Mikael Armstrong wrote:
"Marc Brett" wrote in message
...

On 16 Oct 2004 15:09:56 GMT, Robin May

wrote:

If I remember correctly, the A13 from between Canning Town and Barking
and beyond used to have a speed limit of 50mph. Why is it that after
extensive improvements to the road this has gone down to 40?

To improve conditions for local residents? The quieter road surface may

be a

clue. It's not so you can hear the "Today" program in your

already-soundproofed

car on your way to work. It's so people who LIVE near the A13 (they

exist, you

know) can hear themselves think. The lower speed limit also helps buses

when

they need to pull out into traffic, and makes cycling safer.

The difference between 50mph and 40mph across the whole 14-mile stretch of

the

A13 improvements is the difference between a 17-minute journey and a 21

minute

journey (assuming you treat the speed limit as a target and hit it

perfectly).

That's an extra FOUR MINUTES on your commute. What's the problem in

setting

your alarm clock 4 minutes earlier in the morning and just sticking to the

speed

limit? You'll save wear-and tear on your car by not braking for GATSOs,

you'll

save money by not paying speeding fines, you'll arrive less stressed at

work,

and you'll probably have fewer accidents. If EVERYBODY did it, there'd be

less

congestion caused by the GATSO-shy jackrabbits bunching up the traffic,

and the

journey times for everyone would be quicker. And, of course, the nearby
residents would be able to hear themselves think.


Most of the nearby residents directly affected by the road have probably
already been paid a share of our taxes to have double glazing installed, if
they don't already have it. Perhaps the limit should be 70mph as the road
designed for. That would mean motorists could save nearly a quarter of an
hour using your figures.

Do you seriously think that double glazing solves all these residents'
problems? What if it's hot and they want to open the window? What if
they ever want to spend time in their garden? Have you any idea how
noisy a 70mph road is, especially in wet weather?

--
Dave Arquati
Imperial College, SW7
www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London