Report Of Motorway Lane Blocked

[Hymie]

Driving home from work yesterday evening, the section of all lanes running motorway I use had the left hand electronic signs displaying a warning ‘Report of lane blocked’ with a 60mph speed limit and the overhead gantries for all lanes also showing 60mph.

This continued for over 10 miles with no indication of a blocked lane, or any congestion that would warrant limiting the road speed to 60mph.

I had the understanding that the monitoring of smart motorways is such that cameras allow those controlling the motorway speed limit and controlling the use of lanes are positioned so that they can quickly identify any incident and take appropriate action for the safety of those using the motorway with no hard shoulder.

But it would appear that those monitoring the motorway (at least on the section that I regularly drive) are relying on some public spirited individuals alerting them (possibly by mobile phone) of a hazard which they cannot see on the motorway cameras – this is very worrying.

[bobbinwales]

Maybe the restriction was needed but wrong reason gave. Traffics sometimes smoother at 60 than 70 so may have made unfortunately the extra minute for you

[bobbinwales]

Up for you was autocorrected to unfortunately

[nicebloke1]

The problem in this country is that no one can admit to making a stupid decision, and in turn reversing such. I believe however that any more hard shoulders are on hold. But it seems the present hard shoulders will stay. Madness!

[naomi24]

Motorways often have speed restrictions imposed for no apparent reason. I think it's just a traffic calming exercise. It doesn't worry me. I just slow down as requested.

[Hymie]

Surely those operating the system must acknowledge that they have a serious issue in keeping those using the motorway safe – if they display such a warning of reported blocked lane, when they have no way of quickly verifying the report to be correct or not.

[DTCwordfan]

were they advisory or compulsory lights - an awful lot of folk don't understand the difference and end up slowing down as if they were compulsory, hence the 'delay' or 'non-event'.

[DTCwordfan]

https://www.drivingtesttips.biz/advisory-mandatory-speed-limit-signs.html#:~:text=Variable%20speed%20limits%20that%20are,rules%20and%20regulations%2C%20see%20motorways.

[Old_Geezer]

True, but if you ignore the advice and get into trouble, try convincing your insurance company we were not part of the reason for your trouble.

[Hopkirk]

I drive for a living and can confirm that very often the signs are absolute nonsense.

At one place on the M25 it regularly shows 40 speed limit where there is no queue. Immediately before and after there is no restriction, but people slowing for this increase collision risks, then accelerating boosts exhaust fumes and fuel usage.

[Hymie]

The posted speed limits were mandatory, with the attendant revenue cameras placed at strategic locations.