Managed Motorways catch thousands of speeders

GerryC · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:29 pm Post subject:

In a vague attempt to return to the subject, when the variable limits were first put in on the M42 it did give the impression that it was based on current traffic. Everyone knew that if everyone stayed at 50, there would be a good chance that you would keep moving through the congested section.

Nowadays though, you get long sections that are set low for no obvious reason and hard shoulder running when there's hardly enough traffic for two lanes. It's no wonder drivers are ignoring the artificial limits as you don't sense any improvement in your journey.

At other times, the M6 then shows loads of 40 zones near the M5 when you can't drive above 20ish anyway regardless of the limit. It's almost as if the mentality has changed to "we have the signs so we're going to use them".

Gerry

pdfbt40 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 23, 2008 Posts: 56

There is a disconnect between being able to predict most of that behaviour, and actually having a solution built into the control system to help them.

When I asked the Highway Engineers building these systems, would they work, the answer was "It does in Germany".

M8TJT · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:59 pm Post subject:

Perhaps the German programmers are a lot better than ours.

pdfbt40 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 23, 2008 Posts: 56

Well I have to say, from professional experience, its a difference in cultural attitude. Although there will always be exceptions. they are very regulation driven.

I saw a mobile speed camera on a tripod at the side of the road entering a village. No chains or cables. I asked my host if they were ever removed. He said only by the police to the other end of the village.

Jaz666 · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 12:57 pm Post subject:

I believe the M62 managed section has random cameras on when the variable limit isn't set.

A few weeks back I was happy moving along at 70mph, overtaking in the outside lane, when a Audi/BMW started tailgating me.
The middle lane cleared, so I pulled in just before a gantry, Mr Impatient sped past me and the camera flashed him.

It certainly made my day Laughing

ayh20 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 23, 2005 Posts: 20

It makes me wonder if we now need a new category for cameras.

Allways active and active during speed restrictions....

Thoughts ?

K13ehr · Lifetime Member Joined: Jul 12, 2008 Posts: 286

I was on the M62 yesterday, (Jcn 26-27) signs set to 60, hard shoulder open, traffic flowing nicely.

As usual some idiot went flying through in lane 3 at about 90, it was like the paparazzi had turned up.

jjmurphy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 23, 2009 Posts: 43

My experience of managed motorways, smart motorways, whatever you want to call them, is that the variable speed limit would work in smoothing out traffic flow if only everyone drove at that limit. Unfortunately, when, for example, 50 mph is posted, there are still vehicles travelling at 45, 40 or even 35mph, all of which negates the flow-smoothing effect of the variable limit. I see no benefit in the variable limits and, as for signs/limits being posted when there is no hazard...... don't get me started!!

MITCHETJ · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:12 am Post subject:

bmuskett · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:16 am Post subject:

bmuskett · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:24 am Post subject:

ayh20 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 23, 2005 Posts: 20

K13ehr · Lifetime Member Joined: Jul 12, 2008 Posts: 286

Or stop speeding altogether, it's not like the limits aren't well known.

pdfbt40 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 23, 2008 Posts: 56

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