Limits in place but drivers still speed
YOU have reported, Police take action on 20mph speed fears, Echo, July 19, that the police are to use speed cameras on Exwick Road because, despite the 20mph speed limit, motorists are still speeding.
If anyone drives along Exwick Road at 20mph then other motorists intimidate you by either driving very close behind or by overtaking.
The problem doesn't only exist on Exwick Road. Speeding seems to endemic everywhere. Many vehicles exceed 40 mph in Knowle Drive, Winchester Avenue and Gloucester Road, especially late in the evening.
The problem is not the speed limit but enforcement. When the police are around with speed cameras, everyone slows down.
On the A380 to Torbay there is a sign saying 'Remember the Two Second Rule'. Clearly most drivers have never heard of the Two Second Rule. The rule says that you should keep a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. This means that at 70mph you keep a gap of 210ft. In my experience, the gap can be as little as 20ft which is one-fifth of a second.
It is obvious that at that speed the slightest error could cause an accident. Again, this is all down to speeding as most of the bunching happens in the outside lane. Until there are severe penalties for speeding, speed limits will remain ignored.
It is particularly unfortunate that the Government is cutting funding for road safety.
John Watts
Knowle Drive, Exwick
5 Comments
by martin, dawlish
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 11:28AM
“I think you will find that the cameras are set at 30mph and the software would have to be altered which would enable it to operate for the 20mph limit.”
by James, Countess Wear
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 9:37AM
“Speed limits are there for the sole purpose of ensuring a level of safety to avoid the excessive risks of injury on our streets.
Thank goodness for them as walking in Exeter is now much more pleasant where these limits exist!
Sure you can enforce these; better though if all of us drove, cycled and walked with full consideration of each other and kept to the polite helpful and safe habits in order to anticipate and avoid the otherwise inevitable collision!
All it takes is being prepared to stop and be helpful at all times. Most people do.
The odd headstrong, distracted, waiward, or the antisocial individuals who exceed these, should have the speed limit enforced against them (incidentally cycles on pavements are a danger, if used recklessly, and should also be dealt with by the Police)”
by Cynic, Exeter
Monday, July 26 2010, 3:48PM
“Adrian - As was mentioned in the Echo? recently, the police are seeking more volunteers to operate mobile speed-guns. I believe that the system is/will be based on the '3 strikes' principle whereby 1st offence = a letter, 2nd offence = a visit from the police, and 3rd offence = 'you're nicked.”
by David Pitts, Countess Wear
Monday, July 26 2010, 3:30PM
“Why Not increse the speed limit
we are not children
Simples”
by Adrian, Exeter
Monday, July 26 2010, 1:00PM
“Its all very well the Police using speed cameras to catch speeding motorist but how often do you hear that the motorist getting away with a verbal warning.
Warings are not a deterant. prosecutions are!”