Tower Bridge 20MPH Speed Limit!

peterbaker

I'd like to thank overworked_underpaid for bringing this rip-off to our attention, and davetrousers for the Google Earth pictures which show just how sneaky it is.

The camera gantries are far more of an eyesore than a normal GATSo and are only there to fool pedestrian tourists into thinking "aha typical OTT Brit CCTV security" when in fact is "aha - that's the poor Brits getting ripped off by their system again". Same for the ridiculously small camera "warning" signs which are not fit for purpose i.e. not of sufficient size to be of priority significance to a driver of a moving vehicle on a busy road and adjacent busy walkways.

As a local, I was aware of this limit, but as others have said, I have never heard of anyone being busted for breaking one at 30 at any time of the day or night. The Speed Limit signs serve a useful purpose at certain times of the day when confused pedestrian tourists might endanger themselves if drivers were not alerted.

Issuing a NIP to the OP was total overkill and can only be correctly described as a rip-off.

Thank you again to the OP for sharing the information. It has probably saved me a ticket on one of the odd occasions I might have used the bridge quite safely and reasonably at something nearer 30mph if it was as clear as davetrousers second pic. Apart from the possibility of pedestrians stepping off a busy pavement, there is no reason, apart from moneysaving now, to drive any slower. As for damage to the bridge - well they used to let double-decker buses cross it. And if damage to the bridge was the real reason for a limit, then why not put up signs that say so?

There is a 20mph speed limit at the Rotherhithe Tunnel too - but I think that has GATSos which do not seem to be loaded. If 20 is right for Tower Bridge then the limit for Rotherhithe Tunnel should be 10. Should we start a campaign for relatively consistent rip offs?

Edit: Never mind dacouch's Youtube offering, I remember when things were much much different on Tower Bridge Approach and around town generally :rotfl:: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT8bpk3jsCQ

dacouch

Great clip Peter, I drive over the bridge, it's fascinating seeing how little traffic there was back in the day and how the roads around it are not full of flats and offices as they are now