Friday, 4 November 2011
Monday, 28 March 2011
21st Century laws for 21st Century drivers? Yes please.
Why do we still drive or ride for that matter according to the antiquated rules and principles that were established when the humble internal combustion engine (ICE) first appeared as the propulsion of choice for the masses well over a hundred years ago?
Over the years there have been a few occasions when the driving laws and regulations debate was initiated only for it to be snuffed out by the anti-car lobby before it gained any traction.
Now, as Portsmouth switch off their traffic lights when they are not needed during the night what will we find? Will there be utter carnage as the three cars on the road in the early hours scream past each other 20 minutes apart? Has anyone noticed how the road usage has changed since fuel went past the £6 per gallon mark? That incidentally is >$8 per US gallon I believe. It appears that there are significantly fewer cars on the road outside the traditional rush hour periods.
Is it time for our Minister responsible for road transport to actually do something for the road user to improve the flow of traffic. Most of the public debate is stagnated around upkeep (pot holes) and new build. Why do we not look at simple options easily within the grasp of everyone in order to improve the flow of traffic and prevent wasted engine use when vehicles are stopped for no good reason?
Portsmouth have made a great start, what else can we do?
Well how about being able to turn left at a junction when a traffic light is on red? Using it as a "give way" signal rather than stop. Before people scream in horror at such a radical proposal; it would not be at every red light only at selected junctions. Councils could have targets like they have for cycle lanes. They like targets.
Another is what about resetting traffic lights at "T" junctions to ensure the flow is balanced properly. I know of several where as traffic turns right off the top "T" other traffic coming into the top "T" to turn left is held on red. Absolutely no need, pedestrian crossing usage could override the change anyway.
Another is motorway lane closures. The biggest bottlenecks are caused by cones closing the outside lane, forcing traffic to cut into the inside lanes (usually after they have raced past queuing traffic to push in right at the end). Change the lane restrictions so vehicles are kept further apart on the approach to road works. Start the cones further back to prevent traffic build up on the carriageway. Consider keeping the outside lane as the "through" lane rather than the inner lanes.
Another is to raise the importance of flow when planning road layouts and junctions.
This one is a bit more contentious, how about limiting the maximum speed of vehicles over 3.5 ton to 60 miles per hour?
Personal transport is with us to stay, currently the favoured option is the car. No other form of transport offers the flexibility, security, freedom and lifestyle. I hope for the day when the ICE is replaced but not by the lithium battery option. Until then can we please update our driving laws and rules to reflect 21st century motoring and road users. Join the debate.
Over the years there have been a few occasions when the driving laws and regulations debate was initiated only for it to be snuffed out by the anti-car lobby before it gained any traction.
Now, as Portsmouth switch off their traffic lights when they are not needed during the night what will we find? Will there be utter carnage as the three cars on the road in the early hours scream past each other 20 minutes apart? Has anyone noticed how the road usage has changed since fuel went past the £6 per gallon mark? That incidentally is >$8 per US gallon I believe. It appears that there are significantly fewer cars on the road outside the traditional rush hour periods.
Is it time for our Minister responsible for road transport to actually do something for the road user to improve the flow of traffic. Most of the public debate is stagnated around upkeep (pot holes) and new build. Why do we not look at simple options easily within the grasp of everyone in order to improve the flow of traffic and prevent wasted engine use when vehicles are stopped for no good reason?
Portsmouth have made a great start, what else can we do?
Well how about being able to turn left at a junction when a traffic light is on red? Using it as a "give way" signal rather than stop. Before people scream in horror at such a radical proposal; it would not be at every red light only at selected junctions. Councils could have targets like they have for cycle lanes. They like targets.
Another is what about resetting traffic lights at "T" junctions to ensure the flow is balanced properly. I know of several where as traffic turns right off the top "T" other traffic coming into the top "T" to turn left is held on red. Absolutely no need, pedestrian crossing usage could override the change anyway.
Another is motorway lane closures. The biggest bottlenecks are caused by cones closing the outside lane, forcing traffic to cut into the inside lanes (usually after they have raced past queuing traffic to push in right at the end). Change the lane restrictions so vehicles are kept further apart on the approach to road works. Start the cones further back to prevent traffic build up on the carriageway. Consider keeping the outside lane as the "through" lane rather than the inner lanes.
Another is to raise the importance of flow when planning road layouts and junctions.
This one is a bit more contentious, how about limiting the maximum speed of vehicles over 3.5 ton to 60 miles per hour?
Personal transport is with us to stay, currently the favoured option is the car. No other form of transport offers the flexibility, security, freedom and lifestyle. I hope for the day when the ICE is replaced but not by the lithium battery option. Until then can we please update our driving laws and rules to reflect 21st century motoring and road users. Join the debate.
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