'Extra lane' plan to be extended

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7061188.stm

"Motorists will be allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of motorways
during busy times, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has said."

Two of the main problems as I see them are caused by HGV's limited to
56mph[1] and unable to overtake each other efficiently and twats who
sit gormlessly in the middle lane[2]. An extra lane will make sod all
difference IMHO.

[1] Who's fucking stupid idea was that?

[2] This drives me insane with rage and should be made a crime.

 

I guess the thinking is:

HS - speed-limited lorries, caravans, timid fuckers
Lane 1 - members of the MLOC (transferred from Lane 2)
Lane 2 - self-appointed speed cops blocking everything at 69.99mph
Lane 3 - properly-driven cars, motorcycles, white vans, etc.

Works for me.

[*] It already is. "Drive on the left ... etc"

 

it'll make sod all difference until there's a major RTA, with
associated tailbacks, and emergency services vehicles will be unable
to attend as the hard shoulder is blocked.

 

OK - fair enough.

 

The plan (AIUI) is to use the signage to direct traffic back onto the
normal lanes if there is an incident or a breakdown blocking the hard
shoulder, monitored by cameras. And part of the plot is to provide
refuges every ~500m as well, to cater for the odd stopped vehicle.
Sounds like it's been thought through well, for once.

 

<snip>

Local papers have been covering this extensively since the trial began.
I'm not sure there's any doubt that it's improved congestion, although
how much it's been improved seems open to interpretation, certainly
there are still periods of standstill at peak times.

It took maybe 2-3 years of roadworks to prepare the short section, to
alleviate the problems of breakdowns on the hard shoulder there are
laybys every half mile or so.

The biggest annoyance is 50 limits when it's clear and no limits when
it's congested, either the people behind the cameras are blind/stupid or
the automatic system needs fine tuning.

I don't yet know of anybody caught speeding by the cameras, allegedly
they are only active when the variable limits are in force, but no proof
yet.

--
Mike Buckley
RD350LC2
http://www.toastyhamster.freeserve.co.uk - deleted by Orange - f*ckers - then
randomly reinstated - wtf!
http://www.toastyhamster.plus.com
BONY#38

 

I don't travel that way often, but I've certainly seen several people
being double-flashed from the gantries on the opposite carriageway when
there's been a pointless (50) showing.

 

Oh ek, thanks for that.

--
Mike Buckley
RD350LC2
http://www.toastyhamster.freeserve.co.uk - deleted by Orange - f*ckers - then
randomly reinstated - wtf!
http://www.toastyhamster.plus.com
BONY#38

 

Now that we have Police Community Support Officers, maybe we could have
Motorway Support Officers, who have a specific task of pulling over MLOCs.
After all, if there is a need to open hard shoulders to assist traffic flow,
surely there is a greater need to make better use of the roadspace currently
available?

I would do the job with relish. Drivers could be given extra driver training
from the police for the task. The task could be to pull drivers over and
have a word about lane discipline. Their details could be taken and logged.
If the same driver is reported twice then the authorities can take further
action.

Under no circumstances am I suggesting this role would involve any sort of
fast pursuit type driving - it would purely be to stop, advise and log. This
combined with TV and radio information could help to get motorists more
aware of lane discipline.

Any further thoughts on this?

 

We do.

Apply here.
http://www.betterhighways.co.uk/

 

Are they specifically tasked in lane discipline - I think not.

 

I don't think a role needs that. Taking number plates and sending them
information, getting them on to short half day courses about lane discipline
and demonstration drives.

Anything that increases driver awareness must be a good thing.

 

A camera does nothing to inform - it would probably be seen negatively. If
drivers number plates could be logged, and those drivers made more aware of
lane discipline, awareness would be raised.

I would be happy to give demonstration drives to any driver who has been
logged. They could have info sent to them, be pointed to good driving
videos, be given the opportunity to drive with police officers or drivers
like myself who have passed further training.

If we can raise awareness in a positive way, drivers so advised will pass on
the message to friends and relatives. Lane hogging would fall, passing on
the left would reduce, number of lane changes would go down and frustrated
drivers retaliating would cease.

 

Drivers will repond badly to a camera.

Yes, your 'playground snitch' remark was telling.

As always, one needs to meet and talk to the driver concerned - I am sure
their steriotype image will be favourably changed after a couple of hours
driving.

I agree, but that is a huge undertaking - volunteer drivers who can
demonstrate good driving to the police, could be a big resource for the
police to call on.

 

Are PCSOs specifically tasked in stopping kids hanging around on street
corners?

PCSOs and HATOs do exactly the same job.
Visible presence, basic mopping-up and "eyes and ears".

 

Umm, surely we need the number of lane changes to INCREASE, not decrease?
The lane hogging problem is because people DON'T change lanes for
whatever reason, so after they've moved into L2 they stay there instead
of returning to L1.

*DING*

 

They are not tasked with poor lane discipline. I believe an unpaid volunteer
group will better tackle this problem.

 

I don't think it would be limited. I believe there are thousands of
excellent drivers out there who would welcome such a challenge. I do believe
only drivers who have already passed an advanced test should be considered
for futher police training.

If this role could be developed in the right way, it would be seen as a
positive move by a large swathe of the driving public.

 

I am referring to the extra lane changes required to pass MLOCs.

I totally agree.

 

We need to get to MLOCS - how would you suggest a good way to do this?

Volunteers would not need to communicate with drivers at the roadside. They
would spot drivers and log them. Only when the police have contacted the
driver concerned, would they put into contact with a driver for a refresher
session.