Why do some delivery drivers think it's OK to go SO slow?

[clancyblob]

Some Tesco and Asda lorry drivers seem to think it's OK to go 35 - 40mph on a busy trunk road just so they are not early at their next drop. Why don't they just park up? I have often had to crawl behind one of these leaving Norwich at 5.30 or 6pm, and they've dawdled at 35mph for 20 miles or more with a huge tailback of cars unable to pass because the road is single carriageway with many bends. I don't think they'd like it if they were LATE and I decided to drive in front of them at 35 in a 60 zone! Round here it always seems to be Tesco and Asda waggons.

[clancyblob]

Sorry, no.knowledge, bit slow cos hadn't got both brain cells switched on. I still think people missed the point. I travel all over, all kinds of HGV going about their business just fine and dandy. EG Today there was 4 axle bulk tippers, Richardson's artics, Tufnell deliveries, numerous sand & gravel lorries, curtain siders etc etc all travelling at about 45 to 55mph. No worries. It's only once in a while there'll be a Tesco or Asda lorry going 35mph. I posted because they are so glaringly the exception to daily life! Anyway - safe journey to you wherever you go!

[kempie]

The point wasn't missed.

Perhaps a better question would be "Why do LGV drivers, except those driving Tesco or ASDA lorries, travel faster than the permitted maximum speed for their vehicle along a single carriageway road (with many bends) when they have a tacho which is able to record all infractions?"

[clancyblob]

Hi Kempie. Thanks for posting. Would the 4 axle bulk gravel tippers and the Richardson's artic I saw today be LGV? And even if the Asda/Tesco lorries were under strict orders to keep it legal, I don't understand why they sometimes go at significantly less than 40 for mile after mile. The road is no motorway but it's OK - cars can go a steady 60 for most of the way in safety. I know the speed limits are dfferent for the cars, just making a point that the occasional Tesco lorry isnt going slow because of the road conditions.
Anyway, it's been an interesting post! Thanks for all the answers.

[Ethel]

Gravel tippers and Richardson's artics are certainly LGV - that is the proper name for Large Goods Vehicles these days

[DebsyDoo]

CB,

Sorry this is a late reply, only just got back from last trip.
(6552k in all)

As a "supposed" reasonable, considerate & patient driver, I can't help but wonder if you actually realise that the speed limits (imposed by government legislation) are by their very name LIMITS & not a challenge !

HGV's (LGV's) are - in general, limited to around 10-20 MPH less than cars on most roads.

The fact they are in charge of a vehicle which can be in excess of 40 Tonnes, is a major factor on how the driver tackles any particular road.

He is responsible for not only the safe delivery of his load, but also the safety of other road users.

If you are so tight on time for making your journey, maybe you should take this & other factors into consideration ?

ie: like when some (no doubt) 'considerate, reasonable & patient' (?) car driver has caused a "stack" on the motorway, usually in the rush hour - thereby causing havoc for the many other road users !!???

CONSIDER the points I have made,

REASON with the sense of it,

But most of all,

Be PATIENT, our truck drivers are there for your benefit -

EVERY SUPERMARKET
IN EVERY TOWN
WOULD SHUT DOWN
IF NO TRUCKS WERE AROUND !!!

(not to mention a whole bunch of other stuff !)