Safe Speed Forums

I was driving round the m25 last night at about 2am clockwise from the m3 to the m11, but between the m3 and m1 I was a bit confused about some signage ( maybe partly due to having hardly any sleep)

After leaving the m3 I assumed it was a national limit as there were no signs to say otherwise, but for some reason all the traffic was doing around 60, which confused me. There was also a sign that said variable speed limits, but I couldnt see anything to say it was less than national. Anyone know if the part betwene the m3 and m40 is normal national or not?

After the m40 ( a bit of road I am more familiar with) something even more confusing happened. There are roadworks going on constantly and the speed limit is down to 50 with the typical specs set up in intervals, however whenever I seem to get into these zones ( there was one clockwise from the a12 to the dartford crossing too) the other cars and lorries do not seem to obey the 50 limit. I was doing about 47-50 and I appeared to have a pile up of cars behind me and them all trying to overtake me. Do the specs not work or something or do they only catch people for some far higher speed.. like 65 or something because I cant understand why everyone races past on the 50 zones.

Anyone got any idea about these two things please?

Thanks

First point - the variable speed limits are big LED numerical values with a red border. You can see them for miles and miles. So unless you are blind (and in fairness, if you missed a lower than national variable limit then you shouldn't be driving) then I doubt you will have anything to worry about.

Second point - if I see those signs I slow doand and I am on a bike. I often see people carrying on, especially at night or if the road works are deserted, as if there is no limit imposed. I tend to play it safe. Think you did the right thing.

Ah so just because a sign says variable speed limits it doesnt mean there are always them then?

Do specs not work in the nightime then?

It's national unless otherwise indicated.

I have no idea. I would imagine so, but maybe not? I have never heard that they can't work at night.

SPECS cameras provide their own light (you can't see that light). Some have floodlight illumination that you can see, but it actually isn't needed.
So yes, they work at night time.

Motorway driving isn't advisable if you had 'hardly any sleep'.

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign