disrespect for the law

[Mervyn and Trish]

"Driving in middle/outer lanes when not overtaking"

Don't understand this one. If the traffic in the inside lane is travelling at the maximum permitted speed, e.g. 70 m.p.h., it is impossible to overtake without breaking the speed limit so all traffic would have to drive in the inside lane leaving 2, 3 or more lanes empty. Seems to me to be a recipe for congestion and tripling of journey times.

I don't think there is any problem driving in any lane when the road is busy and all traffic moving at much the same speed, or indeed staying out to pass a vehicle which one is fast approaching.

The problem with lane hoggers is when they stay in the middle/outer lane when the inner lane(s) is free, often for miles ahead.

hence the qualifier "when not overtaking"

Quite so, although I think that may be open to misinterpretation in the circumstances when all lanes are chocker and no-one is actually overtaking but it is entirely legal and reasonable to stay in the outer lanes. Or by those who take the view that if one is doing 70 mph (or what their speedo says is 70 mph, which can actually legally be as little as 63.63mph) everyone else must form a line behind.

[Jan Rosser]

I am travelling "oop north" on Sunday to my son's for Christmas - M50, M5 and M6 - not looking forward to it for all the reasons already stated on this thread - I would absolutely love to stay doing 70 in the inside lane but anticipate doing a lot of dodging in and out - wish me luck

[Mervyn and Trish]

Reaching the heady heights of 70 mph anywhere on that route may be wishful thinking, unless of course you are leaving home at 1am!

[Jan Rosser]

Reaching the heady heights of 70 mph anywhere on that route may be wishful thinking, unless of course you are leaving home at 1am!

What a good idea Merv

[david63]

... unless of course you are leaving home at 1am!

... ot have a Tardis

[Silver_Shiney]

"Driving in middle/outer lanes when not overtaking"

Don't understand this one. If the traffic in the inside lane is travelling at the maximum permitted speed, e.g. 70 m.p.h., it is impossible to overtake without breaking the speed limit so all traffic would have to drive in the inside lane leaving 2, 3 or more lanes empty. Seems to me to be a recipe for congestion and tripling of journey times.

I don't think there is any problem driving in any lane when the road is busy and all traffic moving at much the same speed, or indeed staying out to pass a vehicle which one is fast approaching.

The problem with lane hoggers is when they stay in the middle/outer lane when the inner lane(s) is free, often for miles ahead.

hence the qualifier "when not overtaking"

Quite so, although I think that may be open to misinterpretation in the circumstances when all lanes are chocker and no-one is actually overtaking but it is entirely legal and reasonable to stay in the outer lanes. Or by those who take the view that if one is doing 70 mph (or what their speedo says is 70 mph, which can actually legally be as little as 63.63mph) everyone else must form a line behind.

okay, I'll clarify the point even further - when there's nothing in the inner lane(s)

[Mervyn and Trish]

Either way, good sir, they're a right pain in the buttocks!

[Silver_Shiney]

They are indeed, my fine friend

[Dark Knight]

probably old folk who passed their test in 1945, in a tank or a jeep

[david63]

probably old folk who passed their test in 1945, in a tank or a jeep

On a point of order there were no driving tests in 1945 as they were suspended during the war

[towny44]

"Driving in middle/outer lanes when not overtaking"

Don't understand this one. If the traffic in the inside lane is travelling at the maximum permitted speed, e.g. 70 m.p.h., it is impossible to overtake without breaking the speed limit so all traffic would have to drive in the inside lane leaving 2, 3 or more lanes empty. Seems to me to be a recipe for congestion and tripling of journey times.

I don't think there is any problem driving in any lane when the road is busy and all traffic moving at much the same speed, or indeed staying out to pass a vehicle which one is fast approaching.

The problem with lane hoggers is when they stay in the middle/outer lane when the inner lane(s) is free, often for miles ahead.

hence the qualifier "when not overtaking"

Quite so, although I think that may be open to misinterpretation in the circumstances when all lanes are chocker and no-one is actually overtaking but it is entirely legal and reasonable to stay in the outer lanes. Or by those who take the view that if one is doing 70 mph (or what their speedo says is 70 mph, which can actually legally be as little as 63.63mph) everyone else must form a line behind.

Out of interest does anyone know how accurate the speed shown on your satnav is?

[Mervyn and Trish]

Out of interest does anyone know how accurate the speed shown on your satnav is?

Since it uses GPS it should be spot on at normal driving speeds.

[Silver_Shiney]

I've heard that it's more accurate than the car's speedo.

[colwill]

I've read that on a flat road surface, with no surrounding high buildings, trees, etc, it's more accurate than a speedo. Mine reads about 2-3mph below the speedo.

[david63]

The problem with GPS is that its accuracy is dependant on the "fine tuning" of the satellites - the majority of which are controlled by our American cousins and depending on the security levels at any given time that accuracy can be anything from a few feet to a few miles.

[Not so ancient mariner]

SS
before it all kicks off
just a small point, the point of this law is due to the inherent issues of tobacco smoke etc
I doubt you can separate one from the other

As far as implementing this law, if it is as effective as the mobile phone law, it will make naff all difference to the same irresponsible morons, who phone , text and google stuff , whilst driving, so why stop smoking
more PC nonsense pandering to the limp wristed liberals and the nanny state

I wonder how many will drink and drive this Christmas, and not get caught.


Just a thought......

[oldbluefox]

The problem with GPS is that its accuracy is dependant on the "fine tuning" of the satellites - the majority of which are controlled by our American cousins and depending on the security levels at any given time that accuracy can be anything from a few feet to a few miles.

I have a lttle Satnav, It sits there in my car
A Satnav is a driver's friend, it tells you where you are.
I have a little Satnav, I've had it all my life
It's better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife.

It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive
It's sixty miles an hour, it says, You're doing sixty five.
It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brake
And tells me that it's never ever, safe to overtake.

It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to green
It seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene.
It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rear
And taking this into account, it specifies my gear.

I'm sure no other driver, has so helpful a device
For when we leave and lock the car, it still gives its advice.
It fills me up with counselling, each journey's pretty fraught
So why don't I exchange it, and get a quieter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I'm properly fed
It washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed!
Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoff,
I only wish that now and then, I could turn the b****r off.

[Silver_Shiney]

good one, Foxy!

[Mervyn and Trish]

[GillD46]

I do like that OBF - your Satnav sounds a lot like the one we have - ME!

[Frank Manning]

Yes very good OBF, I must show that to Sue. Not that it will make any difference, Sue will still refuse to drive, but be a mine of advice and admonition to me.

[Marie Lloyd]

Love it. Can I quote you?