R
R. Mark Clayton
Guest
"Steve Walker" <spam-trap@beeb.net> wrote in message
news:3i7nofFk11v3U1@individual.net...
so 50kph / 30mph is pretty much the norm throughout the world.
On motorways it is a different matter. The UK limit was introduced in the
1960's and was based on the performance etc. of cars at the time (top speed
~75mph, cross ply tyres, drum brakes, naf steering, solid rear axle & cart
spring suspension). These days almost any car can reach 100mph, has
suitable radial ply tyres, disc brakes (so can stop from top speed near
physical limit), rack and pinion steering and independent suspension.
Almost alone the UK has persevered unchanged. In Europe, only Denmark,
Sweden and the [motorway free AFIACS] Baltic republics have a lower motorway
limit.
So the poster is correct the current UK speed limits WERE introduced for a
very good reason, and whilst the limit on shared roads are broadly correct
the limits on segregated roads (motorways, grade separated dual carriageways
etc.) could do with updating.
Of course if vehicles didn't move at all then they would be almost totally
safe.
news:3i7nofFk11v3U1@individual.net...
Well the limit in towns is more to do with the performance of pedestrians,Netty wrote:
driver@somewhere.in.the.uk.com> wrote in message
news:84lnb1llkdjt8pmqj65cv2snfiahievh8g@4ax.com...
(snip)
(Please, no silly suggestions to keep within speed limits)
How can a suggestion to keep within the speed limits be silly???
Speed limits were put in place in this world for a very good
reason.
Yes, and they were based upon the performance & safety characteristics of
contemporary cars. Modern cars can safely travel at much higher speeds,
but this has been ignored by successive governments who are fearful of
shroud-waving campaigners. The law has therefore slipped into
disrepute.
so 50kph / 30mph is pretty much the norm throughout the world.
On motorways it is a different matter. The UK limit was introduced in the
1960's and was based on the performance etc. of cars at the time (top speed
~75mph, cross ply tyres, drum brakes, naf steering, solid rear axle & cart
spring suspension). These days almost any car can reach 100mph, has
suitable radial ply tyres, disc brakes (so can stop from top speed near
physical limit), rack and pinion steering and independent suspension.
Almost alone the UK has persevered unchanged. In Europe, only Denmark,
Sweden and the [motorway free AFIACS] Baltic republics have a lower motorway
limit.
So the poster is correct the current UK speed limits WERE introduced for a
very good reason, and whilst the limit on shared roads are broadly correct
the limits on segregated roads (motorways, grade separated dual carriageways
etc.) could do with updating.
Of course if vehicles didn't move at all then they would be almost totally
safe.