Originally Posted By Peter J
Originally Posted By Burgundymog
Originally Posted By rainbowj
Do you need to know - why not just stick to the speed limits.


Well said smile


Drivers must think.
Blindly following road signs reduces the need to think and in my view takes away responsibility from drivers.

I stick to 20 and 30 mph limits everywhere, 100% No deviation at all.
I stick to 40 mph limits in urban areas, mostly.
Observing speed limits is what cruse control is for.....

I have a problem understanding why country roads where previously the national limit applied now have 40mph and 50mph limits. Wiltshire Council has reduced speed limits on miles of roads. An examination of public data here in Wiltshire showed that in all cases where the limits have been reduced there is no history of accidents. So why are they there?

All they serve to do is frustrate and encourage lack of respect for limits that matter.


The reduction in limits are also influenced by quality of life issues, too. Back when the Safety Partnerships were still in existence, the application of limit changes were subject to cross agency meetings led by the Partnerships.

The meetings were attended by community representatives, maybe by local Police or PCSO, but also Parish Councillors, as well as Highways Agency and the emergency services, local Government etc.

A lot of the speed limits you now see are the result of those meetings. Sadly, since 'austerity' has hit public services, these meetings do not (to my knowledge, anyway..) now exist, and the on-going monitoring of Journey Times (a HA mantra from central Gov) vs safety and the perception of safety, does not take place any longer, and as the roads are either HA or Local Authority controlled, they simply ain't going to change.

Limits do move upwards, and I can quote you a few examples local to me if you like, but the bottom line is that any changes cost, so you're stuck with them chum!!

I can also confirm that the fixed cameras within Northamptonshire are all inactive although there is a Police operated mobile van that works still..

A lot of work went into road safety about five years ago & it was starting to take effect, but no-one seems to care any more because it costs. Just look at the rise in Killed & Seriously Injured stats..

Cheerful news, so let's all be careful out there..!!

Steve