1. Home
  2. Club Together
  3. Discussions
  4. Motorhomes
  5. Motorhomes 3.5t lane 3 on motorways

Motorhomes 3.5t lane 3 on motorways

Paolo Imberino replied on 11/06/2018 17:40

Paolo Imberino profile picture Member

Paolo Imberino

Motorhomer

Posted on 11/06/2018 17:40

I always assumed that us boys over 3.5t were not allowed in lane 3 on the motorway. But having read some law today it only refers to goods vehicles and buses. 

Today coming up the M5 to Bristol lane 1 & 2 had lorrys and it would have been lovely to have overtaken in lane 3 but I didn't think I was allowed.

Lane 3 would rarely be used by me in a 4.24t 8m MH but it would be brills to have your opinion on whether you think I'm allowed on there.

Over to you.

15 replies

Follow

ATDel replied on 13/06/2018 20:31

ATDel profile picture Member

ATDel

Motorhomer
Posted on 13/06/2018 19:04 by Kontikiboy

Hi DD,

I did not say the police were doing 65mph or that they were in lane 3.   The police car was in lane 2, over taking trucks in lane 1.   He was doing about 60mph.   I was behind him and decided to use my right to go faster in lane 3 and passed the police doing 65mph.    When passed him I was able to return to lane 1.

Another problem at the moment is that old trucks who have not had a tachometer upgrade are restricted to 56mph limit, but newer trucks with the new tachometer can now do 60mph, so we get more trucks overtaking each other and blocking the middle lane for ages.     Thats bad news for those with caravans in tow, but not a problem for motorhomers who can use the outside lane.

I have to say though, that since retiring I am not usually in a hurry and cruise on the motorways at around 60/62 mph.   That gives me 26/27 mpg, which suits me.

BillC

Posted on 13/06/2018 20:31

When did the law change for hgv lorry speed limits. The motorway speed limit has been 60mph for as long as I can remember although the limiter needs to be set to no more than 56 (90km)

the law did change a few years ago for hgv on single carriageway and duel carriageway from 40mph to 50mph and 50mph to 60mph respectively.

 

Kontikiboy replied on 14/06/2018 14:45

Kontikiboy profile picture Member

Kontikiboy

Motorhomer

Posted on 14/06/2018 14:45

Hi Kev, the speed limit increased from 56 to 60 mph on 6 April 2015, the same time as the other road speed limits were changed.   Google The Highway Code, or UK Speed Limits at gov.uk.

The speed limiters are, in the main still required to be set at 56mph, but this was introduced to reduce emissions.   The speed limit is 60 mph on motorways in the UK for HGVs over 7.5 tonne.     Many EU countries do not recognise the emissions restriction.     It is clear that many do not have a limiter on, or they would not be able to go over 56, unless going downhill.

I did read recently that new trucks do not have a limiter.

BillC

ATDel replied on 15/06/2018 18:55

ATDel profile picture Member

ATDel

Motorhomer
Posted on 13/06/2018 19:04 by Kontikiboy

Hi DD,

I did not say the police were doing 65mph or that they were in lane 3.   The police car was in lane 2, over taking trucks in lane 1.   He was doing about 60mph.   I was behind him and decided to use my right to go faster in lane 3 and passed the police doing 65mph.    When passed him I was able to return to lane 1.

Another problem at the moment is that old trucks who have not had a tachometer upgrade are restricted to 56mph limit, but newer trucks with the new tachometer can now do 60mph, so we get more trucks overtaking each other and blocking the middle lane for ages.     Thats bad news for those with caravans in tow, but not a problem for motorhomers who can use the outside lane.

I have to say though, that since retiring I am not usually in a hurry and cruise on the motorways at around 60/62 mph.   That gives me 26/27 mpg, which suits me.

BillC

Posted on 15/06/2018 18:55

I drove a lorry for 10 years and ran training courses along with pc courses for 5 years until joining camc. The speed limit on a motorway has been 60 for at least all that time, as I posted earlier the single and duel carragway changed recently (2015) 

the speed limit in Europe has been 90kph (56mph) for a long time but not here.

I wasn’t aware limiters were no longer being fitted, and if they are look out Caravaners as there will be a lot of lorries overtaking you.

 

EmilysDad replied on 15/06/2018 22:05

EmilysDad profile picture Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 15/06/2018 22:05

I wasn’t aware limiters were no longer being fitted, and if they are look out Caravaners as there will be a lot of lorries overtaking you.

I just let them,  but don't expect me to slow down going up hill when the HGV starts to run out of steam (like other HGVs innocent)

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook