Smart Motorways "Confusing"

Becen

I have to agree with OP. I honestly don't understand how they are confusing. The number of signage on a smart motorway that point out the rules is great work and if someone fails to understand them, we really have to question whether or not they understand any part of the Highway Code.

AdrianC

Becen wrote: »

I have to agree with OP. I honestly don't understand how they are confusing. The number of signage on a smart motorway that point out the rules is great work and if someone fails to understand them, we really have to question whether or not they understand any part of the Highway Code.

It's very simple.

They're not paying the slightest attention and, when they get nicked, they try to blame somebody - anybody - else, because it can't possibly be their FAULT. After all, they're important and perfect and wonderful and always right.

Becen

AdrianC, I think you've just summed up the situation beautifully! :T

mark1959

Becen wrote: »

I have to agree with OP. I honestly don't understand how they are confusing. The number of signage on a smart motorway that point out the rules is great work and if someone fails to understand them, we really have to question whether or not they understand any part of the Highway Code.

"They" might not be able to read English.

zagfles

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I joined the M6 northbound from the M5 link road last week. As I joined the M6 the gantry signs showed four lanes in use then the following signs were blank. I stayed on the hard shoulder as I was getting off at J9 and other drivers stayed there. Its unfair to criticise or penalise drivers when the signage is poor or absent.

You're obviously thick and don't understand the highway code

I am too, because I was on the M6 last week and the overhead signs showed 50 for a few gantries because evening roadworks being set up. But after a few 50's the next few overhead gantrys were completely blank.

As far as I'm concerned that means that the 50 limit still applies, am I wrong? Because most cars thought I was, they were speeding past at 70. So does a blank gantry mean the 70 limit is back? Or does it mean the previous limt still applies?

Then a few gantries on there was an end of limit sign (circle with diagonal line), so that's when I speeded up to 70.

Johno100

zagfles wrote: »

You're obviously thick and don't understand the highway code

I am too, because I was on the M6 last week and the overhead signs showed 50 for a few gantries because evening roadworks being set up. But after a few 50's the next few overhead gantrys were completely blank.

As far as I'm concerned that means that the 50 limit still applies, am I wrong? Because most cars thought I was, they were speeding past at 70. So does a blank gantry mean the 70 limit is back? Or does it mean the previous limt still applies?

Then a few gantries on there was an end of limit sign (circle with diagonal line), so that's when I speeded up to 70.

Yes, blank sign means normal motorway rules apply, so 70mph. But it also means on a smart motorway that you can't use the hard shoulder any longer.

zagfles

Johno100 wrote: »

Yes, blank sign means normal motorway rules apply, so 70mph.

Have you got a highway code reference for that please? I must be thick because I can't find it.

Johno100

zagfles wrote: »

Have you got a highway code reference for that please? I must be thick because I can't find it.

Rule 261
You MUST NOT exceed 70 mph (112 km/h), or the maximum speed limit permitted for your vehicle (see Speed limits table). If a lower speed limit is in force, either permanently or temporarily, at road works for example, you MUST NOT exceed the lower limit. On some motorways, mandatory motorway signals (which display the speed within a red ring) are used to vary the maximum speed limit to improve traffic flow. You MUST NOT exceed this speed limit.

So no speed restriction in place either via overhead gantry or temporary signs at the side of the road, then the speed limit is 70 (or the maximum speed limit for your vehicle).

And from the .gov.uk guide to driving on smart motorways.

On a smart motorway, speed limits may appear lit up on overhead signals. These limits can be changed to help manage traffic at busy times.

This helps smooth the flow of traffic and prevent “stop-start” traffic caused by shockwave traffic jams.

If no special speed limit is displayed then the national speed limit applies.

A speed limit displayed inside a red circle is legally enforceable. If you don’t keep to this speed limit, you are breaking the law.

Speed cameras are in operation on smart motorways. If you don’t keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-drive-on-a-smart-motorway

NBLondon

I'm thick too... I would have made the same assumption as zagfles - that a blank gantry meant the previous limit applied until you pass some form of de-restriction sign i.e. the black diagonal on white circle to indicate national limit and a lane change arrow to leave the hard shoulder.


If you join and the next gantry is blank - then normal rules will apply. Otherwise, the first gantry after every entry point should show any limits or lane changes that are currently in force on that stretch.

GingerBob_3

Speed cameras are in operation on smart motorways. If you don’t keep to the speed limit, you may receive a fine.

They don't say whether the revenue cameras are operational permanently. Many punters say they are, but I've recently seen excessive speed (90+) not triggering the flash. I guess this is another one of those cases where no one really knows.