Speed limits.....a no-win situation?

[ianess]

This is taken from my local police force's website this evening [July 6].......read it and weep.

FORTH ROAD BRIDGE SPEED LIMITS
Tuesday 5th July, 2005
MOTORISTS are being urged to drive at normal speed over the Forth Road Bridge following rush-hour tailbacks during current increased policing operations.

Extra police are currently patrolling the bridge to ensure safety and minimise inconvenience for everyone using the route during the week of the G8 Summit and related events.

However, on seeing the police officers, some motorists are reacting by slowing down to below the speed limit. Fife Constabulary's Chief Superintendent Jim Rodden said the end result had been tailbacks sometimes stretching as far as Fife's Halbeath interchange - particularly during peak times.

 

Ye Gods!.......now they complain when we obey the bl**dy law!! 

[Grunty]

I'm obeying you ianess.  I'm weeping.

[Grunty]

Having now looked at the Fife Police site, their poorly worded piece seems to be asking people to drive at the limit.  On seeing the extra police activity, they have been slowing down to well below the limit and causing a bit of disruption.  The same thing happens at accidents, when everybody slows down to have a good look.  I have seen some run straight into the car in front while they are doing that.

[ianess]

Grunty.........when is a limit not a limit?   Anyone who runs into the back of something [be it vehicle, pedestrian, or skip] is surely guilty of driving without due care and attention.  It's hardly the fault of the guy or gal [or skip] in front.

[depressedmgl]

You see this all the time at speed cameras.  Loads of motorists drive at 40 in  30 speed limits but when they go through the camera they slow to 25.