Watch Your Speed!

It may be more hassle generating but I didn't make the rules. The law says it is 50 mph. so 50 mph it is, or less of course depending on conditions.

It may be more hassle generating but I didn't make the rules. The law says it is 50 mph. so 50 mph it is, or less of course depending on conditions.

I have no argument and as said know the law but IMO us generating higher levels of hassle on free flowing “A” roads that don't offer safe overtaking creates a lot more danger to road users that it does raising the towing speed from 50 to 55 mph. It is not that my unit can't safely tow at 60 mph where allowed by law, and the van is designed for 62.5 mph use, therefore going at 55 is no technical issue.

Just it is my opinion the law that forces us to cause log jams generates more real dangers that it mitigates. Like you I toe the line but that does not stop me thinking this is stupid.

What you say does have merit, certainly a slower moving caravan can cause people in cars to take risks getting past. However, a lot of 50 mph roads have numerous junctions and other hazards. Slowing a car with 1.5 tonnes of caravan takes a significant distance. So speeding up the blockage could just create other risks. I raise these, just as points for debate. I would hope, though doubt, such factors are taken into consideration when speed limits for specific vehicles are considered.

I would`nt rely on the 10% or 3 mph over the limit  as one police force was reported to be sticking to the exact speed.

I know it's 50. How? My brother was doing 55 whilst towing and caught by a RoSPA camera in van man on the fast and wide road between Oswestry and Shrewsbury. Only time he's ever been penalised so I get to hear the moan on a regular basis.

mobile speed cameras cannot detect if a vehicle is towing or not....they are simply set to the enforcement speed limit (usually 10% + 3 MPH) for the majority of road users i.e. cars

Sorry to split hairs but actually I am pretty sure the "enforcement" limit is 10% plus 2mph.

mobile speed cameras cannot detect if a vehicle is towing or not....they are simply set to the enforcement speed limit (usually 10% + 3 MPH) for the majority of road users i.e. cars

That's strange as the chap who reported this was caught by a moblie speed camera!!

i think nellie might have meant fixed cameras

Acpo guidelines are indeed for 10% +2 but the majority of forces adhere to the +3 guideline. And the camera cannot distinguish if towing....sorry. ....

Guidelines are not the same as the law: if the speed limit is broken then its your own fault. Why hope that your police force is one that goes by the 10% etc "rule" just stay within the correct limit. Saying that we are a guilty as the next person at times: my OH decided to step on it in the way home tonight down the M4  93 mph - solo not towing - before he decided to behave.