Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Andy (23rd Dec 2013 - 11:54:00) 1. The speed limit in the Hindhead Tunnel is 70mph when the National Speed Limit Applies signage is showing. The white line between the lanes is NOT solid so you can change lanes if necessary. 2. It isn't foggy anymore (and hasn't been for 10 days) so TURN YOUR FRONT AND REAR FOG LIGHTS OFF!!! Happy Christmas all.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - dawn (23rd Dec 2013 - 12:45:21) Mmm.. yes. I have to agree - it is not very funny when both lanes slow up with brake lights blazing at 50mph when previously whizzing along at 70+ I'm not sure I understand the reason. The lanes are very wide and well lit with clear markings. The National Speed Limit signs are clearly visible throughout the length of the tunnel. Mystery!

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Simon (23rd Dec 2013 - 12:53:49) Probably some deep rooted reaction to seeing fixed cameras at each end of the tunnel.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Andy (23rd Dec 2013 - 12:53:50) I don't think it's a mystery, I think many people simply don't understand or remember what the National Speed Limit sign means. I know a 30 year old man who only passed his test a year ago and he was convinved the limit on all A roads was 60, even for dual carriageways. There's a simple solution of using signs that actually specify the limit in numbers, but that's too obvious, isn't it? As for the fog lights, it's annoying when you're in a car but even more so when you're on a motorbike with a helmet on. I son't think many realise how distracting these lights are when it's not actually foggy.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - A. Ryan (23rd Dec 2013 - 13:32:28) The maximum speed limit is 70 mph, some people forget that. Having an accident in the tunnel at 50 mph as opposed to 70 mph, may just save your life. Why the rush?

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Janet (23rd Dec 2013 - 15:06:29) The lanes may be wide but they are flanked by solid walls, so that tends to make people slow down. Also, the tunnel is curved and on a gradient, so the sight line is limited. I always stay in the left lane and do well under 70, which I think is fine. If others with faster, better cars wish to drive at 70,they are free to overtake. What I do think is 'not cricket' is when drivers do 50 in the right-hand lane and refuse to pull over to let others pass.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Andy (23rd Dec 2013 - 15:15:10) A.Ryan - The speed limit is set at 70mph as that is what the authorities have deemed a safe maximum. If you're more comfortable driving through the tunnel at 50mph then that's fine (although the Police can hand out points for driving too slowly for the road conditions but rarely do). However, some people seem determined to do this in the outside lane which is dangerous as drivers behind following road speed come up fast behind them. In some ways, doing 50 in a 70 is more dangerous than doing 80 in a 70 if you think about it.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - A. Ryan (23rd Dec 2013 - 19:20:53) Andy , My point being is that your MAXIMUM speed limit should be 70 mph and should you so wish do not have to reach that speed. Certainly through that tunnel a little caution should not go amiss, and I would be very surprised if the police were to hand out points to one for doing 50 mph through there. Better to be safe than sorry ... or dead. The problem is when they stay in the outside lane at 50mph and are NOT overtaking - this is now an offence.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - iwik61 (23rd Dec 2013 - 19:54:39) i think the reason no one passes is coz the central line spaces are very close together and people seem to think this is a solid line.Have too agree that 70 is the speed limit and when cars are doing 50 it is more dangerous

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - A. Ryan (23rd Dec 2013 - 22:16:30) A speed limit is only a guide as to your maximum speed, it does not mean you have to stick to that speed. As a driver you should be aware of other drivers speeds around you and drive accordingly, it does not mean they are in the wrong. Every time I have been through the tunnel most drive at a speed that is safe and most do not do 70 mph. It does beg the question why the need to rush through the tunnel it being such a short piece of road. You can go like a bat out of hell either side of the tunnel, and then most will break the law and go above the speed limit.

Re: Reminder - as many seem to have forgotten... - Andy (24th Dec 2013 - 09:40:09) A.Ryan - You're missing the point I think. It is those that insist on doing 50mph in the outside lane and will not budge that cause the problem. It is very poor driving and, as Ed points out, can lead to you being pulled over by the police. Anyone who feels uncomfortable driving through the tunnel for any reason really should avoid it then, for their safety as well as others'. And, again, PLEASE CAN PEOPLE TURN FRONT AND REAR FOG LIGHTS OFF WHEN IT'S NOT FOGGY. I make no apology for shouting, I ride a motorbike and the glare from these lights on a clear day is a massive problem when you're wearing a helmet, even more so in the rain or drizzle as the light reflects off the droplets on a visor. It's a simple courtesy to others and you can also be "done" by the police for this. Can't people see the fog light warning light on their dashboards?

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home