Roadworks Info

[Godot]

Highways Agency Urges All Drivers To Pay Attention
Driving Through Roadworks And Help Save Lives




http://www.carpages.co.uk/news/motorway-month-13-08-07.asp

 

[kikkthecat]

That pretty much goes without saying.

But if I might make a suggestion to the powers that be.

Try using less speed cameras. So many people are paranoid about ridgidly enforced limits they drive through watching for cameras rather than watching their surroundings. And that is what causes the vast majority of accidents at motorway roadworks.

 

[Dieselman]

I would beg to differ, especially where SPECS cameras are used. I now see a lot less accidents in roadworks than I used to.

I am happy to slow down for the duration of roadworks as they are the most dangerous point on a motorway, as the traffic is moving across lanes and often the joining slip roads lead straight into lane 1 so cause sudden variations in speed if going quickly.

One positive thing I have noticed is that there is usually a safety lane between contraflow traffic now, whereas it used to just be a row of cones.

Having been very nearly pushed through the cones into the oncoming traffic by skidding 8 legger makes you appreciate just how dangerous a contraflow can be.

 

[SimonsMerc]

Agree with Dieselman (as always!), SPECS has made a huge difference and I think that roadworks are a great use of the technology.

-simon

 

[Ian_C]

I have to agree. These days you just set cruse control to that speed and then you have more time to watch surroundings and ensuring you have enough 'safety space'.

Though, I did once have a lorry hassling me through a SPECS roadwroks section, he was doing about 20mph over the limit I would say....Makes you wonder.

Ian
P.S. Do they do any work on that M1-M18 junction.

 

[Rose Chap]

I've got absolutely no problem with 50 mph limits (or lower in some cases) at roadworks, providing work is taking place.

If no work is taking place and no people are in harms way, then don't apply the limit.

 

[glojo]

Evidently where SPECS have been located, speeds have come down and more to the point so have the prosecutions. My big hate is the camera's that are active even though there are no hazards. Over a Christmas period there will be no work, no workers in danger, or any other hazard, but the cameras will be active. If we leave our foglights on because last week there was some fog, would we get prosecuted?

Here in Devon SPECS cameras are now being installed on the busier A routes so be warned.

John

 

[kikkthecat]

Then we will have to disagree. I too dont have a problem with setting cruise or the speed limiter and be aware of what's actually going on around me. But how many cars have these functions to use ?

Our motorways are amongst the safest roads in Europe but that doesn't mean stupid people dont have access to them.

I drive thousands of motorway miles a year and still see people braking for SPECS cameras as if it would make a difference, changing lanes if someone is only doing 39MPH when the limit is 40 and tailgating is the norm because the drop from 70 to 40 feels so slow that 3 yards from the car in front must be enough. And I would be willing to bet (but cant prove) the accident rates are higher as you come out of roadworks because some idiots believe that they can make up the lost time.

I cant find the link right now but I recall a survey last year posted on this forum that suggested the accident rate actually went up when the speed limit at Motorway roadworks was dropped from 50 to 40.

When it comes to speeding I'm pretty much on the same side of the fence as Andy_k and have little sympathy for anyone getting caught but I still believe that highly visible cameras in large numbers like those at motorway roadworks detract drivers attention from where it should be.

 

[gbjeppm]

There are signs on the Interstate in Illinois, in the USA, that say "Kill a worker - Go to Jail".

I thought that was quite effective.

 

[Dieselman]

There are signs on the Interstate in Illinois, in the USA, that say "Kill a worker - Go to Jail".

Is that an instruction to do that then?

 

[gbjeppm]

Is that an instruction to do that then?

I would sincerely hope not, informational rather than a directive!!

 

[GrahamC230K]

I am frequently overtaken by lorries on motorway sections where low speed limits are enforced for roadworks etc.

Normally get them right up behind, then they come past when they get the message I am already travelling at the speed I want to. It is intimidating though.

I also have to say more frequently than not, especially on the M25 sections of road works are so badly organised, the speed limit is very very confusing and takes all the concentration I have to figure out what it is. Between the overhead gantry signs, signs at the side of the road, signs that could be fore the site traffic etc, signs which contradict each other and change frequently, it's all a bit much.

 

[Satch]

No problem with the general concept but I do find it annoying that virtually all Motorway Roadworks now seem to come with a speed restriction automatically attached.

While back on the A1 there was a 40mph speed restriction posted for about 10 yards of road cones on the hard shoulder. There was that nobody working there for weeks. Apart from the odd camera van of course.

I have my suspicions this is being abused

 

[DieselE]

I think both Dieselman and Kickthecat make valid points.

With SPECS cameras they are easily visible and everyone knows where they stand. The problem comes with roadworks where there are speed camera signs but no cameras in view. That's when everyone is looking at the hard shoulder and/or central reservation trying to spot a Gatso or Truvelo.

I also agree with the point made by someone about HGVs tailgating in speed limit controlled areas. It certainly is intimidating.

 

[scotth_uk]

I am surprised that the campaign is so polite actually. We're often restricted to speeds as low as 40kmh/24mph around city areas for roadworks. Exceeding the speed limit by as little as 20kmh/12mph can result in 3 points.

All in all, I don't mind slowing down, even if the roadworks aren't happening at that very moment (as long as it's not for weeks). Think about it - if they had to send a bloke out to change the sign every time they stopped and started, it would no doubt cost them extra in labour and up would go the taxes to pay for it.

(Edit: These are bait questions ;-) )Is it really too much of an ask to slow down for a couple of miles? Is your journey really that important?

Satch makes an interesting point about the possible abuse of the limits - would be a shame if this was the case.

 

[Silestanix]

I don't have a problem with 50mph limits with SPECS, but 40mph ALWAYS causes more accidents. I was a van driver for almost 2 years and I noticed that there's always more accidents when the limit is 40mph than 50mph.

Take the roadworks on the M25 near the A10; it's almost always nicer to drive through there now because the limit is 50mph. When the limit was 40mph, you'd have people going slightly left or right of their lane('s) because they were so paranoid that they'd watch their speedo as well as trying to watch the road.

Again, I don't mind roadworks and limits, as long as they're feasable. I hate...and I mean Hate adhering to 40mph or slower speed limits at roadworks where there are no workmen working at all.

As for HGV Tailgating...it's annoying, but if they hit you from behind, remember, it's their fault. If they want to get 3 points and a fine, it's their choice.