Monthly Archives: July 2022

July 26, 2022
Should Well-built areas lower their speed limit to 20 mph?

Currently well-built areas are operating a speed-limit of 30 throughout most London towns and this Major roads across the UK to have speed limits slashed to just 20mph – warning | Express.co.ukhas been a forefront for topical debate. Many have highlighted that London’s well-built areas are vastly busy and 30 MPH is just too much permissible speed for an already condensed and busy city.

The Welsh Parliament have recently passed a bill which introduces a set speed limit of 20 MPH in well-built areas which will come into force September 2023. Lee Walters the deputy minister for climate change states ‘reducing speeds not only reduces accidents, but helps improves peoples quality of lives.’ As the evening standard highlights The Welsh Government cities safety research suggests that if you are hit by a car going 30 MPH 45% of civilians are killed, compared to 5% if going 20 MPH or less, which seems a sensible piece of evidence to support the overarching topic.

However, many have disliked the new implementations to the speed limit viewing them as unnecessary and inefficient. For instance, many well-built up areas contain main roads which it may seem counter productive to change to a 20 MPH zone. The new proposed changes would ensure this is indisputable and ensures there is no debate on the matter. A possible suggestion may be to take each area as a case by case basis to ensure no areas are unnecessarily changed to a 20MPH zone when nonsensical.

Moreover, All star present a fascinating view on the matter that the proposed changes may actually be causing more harm. For instance, a study showed that minor incidents increased in 20 MPH zones by 17%, and this could be due to the difficulty in maintaining such a speed while others refuse to, which ensures that the drivers focus in distracted by the speedometer ensuring that the focus is not completely on the road.

Overall, Charlie from Britannia portrays the viewpoint that the changed may be welcome by some especially in more densely populated areas which may contain a large younger demographic. However, he also suggests the changes should be reviewed on a case by case basis, as opposed to just ensuring all well-built up areas are forced to adhere to the new 20MPH zone rule, this will ensure areas which may be considered as needing a 30MPH zone can maintain their current speed zone.

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July 15, 2022
Showing gratitude may lead to £1000 fine ..

Throughout recent times it is clear the highway code’s reformation is an attempt to limit prior habits  some may suggest as being signs of gratitude and ‘harmless’. The new stipulations ensure that even a simple wave or thumbs up to another driver potentially could lead to a fine of up to £1000, according to rule 160 of the code this is evidence of a lack of control of the vehicle and this suggests why the fine has been introduced.

Furthermore, flashing headlights as a sign of gratitude can also lead to a similar fine according to rule 110 of the highway code.The rationale presented is that the headlights should only be flashed as a warning to other drivers to highlight that your vehicle is there. It can be portrayed that these new features of the highway code are nonsensical and counterproductive.

The same new procedures also stretch to the use of hazard lights for anything other than informing drivers of a hazard or danger.

A recent study showed that 63 percent of motorists wave to thank other drivers, while 42 percent flash headlights, and 35 percent put their hazards on. It is clear that something as harmless as this small sign of thankfulness should not be the sole focus, and more emphasis should be placed on ensuring topical and actually productive changes occur. These changes could involve a focus on more pressing issues and ensure the reputation of the highway code is improved.

Rule 116 of the highway code states: These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.

Rule 160 of the Highway Code states:drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Being in breach of having proper control of their vehicle can land drivers with a £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification, and three penalty points on their licence.

 

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