Re: To The University Types

Jim wrote:
Jay Blanc <j@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

However, people tend to be opposed to 'artificial speed limit reductions' for some odd reason. So far the opinion seems to be to continue to allow roads to get congested by 'standing waves', because
the complaints about congestion are less than the frothing caused when
speed limits are reduced.

Here in .uk we have stretches of motorway that have a different scheme:
chevrons every (mumble) yards. And a sign saying 'keep at least two
chevrons between you and vehicle ahead'.

The problem comes with enforcement of that, since too many people still drive according to what they think is 'safe' and what other people are doing. At the moment, the highways agency currently uses these chevrons just as 'guides' to maintain distance.

If you start enforcing it with fines for people who don't keep that space, then there's going to be lots of screaming about 'generating revenue'. And it's a bit more difficult a system to effectively monitor to make sure people are doing it than monitoring speed limits.

If you don't enforce it, significant amounts of people will just treat them as 'suggestions', and just ignore them, because they 'know best what the driving conditions are'.

They're somewhat useful to people who will pay attention to them, but I think speed limits designed to keep the road free of congestion and flowing both safely and at a regular speed would be better.

- Jay
.

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