question about a friend getting points on their license

AdrianC

Penelopa.Pitstop said:

Rules might be simple in theory, but speed limits get lowered for different reasons

If they don't follow the signage requirements, they simply aren't legally enforceable.

Bigphil1474

All a bit harsh on the OP. I use my built in sat nav for what a sat nav is used for. It displays the speed limit on the road I am travelling on. I rarely rely on it, mainly because I'd need my reading glasses on to see it, but can't drive with my reading glasses on. Not impossible to get in to a situation where you aren't 100% sure of the limit though e.g. on long drives, particularly when switching from Motorway, to A road, to dual carriageway, to single carriageway, coming out of road works etc. Easy to see how the OP's friend made their mistake. Presumably they were using their phone as a sat nav, so it doesn't mean they were constantly staring at their phone whilst not watching the road. They may have passed a 30 sign hidden behind an overgrown tree or blocked by a parked lorry or covered in grime - all not beyond the realms of possibility.

Op, it would appear that Google maps has the wrong limit on that road, and your friend will have to accept that. Maybe drop Google a line ot get them to update.

user1977

Bigphil1474 said:

Easy to see how the OP's friend made their mistake.

Yes, I don't think anybody is arguing that it isn't easy to see how they made their mistake. But it's much harder to see why anybody would think it constitutes a valid defence.

[Deleted User]

Bigphil1474 said:

All a bit harsh on the OP. I use my built in sat nav for what a sat nav is used for. It displays the speed limit on the road I am travelling on. I rarely rely on it, mainly because I'd need my reading glasses on to see it, but can't drive with my reading glasses on. Not impossible to get in to a situation where you aren't 100% sure of the limit 

Completely agree, in fact I dare say most people would make that error and assume the satnav was correct if they hadn't seen a sign saying otherwise. It doesn't work as a defence against the fine unfortunately, but I don't see the point in piling in to scoff at the OP either.

oh_really

Didn't the previous 6 points collected focus their mind on raising their standard?

ontheroad1970

oh_really said:

Didn't the previous 6 points collected focus their mind on raising their standard?

I'm sure the person concerned will find that very helpful.  Give yourself a pat on the back.  How superior do you feel now?

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

Bigphil1474 said:

All a bit harsh on the OP. I use my built in sat nav for what a sat nav is used for. It displays the speed limit on the road I am travelling on. I rarely rely on it, mainly because I'd need my reading glasses on to see it, but can't drive with my reading glasses on. Not impossible to get in to a situation where you aren't 100% sure of the limit 

Completely agree, in fact I dare say most people would make that error and assume the satnav was correct if they hadn't seen a sign saying otherwise. It doesn't work as a defence against the fine unfortunately, but I don't see the point in piling in to scoff at the OP either.

I dare say most people would NOT use a sat nav for guidance on speed limits and instead drive looking at the road for signs

KimJongUn88

If you nominate Google as the drover of the vehicle at the time, they will pay the fine and accept the points as it was their software that mistakenly advised your “friend” of the wrong speed limit. 

lordmountararat

My satnav is only three years old but consistently shows the speed limit on bits of the A38 as 50 when in a 40 zone. Satnavs do need updating, perhaps every year.

AdrianC

Bigphil1474 said:

Not impossible to get in to a situation where you aren't 100% sure of the limit though e.g. on long drives, particularly when switching from Motorway, to A road, to dual carriageway, to single carriageway, coming out of road works etc.

No, it's very easy to always be 100% sure within 100m or so, simply by looking out of your windscreen and not at some outdated electronics.

I repeat...

AdrianC said:

They seem to have forgotten one of the most basic things they learnt before their test - how to tell the speed limit of ANY AND EVERY road in the UK within about 100m, just by asking yourself three questions.

1. Are there repeater signs?
Yes? That's the limit.
No? Then...

2. Are there streetlights?
Yes? 30.
No? Then...

3. How many carriageways?
One? 60.
Two? 70.

That's it. That simple.