skills could justify it. As you say, other drivers will go sailing past as if it's a hot sunny day. Because the speed limit is the speed to drive at, isn't it?
MikeMusic
27-10-2012, 17:27
There are many occasions, especially in winter, when I won't drive at anywhere close to the speed limit because, frankly, neither the car nor my ability to see far enough nor my own driving skills could justify it. As you say, other drivers will go sailing past as if it's a hot sunny day. Because the speed limit is the speed to drive at, isn't it?
Quite
The only reason they usually stay lucky is because nothing else comes the other way or adds to the risk load.
walpurgis
27-10-2012, 19:18
Sorry Geoff. Didn't mean to offend. Just had the photo and thought it might inject a bit of humour.
Stephen, I've never been so affronted in my life!
Just joking, I think I got your joke too.
I'm not too bothered what people have to say. I put my hands up to having transgressed and I started the thread expecting a bit of flack (hopefully good natured).
I certainly seem to have generated a fair bit of response, which is what AOS thrives on.
Geoff.
The more our actions are controlled the less we have to think. If we want drivers to really pay attention we'd remove all the signs and road markings.
Not as daft as it sounds. This was tried in a Dutch town (Drachten) in 2005 on an experimental basis and it worked. Congestion, accidents and other well known driving related issues virtually disappeared over night. In fact it was so successful it has been trialled in towns throughout Europe. http://www.dw.de/european-towns-remove-traffic-signs-to-make-streets-safer/a-2143663-1
walpurgis
28-10-2012, 10:40
Not as daft as it sounds. This was tried in a Dutch town (Drachten) in 2005 on an experimental basis and it worked. Congestion, accidents and other well known driving related issues virtually disappeared over night. In fact it was so successful it has been trialled in towns throughout Europe. http://www.dw.de/european-towns-remove-traffic-signs-to-make-streets-safer/a-2143663-1
There's been talk recently of a similar trial in this country. Can't remember where though.
Not all encounters with the Police are quite so dramatic, some are cherished for their comedic value. I once got stopped by the Police in Bristol for a routine check. Everything was absolutely fine until the copper opened his mouth. I apologise most profusely to anyone who hails from that fair city, but it really isn't an accent that is conducive to one who holds a position of authority. I nearly wet my pants, and then I nearly got arrested for insolence.
I was still married back then and my wife, god bless her cotton socks, had to deal with him on my behalf. Now, she is Scottish and she could hardly understand a word he was saying. He, on the other hand, couldn't get a handle on her broad, Glaswegian accent. In the meantime I am chewing through the car seats in hysterics listening to the two of them trying and failing to communicate. What made it even worse was that she kept apologising for my behaviour, and all he could say was, "Do what?" He gave up in the end, got back into his car, slammed the door in disgust and drove off at a fair rate of knots. Needless to say I was in the doghouse for a fair time over that one... :lol::lol::lol:
Audioman
31-10-2012, 11:13
What worries me is that the climate the police are creating is producing a load of drivers who are constantly watching their speedos rather than the road. There needs to be a bit of common sense really. Oh shit, what am I saying? That went out the window years ago.
I speak as someone who works on site all over the UK and averages about 50k per year, so I think I'm better qualified than most here to comment on driving in this country.
Tip - if you do high mileage especialy motorways, buy a slightly more up market version of your desired motor that has cruise control. Works wonders in keeping within the limits through long roadworks.
As for the burk who falsifies details on a summonse, the max penalty for perverting the course of justice is life. Rather longer than a day on an awareness course.
Paul.
Once, when I was much younger, I was stopped by a copper who asked me why I was speeding. I stated that I was in a line of traffic and therefore we were all doing the same speed (not answering the question, obviously, but reasonable obfuscation). He then turned to me and, I swear, actually said the words "don't try and pull the wool down over my eyes, sonny".
I just barely managed to keep a straight face but I don't know how :rfl:
MikeMusic
31-10-2012, 12:05
Once, when I was much younger, I was stopped by a copper who asked me why I was speeding. I stated that I was in a line of traffic and therefore we were all doing the same speed (not answering the question, obviously, but reasonable obfuscation). He then turned to me and, I swear, actually said the words "don't try and pull the wool down over my eyes, sonny".
I just barely managed to keep a straight face but I don't know how :rfl:
I was stopped for speeding in the early 70s
It was raining so I got out to get wet and cold with the man.
Although in sales I dress for driving so was only semi smart
I was let off
walpurgis
10-11-2012, 12:04
Well, I did the 'Speed Awareness Course', a bit of a drag, but learned a couple of things, much like all the other seminars I've attended on various topics.
Anyway, I've sold the fast car and bought a slow one (partly in the interests of economy) so I'll be less inclined to put my foot down, because it won't get me anywhere faster. See how it goes.
southall-1998
10-11-2012, 12:11
Well, I did the 'Speed Awareness Course', a bit of a drag, but learned a couple of things, much like all the other seminars I've attended on various topics.
Anyway, I've sold the fast car and bought a slow one (partly in the interests of economy) so I'll be less inclined to put my foot down, because it won't get me anywhere faster. See how it goes.
Will say this once more, that fast car was nice!!!
walpurgis
10-11-2012, 12:21
Will say this once more, that fast car was nice!!!
Yes it was, but the insurance was steep and I now get three times better fuel economy and I can maintain the replacement myself very easily.
I may get something else in the way of a 'boy's toy' sometime.
Stratmangler
10-11-2012, 12:27
Yes it was, but the insurance was steep and I now get three times better fuel economy and I can maintain the replacement myself very easily.
I may get something else in the way of a 'boy's toy' sometime.
Shouldn't that be "it uses a third of the fuel that the other car did"?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=380256&postcount=63
:ner::ner::ner::ner::ner:
walpurgis
10-11-2012, 12:32
Shouldn't that be "it uses a third of the fuel that the other car did"?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=380256&postcount=63
:ner::ner::ner::ner::ner:
Didn't somebody mention 'pedants' under Pet Hates the other day!
Stratmangler
10-11-2012, 12:34
Didn't somebody mention 'pedants' under Pet Hates the other day?
:rfl:
I corrected your punctuation error too :ner:
walpurgis
10-11-2012, 12:36
Didn't somebody mention 'pedants' under Pet Hates the other day!
As above!
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 12:43
:rfl:
I corrected your punctuation error too :ner:
Founder member
CaRP
:)
Well, I 'downgraded' my previous 540i (4.4l V8) with its 21mpg consumption for my current 335d (3.0l twin turbo straight six) with 33mpg.
A good swap with only 64% the fuel consumption that I used to attain. Important when I drive 56 miles every day.
The only problem is, the current car is much faster than the previous one :eek:
:lol: you boys, my car was doing 60 mpg last night on the way back from London and I was doing under 65mph.... I don't drive fast anywhere, too bloody dangerous these days with some of the half-wits out there with driving licences.
These Car Crash Compilation (http://www.youtube.com/user/CarCrashCompilation?feature=watch) videos on YouTube are very sobering indeed. Remind me never to drive in Russia!
:wheniwasaboy:
brian2957
10-11-2012, 13:15
60 MPG ? What are you driving Tim .:)
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 13:27
Well, I 'downgraded' my previous 540i (4.4l V8) with its 21mpg consumption for my current 335d (3.0l twin turbo straight six) with 33mpg.
A good swap with only 64% the fuel consumption that I used to attain. Important when I drive 56 miles every day.
The only problem is, the current car is much faster than the previous one :eek:
0 mpg for me 5 days a week
:)
One of the new petrol Fiesta Titanium's Brian, I set cruise control between 60-65, sit in the nearside lane, relax and listen to music via a well stocked USB stick. When I drive up to London in heavy traffic, I sit at between 55-60 and get overtaken by lorries :lol:
I watch the world and his wife fly by me at often ridiculous speeds, using masses of fuel, putting themselves and other road users at risk and quite probably arriving at their destinations far more stressed that I am, but 15-20 minutes earlier. I always drive for economy and safety now, never speed. Call me a boring old fart, but I'm happy ;)
My morning (5:30am) and evening (17:00) commutes are very different, Tim. In the morning, on quiet motorways, I enjoy the speed yet am still able to keep to the left lane for most of the journey.
In the evening, lane choice is immaterial. It's 60mph if I'm lucky. Music is played at all times and I'm chilled :)
brian2957
10-11-2012, 13:39
Nice one mate . I was a bus driver on and off for over 30 years so you can guess the speeds I drive at . They seem to teach new drivers to push the vehicle on these days . My daughter just passed her test recently . She learned by a combination of 1 lesson per week and a couple of hours with me and I was constantly telling her to slow down . Her reply was that the instructor was constantly telling her to speed up . Frightening really :mental:
There's more to life than making it go faster mate. Ford seem to be making some nice cars just now BTW.
There's more to life than making it go faster mate. Ford seem to be making some nice cars just now BTW.
There sure is Brian, I guess I have a different take on speed than most and its understandable that most people won't view it my way.
Do you know what Brian, I vowed many years ago never to buy a Ford (my grandfather was killed in a Ford factory) and have always had in the main Japanese cars. I wanted something small and economical and test drove every single thing available, often more than once and kept coming back to the Ford. I really didn't want to buy it, but it ticked all my boxes and deserves all the awards it won - most of all though, the USB stereo input is excellent, imagine arriving at a test drive with a USB stick and insisting that the music system was one of the most important elements and that if it didn't play music from USB I wasn't interested :lol:
I got quite a few raised eyebrows on that one!
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 13:51
My morning (5:30am) and evening (17:00) commutes
That is a *long* day Martin
If I did that I assume I could do 5 days a week
likely I could *only* do 5 days a week
What do you work in school breaks ?
Those are indeed very long days Martin, now I see why mid-week concerts are hard for you, I guess I am lucky with my 0800 walk to work and home by 1630, maybe my jobs not that shite after all :scratch: at least I go to whatever gigs I want to, which is very important to me.
Yes, they are long days. The necessity of my job (IT) means that there are many things to do before everyone gets in. Realistically, they are the only times I can update servers, install new software, reboot them etc. Also, the M3 is nice at 5:30 but horrible after 6am, so I choose to travel before everyone else.
Going home is different. I can rarely get away at 4pm, although I do try to make more effort these days. Off term, I always leave at 4pm or sometimes earlier. Still get tired, though.
0 mpg for me 5 days a week
:)
I would love to be able to cycle to work, Mike.
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 14:30
Yes, they are long days. The necessity of my job (IT) means that there are many things to do before everyone gets in. Realistically, they are the only times I can update servers, install new software, reboot them etc. Also, the M3 is nice at 5:30 but horrible after 6am, so I choose to travel before everyone else.
Going home is different. I can rarely get away at 4pm, although I do try to make more effort these days. Off term, I always leave at 4pm or sometimes earlier. Still get tired, though.
Correction - if I may
Long days for someone who does a good job, over and above the call of duty
I find similar traffic increases at 7am coming to Shepperton, but nothing like the volume of M3 traffic. Came is one morning at 8am and was amazed at the volume of traffic
You can always pop into us if required for a cup of tea or a break before starting back. M3 jammed or similar.
4.10pm is usually my latest. Sometimes I just stop whatever I'm doing, change and go. I could stay through the night and still not finish
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 14:32
I would love to be able to cycle to work, Mike.
So glad I stumbled into cycling. More correctly I was injured into cycling courtesy of a wrecked knee !
Silver lining on that cloud
walpurgis
10-11-2012, 18:32
I would love to be able to cycle to work, Mike.
I cycled to work for many years, all year round, all weathers, 5 miles each way. It was strangely satisfying.
MikeMusic
10-11-2012, 18:38
I cycled to work for many years, all year round, all weathers, 5 miles each way. It was strangely satisfying.
There is something/s about it that cannot be put into words
Liberates you in a way a car cannot
Ali Tait
10-11-2012, 18:40
Tip - if you do high mileage especialy motorways, buy a slightly more up market version of your desired motor that has cruise control. Works wonders in keeping within the limits through long roadworks.
As for the burk who falsifies details on a summonse, the max penalty for perverting the course of justice is life. Rather longer than a day on an awareness course.
Paul.
Aye , my Alfa has CC, I use it a lot.
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