Yesterday, on the M4 from the Severn crossing to Barry Island through the Brynglas tunnels in 1000 traffic. Its one of those variable speed limit set ups where the only variability is that they now have a permanent 50 limit. If thats what they wanted then why did they have to take years and several millions in erecting all the gantries for a variable limit. But thats a moan for another day.
Anyway, as normal with a "variable" 50 limit , the traffic slowed to 30. Harumph! But instead of clearing once through the tunnels as normal, it got even slower. A couple of miles of stop start 10 mph traffic later, the cause was obvious. ON the hard shoulder was a car that had been rear ended with plod behind and blue lights going. As usual traffic had ground almost to a halt at the sight of blue lights. Rabbit in the headlights syndrome.
The reason for this long moan is simple. Why do people slow down for a blue light accident on the hard shoulder. Surely thats the time to speed up to 90 - after all the gamekeeper is tied up with something else so you are free to enjoy life once again with no or minimal risk of retribution..
