Smart Motorways "Confusing"

Mercdriver

GingerBob wrote: »

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.

The ones on the M4/M5 certainly are. Loads of people are getting caught out by the urban myth that they only enforce when there is a limit posted. Safest thing to avoid getting a ticket is to stick to limits, or within 10%+1 of them. Also on HADECS 3 you may not actually see a flash in the day time.

forgotmyname

The only issue i have found with the not so smart system is when there are roadworks in the controlled zone.

Motorway smart display telling you the national limit applies, then 100yards further up the roadwork sign telling you its 40 or 50.

Nearly got caught on that one on the M6(S) at the M5 exit. Overhead signs saying restriction end, yet further up a 50mph sign again.

wongataa

forgotmyname wrote: »

The only issue i have found with the not so smart system is when there are roadworks in the controlled zone.

Motorway smart display telling you the national limit applies, then 100yards further up the roadwork sign telling you its 40 or 50.

Nearly got caught on that one on the M6(S) at the M5 exit. Overhead signs saying restriction end, yet further up a 50mph sign again.

The overhead signs on smart motorways are never used for roadwork speed restrictions.

JohnM5206

Never say "never". M90 Southbound on approach to the major longterm works for the Queensferry Crossing displays speed limits as countdown to roadworks.

zagfles

Johno100 wrote: »

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.



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

Neither of which say a blank gantry means the previous speed limit is cancelled. A speed limit normally applies until a new speed limit or national speed limit is displayed.

There's nothing there that says variable speed limits on gantries are special in that they only apply until the next gantry. Or that a completely blank gantry acts as a speed limit change to national speed limit.

zagfles

wongataa wrote: »

The overhead signs on smart motorways are never used for roadwork speed restrictions.

They are during the set-up of evening road works. I've just experienced exactly that on the M6.

Johno100

zagfles wrote: »

Neither of which say a blank gantry means the previous speed limit is cancelled. A speed limit normally applies until a new speed limit or national speed limit is displayed.

There's nothing there that says variable speed limits on gantries are special in that they only apply until the next gantry. Or that a completely blank gantry acts as a speed limit change to national speed limit.

Believe what you like, just be careful when you're still doddering along at 50 when everybody else puts their foot down and comes past you.

AdrianC

Johno100 wrote: »

Believe what you like, just be careful when you're still doddering along at 50 when everybody else puts their foot down and comes past you.

Makes you wonder how people manage to avoid trucks, doesn't it?

Johno100

AdrianC wrote: »

Makes you wonder how people manage to avoid trucks, doesn't it?

Is this you?

Mercdriver

Johno100 wrote: »

Believe what you like, just be careful when you're still doddering along at 50 when everybody else puts their foot down and comes past you.

Why would you need to be careful when other people are putting their foot down and passing you? Wouldn't THEY need to be careful?

None of this negates the fact that when you are in a smart motorway, the speed limit is applied until you see the NSL sign. Thems the rules...