Roadwork speed limits
Submitted: Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 16:15
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On my recent trip which included the highway all the way down the coast from
Cairns, there were road works. Seemed like a new one every couple of k's.
Obviously these roadworks had reduced speed limits. Many all the way down to 40.
After working hours, public holidays, and weekends, there are no workers. But the limit is still reduced.
Do you...
A: Abide by posted limited, ignoring those behind you tailgateing, blowing horns, flashing lights etc
B: Just stay on original limit and hope no one is slower than you, or a cop in the middle of the road works.
C: Overtake everyone, possibly going over original limit, ignoring everything around you.
Only reason I ask is that it seemed a mate and I, seemed to be the only ones on the road who did slow down. Majority of other drivers, including trucks and other caravans, ignored the posted speed signs.
I'm sure others abide by them, just not when we were there.
Reply By: Member - Bill13 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:27
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:27
While I agree with big den and Axle's replies, I think this sort of attitude has been caused by speed signs left out on the roadway long after the hazardous situation has ended, such as after work has stopped for the day.
An example that gets me going is a area of roadway that I pass everyday, which is a major road that is having the vegetation cleared on both sides of the road by an excavator, bobcat, truck etc.
This section of road is signposted adequately as required with the speed limit reduced to 60 Klm through this area. When work is finished for the day, this signage is left in position although there is no damage to the road and all deliberation is still in place.
This is bad practice and sheer laziness on the contractors who are doing this job.
I have seen this situation before during my travels and this could be the contributing factor that some drivers ignore the speed signs. I know it gets up my goat.
No saying that it is right for them to do so but traffic control is a responsible task that should not be controlled by fools and signage must be done properly.
Apologies to responsible traffic controllers who do a great job.
Bill
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Follow Up By: Member - ken m4 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:33
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:33
totally agree with this and other comments regarding the irresponsible application of these safety measures
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Reply By: cookie1 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:43
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 17:43
I was sticking to the roadworks speed limit once and got overtaken by a guy who was in a hurry, this was shortly followed by another car except this one had pretty blue & red lights in the corner of the unmarked car - guess what they lit up once he caught up to him and by the look of it, got booked - great.
I think that the road traffic contractors are contributing to the problem when they dont remove or "tip over" the signs at the end of the day and people just become frustrated and then speed up especially on long stretches of country roads when there are no impediments such as loose surfaces, cut edges or potholes etc. I am now seeing it where if they are working on a side / service road they are now imposing roadwork speed restrictions on the main road.
Now I do believe that if there are hazards or people are working, that the signs need to be there and drivers do need to heed the signs and, also be alert for workers with shovels or other
tools that may inadvertantly stick out but please, when the day is done then remove the restriction.
cheers
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