https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53541440 so, they've realised higher speed limits increase flow and reduce frustrations. Time to remove all those bloody stupid 50s scattered all over our A-road network too then?
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 8:35 pm
by Triquet
Here in Oxfordshire it is commnon practice for all A-roads to be a 50, with minor roads, particularly those with grass growing down the middle to be at full NSL. Sigh.
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 9:58 pm
by Horse
jont- wrote:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53541440 so, they've realised higher speed limits increase flow and reduce frustrations. Time to remove all those bloody stupid 50s scattered all over our A-road network too then?
Don't get your hopes up too much. It will only be in circumstances where mitigations such as higher protection barriers can be installed.
Where necessary, you may still encounter 50, 40, or even 30, limits. Also, limits may be dynamic, so 50 when the workforce is on-site and 60 at other times. NB Even overnight and at weekends there may work continuing on major schemes.
The "bloody stupid 50s" are there because, just a few feet away, some poor sod is trying to do his day job.
Triquet wrote:Here in Oxfordshire it is commnon practice for all A-roads to be a 50, with minor roads, particularly those with grass growing down the middle to be at full NSL. Sigh.
I have a theory that councils, whether by design or neglect, are gradually creating the next generation of 'green lanes', BOATs, etc., as the current ones have, in many cases, been closed to motorised traffic.
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 5:39 am
by jont-
Horse wrote:
jont- wrote:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53541440 so, they've realised higher speed limits increase flow and reduce frustrations. Time to remove all those bloody stupid 50s scattered all over our A-road network too then?
Don't get your hopes up too much. It will only be in circumstances where mitigations such as higher protection barriers can be installed.
Where necessary, you may still encounter 50, 40, or even 30, limits. Also, limits may be dynamic, so 50 when the workforce is on-site and 60 at other times. NB Even overnight and at weekends there may work continuing on major schemes.
The "bloody stupid 50s" are there because, just a few feet away, some poor sod is trying to do his day job.
I'm not on about the roadworks, I'm on about the rest of our roads network where limits are falling unnecessarily by the day. If /some/ roadworks can be increased, that suggests to me all the other places 50s have gone in should be reviewed too, particularly as many won't even have followed the DfT guidelines but instead been imposed by clueless council busybodies who wouldn't recognise an NSL sign if they were slapped around the face with it
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 6:28 am
by Horse
Ok, fair cop.
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 7:13 am
by Triquet
I believe that many of the 50's are the result of local lobbying. It's an easy process and no thought or rational decisions needed.
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:34 am
by Horse
Horse wrote: It will only be in circumstances where mitigations such as higher protection barriers can be installed.
In case anyone is interested... This is the sort of innovation that has supported the potential increase.
Re: Road works speed limits
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:40 pm
by GTR1400MAN
On the A14 at Ipswich there is a long stretch of roadworks with a 40 limit. The work is only carried out at night and then the cones moved so both lanes are open during the day. The signs are left in place! Riding my motorcycle at 40 is a terrifying experience and I now avoid the area. No-one is observing the limit and cars/lorries approach you from behind at the NSL with last minute lane changes. It is not policed at all. Madness.
