It is NOT the key factor, the key factor is unsafe driving - of which driving too fast for the conditions is the primary reason. There is a difference. It is not self denying nonsense. I will happily drive at 30mph in a 60mpg limit should I feel the conditions and layout demand it.jmaccyd wrote:Of course speed is not the only factor, but is nothing short of self denying nonesense to pretend it is not a key factor on rural roads.
As for stopping distances which you mentioned...an example:
I have known an occasion where somebody was driving down a road with a 30mph limit. A small child then happened to run out in front of this person who was actually driving at 40mph - they stopped with plenty of space to spare. Stopping distances are another thing that are outdated.
I have never been one to trust statistics, they can be twisted in many ways to suit different parties. They also very rarely tell the real story.
As before, driver attitudes are the factor here. Yes I agree that too many drivers do drive at unnecessary speeds on some roads, however, that does not mean a blanket law that ALL roads should be 50mph.
The thinking behind this one is to make the NSL 50mph, a lot of roads subject to the NSL are actually not every rural at all.
It is clear to me, as well as everyone else I have spoken to on this matter (and that includes and ex police office and an Advanced Driving Instructor) that this is unnecessary and smacks of money making.