Vote the conservatives in !!!!

[jon.od]

Who else saw the ten O`Clock news last night?

The conservatives CLAIMED that if
re-elected they would raise the national speed limit to 80Mph and abolish speed cameras!

[runboy]

And no doubt the Lib Dems will promise 100,000 police on the streets, a 76% reduction in council tax and zero road tax for Audi A2's.......

What have Labour promised us....and not delivered.....

Oh this is getting too deep for my liking!.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[Ade]

Agree with 80mph, but not abolish speed cameras, they do a job and catch speeders. Sorry, but I have always believed that speed cameras are perfectly just and only people who speed have to worry. Simple solution is don't speed. After seeing someone knocked down (killed) by a speeding car I have little or no sympathy with people who get points for it. I could be swayed by the argument that speed cameras on Motorways would be better deployed where pedestrians are around, but I'm all for them. I am also a believe in docking points rather than financial penalties, after all money to some is nothing, but restriction of freedom is another matter.

Can't wait for all the flames I'm bound to get now, but just expressing my opinion.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Ade [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/res/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/res/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/res/icon_profile.gifUK Owners Page 24 (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm) http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/res/home.gifMy Home Page (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/) http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/res/icon_email.gifMail me (mailto:magis.moose@ntlworld.com)

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[Rob Earl]

The theory behind speed cameras is sound but IMO the majority are positioned to raise funds and not reduce accidents.

Why have speed cameras on wide open roads with no history of being dangerous if not to raise yet more money from Joe Bloggs Driver once again?

After this latest government, I take all pre-election pledges with a pinch of salt now. I'll believe it when it happens.

Don't drink drive! Not only is it socially unaceptable, it also harms A2's.
Was a 1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/safety.htm

[Ade]

Agree that I'd rather see them on roads with pavements, etc. than motorways. Even so, you don't have to pay fines if you don't speed; tax, etc. you have to pay no matter what.

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[Mal2002]

The motorway limit should stay at 70mph. The reason I say this is because there are enough drivers out there who struggle to drive at 70mph, ie the old/begginer drivers and HGV'S which are restricted to 65mph, by upping the limit this will force more car user's to overtake and increase the risk of accidents occuring.

Anybody share the samw view or am I on my own with this one?[5]

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[hollyrescue]

Mal, not so much of the old please!!!!

[Rob Earl]

If lane discipline was obeyed by all drivers on motorways, they would run a lot free-er (plus cut down on frustration) and this would enable higher speeds to be maintained more easily.

On the subject of speed cameras, my gripe is with the ones which catch you doing 33 in a 30 zone at 2 in the morning. Get real Police out on the roads to catch the gits hogging the middle lane or swerving all over the place while on his phone, eating a Big Mac and tuning the stereo.

While I'm on a roll - are children taught how to cross roads nowadays? When I was at school, it was drummed into us to follow the Green Cross Code. Children today seem to have no knowledge of how to cross safely - therefore leading to more and more speed restrictions. Most of you have probably seen the advert on TV with the child getting run over because the car was doing 35 or 40 instead of 30. My thought is always 'why wasn't he watching the road, he should have been looking from left to right to see if any traffic was coming'.

Don't drink drive! Not only is it socially unaceptable, it also harms A2's.
Was a 1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/safety.htm

[runboy]

Speed camera's yes-positions often no. Our local authority can't afford many, and the positions they put them in.....mmmmmm.
And where there are camera's, plenty of reminders of the speed limit-I've said it before, but when your in a new area, looking for things, watching for hazards, why can't they put a few more speed signs up so that your reminded of the limit. One of my gripes. And you cant often judge the limit as some roads you would think are 60mph are 40mph.

And Rob I do agree-pedestrians in general-and of course cyclists. You don't see many TV "adverts" about crossing the road anymore!.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[Ade]

Yeah, whatever happened to those ads? I don't know whether it's taught nowadays, but it was drummed into me from an early age.

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[maersk]

[3]Get real and vote for the party with NO [17] politicians and who will put in place a Minister for Transport who
a knows his @**e from his elbow
b Possesses a driving licence
c Is not misguided
d Believes in INTGRATED transport
c Develops rail for freight traffic

Your mind is best used like a parachute - OPEN
The UK does not have bad weather - we have the wrong clothes

[hollyrescue]

Well, thats's me, I guess I'll just have to stand for Parliament and volunteer for Min of Tran, that's of course if Mal doesnt think I'm too old. Rpedestrians and crossingthe road, how could they sue you if they look bothways and don't have an accident?
How about banning mobile phones whilst driving? I see about 30% of drivers on a mobile phone in a very busy area, with road works, school kids and roundabouts every morning when I take the dog for a walk. But you must admire the ones who can drive the car, use the phone, eat a sandwich and listen to the radio at full blast with the window open all at the same time.
String 'em up its the only language they understand!

[Kaine]

quote:Originally posted by runboy

..why can't they put a few more speed signs up so that your reminded of the limit.

Agree.

It may sound like an excuse, however even in my own town sometimes I have to really think twice about the speed limit on some roads. Over the years, many road limits in my area have been reduced, and I sometimes I find myself thinking the limit is 40, when it has now been changed to 30. Of course as soon as I find myself unsure I reduce speed, however it could be too late.

I am no angel, however in 12 years have never been caught for speeding. I do speed on motorways and some A roads, however am a stickler for keeping to limits in and around towns. For this reason I class myself a good driver (plus the fact I seem to be one of very few people who indicate when required - i.e. when turning - God, it really annoys me that hardly anyone else ever bothers indicating [15])

I personally dont believe the limit should be changed. If you want to drive fast, then go to a track day - its safe and legal. If you choose to speed on public roads, then you have to appreciate that people may get killed - by you or me.

On the other hand, I find the preciseness of speeding fines a little annoying. Recently my Mother was fined for speeding (I think it was about 33/34 in a 30 zone). I found it quite infuriating as she has to be one of the safest people I know in a car - much safer than me.
She turned right onto a busy 'A' Road, only to drive about 200 metres before having to turn left. In order to get out safely between the traffic she accelerated just over the limit before indicating and breaking. The police were just past the junction she was turning left into, and stopped her immediately. She was so embarassed when she told me - I felt really sorry for her.
She knew they were just doing there job, and she was in the wrong however she also felt she had been tricked. I just wish I had been caught and not her as I deserve it more.

Kaine

[jon.od]

I totally agree with the timing of speed cameras i myself have two convictions for speeding neither on a camera (Polishing the pine) but both have been a silly hours of the morning on dry illuminated EMPTY motorways.

My second conviction was a farce as the unmarked Octavia RS had been pushing me into a race and i lapsed and gave him one.

I don`t think the driving test is comprehensive enough either as we are all aware all you learn is to control a car but not how to drive it or any road craft, the new hazard perception video game is better but not enough.

I was probably a complete A@se when i first passed my test it wasn`t until i got caught speeding in my school car park (Gravel, What can is say) and me and a group of freinds got to watch some pretty nice videos, They make you think!

THink they should be part of the learning to drive process

Guess i did pick up one or two things at school

[maersk]

[26]What about banning all Opel Corsa's more than five years old and shooting anyone who weras a baseball cap backwards


Your mind is best used like a parachute - OPEN
The UK does not have bad weather - we have the wrong clothes

[jon.od]

[quote]Originally posted by maersk

[26]What about banning all Opel Corsa's more than five years old and shooting anyone who weras a baseball cap backwards

Harsh But Fair:)

[Mal2002]

Hollyrescue - I didn't mean all old people but there are some out there who shouldn't be on the road. There are also some [u]younger</u> people who shouldn't be on the road as well.

A way to solve bad driving is to make everybody sit a refresher test say every 10-15 years.

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[Ade]

Refresher test would be a good idea. BTW, isn't legislation coming in on using mobile phones whilst driving?

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[maersk]

Jonod you'll do for me!

[hollyrescue]

The date for not using mobiles whilst driving is December, but the legislation is not worth a light. At our last council meeting the police representative said that driving without tax ,insurance or MOT was not a priority with the Met police. In other words they are not interested, so do you really see them worrying about mobile phones?

[jon.od]

Cheers Maersk!

HR Try kent police they love to target real criminals i.e the motorist!

[runboy]

I've had enough of this old/young person better/worse driver thing. This past week, every person who has cut me up on roundabouts, pulled out in front of me suddenly, or not used indicators has been an oldie. They just don't have any idea of what's going on around them.

But then every person who sits so close to my boot that I can smell their breath drives a corsa/nova/saxo and has a baseball cap on back to front.

I'm voting monster raving looney party next time round.....

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[jon.od]

I`m moving to Germany (if i had the choice) the roads and motorists are so much better to be flashed in the outside lane is a gental reminder, not a declaration of war!

[Mal2002]

Your for it now Runboy, wait till Hollyrescue see's your post[5][:P]

lol

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[runboy]

Mal2002-I agree with you, so I should be saved HR's wrath!. I'll just mention VBH and he'll calm down......

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[hollyrescue]

VBH, very calming. J Clarkson definitely NOT. You are all forgiven (even Mal), after all you are all A2 drivers which shows that you are not completely Clarksoned. I am old, but I am GOOD, well, goodish, sort of, in a manner of speaking, comparatively, know what I mean. I would definitely move somewhere if I were younger, which is roughly where we started.

[Mal2002]

Cheers[8D]

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[maersk]

[17]Move to Germany?
Well ok then but remember,
Recently when the Iraq debacle was underway (or about to) the French accused the Yanks of being pretentious (moi?). The best basketball player in the NBL was Chinese, the Swiss held the America's Cup and the Germans did not want to fight anybody.
On top of that we have a PM who appears to be worse thana glove puppet along with all of our recent p*l*t*c*n*. In fact forget recent include 'em all. Ahhhhhh, T******rs, A(fottball club)*****!
You tell me that the world is not SNAFU'ed!
Antarctica seems quite appealing really. At least I can use half a winter kit.
Ho Hum[8D]

Your mind is best used like a parachute - OPEN
The UK does not have bad weather - we have the wrong clothes

[hollyrescue]

I think Bermuda with at least a million in the bank a large yacht and a nice house would be nice. It was my home port for a year, yeah, I had it tough! But someone had to do it. I had a very large boat then, unfortunately it belonged to the Queen, unfortunately also she had her name on it , and also my cap (HMS), it's a wonder I survived the hardships.

[weathermanint]

As someone who has also seen a speeding motorist kill someone I too believe speed cameras are a good thing. I disagree with the Tories wanting to up the limit to 80mph. 70mph is fast enough, particularly on Britains busy roads. (even the quiet ones kill when people speed)

Audi A2 TDI SE Azure Blue with Climate Control

[hollyrescue]

The trouble with speed limits and cameras to enforce them, is knowing what the limit is. Assuming no problems the speed limit on motorways is 70 and rarely adhered to, even the 40 or 50 through roadworks, imposed to safeguard the workers, is ignored by many (most?). After that who knows for certain what speed limits are in force, particularly in Norfolk where 20, 30, 40, 50 can all be encountered in a very short space, e.g Long Stratton, but there are many others. I am sure they are meant to confuse and become revenue generators. I have no problem adhering to speed limits , but often I am not sure what the limit is.

[DaveS]

In most cases bad driving kills, not speed in itself. Very occasionally you get a totally 'hardware' failure where something actually breaks. Most 'accidents' are avoidable.

A balance has to be drawn between the risks versus the benefit, otherwise you logically end up with a man with a red flag walking in front of the vehicle. e.g. what is so special about 70mph - answer nothing in particular, and anything that was relevant was based on data in 1967 when most cars had drum brakes, and probably struggled to get over 70 anyway.

As with many things involving governement legislation it is a "lowest common denominator" approach. Setting an arbitrary limit on a road which does not take into account road conditions, is always going to attract criticsm - what is a safe speed for a road at that particular point in time ? An alternative would be to make driver training and regular re-training a priority - but thats expensive. How many accidents would be avoided if drivers had to go on a skid pan or a wet brake test ?

Unfortunately this is not the way things are going, and we are set for general driver de-skilling, perhaps ultimately with cars obeying the speed limits via GPS.

Dave

1.6SE

[runboy]

HR-my point exactly with road speed marking signs-and I live in Norfolk. My local area is a 20mph zone-but some highways twit has put 30mph signs on the exit from my estate so one side of the road is 30mph-the other 20mph. I've emailed them but don't expect corrective action until the next tax year when budgets allow....

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[hollyrescue]

Runboy, next year is a bit quick for North Norfolk Council isn't it?

[maersk]

Golly, 20mph in Norfolk? It's dangerous you know!

[runboy]

HR
I come under Broadland, but yes, the Highways depot is covered by Aylsham. How come you know so much-you a secret Norfolk habitant?.

Maersk-20mph is just about all these 106 year old farmers can manage, whilst balancing a cow on their knee and a sheep on the roof.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit