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Ps put upon for nothing

26 Jan, 2012 07:21 AM

I SPEND a lot of time driving on Hunter roads and the F3 and I am constantly frustrated by the poor old P-platers, who sit in front of me on 100km/h roads and stick to their legally limited 90km/h.

I see the poor buggers tailgated and abused for holding up other drivers and, if they succumb to the pressure, leaving themselves open to a speeding fine.

It’s even worse for the poor kids on the freeways, where the 90km/h must feel like they’re going backwards.

I don’t believe they learn anything from these restrictions. We would all be better off if they were allowed to do the posted speed limit.

Travelling at 110km/h and coming up to a car doing 90km/h creates a risk of accidents and disrupts traffic flow.

It’s time those bureaucrats looked into this and did something about it. The kids don’t learn anything doing 90 on a freeway.

Brett Donohoe, Wallsend

comments

Date: Newest first | Oldest first

One thing you've missed, for a red P Plater (which going off your mention of 90km/h they are) a speeding fine of any calibre also results in an automatic 3 month suspension.

I do agree with your sentiments though.

Posted by Chris, 26/01/2012 8:09:58 AM, on The Herald

Well I would like a dollar for every time I have been sitting on the speed limit and a P plater comes screaming past me like I was stopped!

I rarely see a P plater sitting on the speed limit...period!

Posted by Rev, 26/01/2012 8:20:35 AM, on The Herald

I was confronted by this myself 2 days ago. But Ben, if you think it is the P platers doing 90, you're wrong. So many were passing me and driving in excess of 110. It is the fools that aren't comfortable with 110, that haven't been on their P's for a few years that are the danger. The cars with no plates that are spattered along the length and breadth of the F3 doing 80 in all 3 lanes because it is too scary to drive any faster. If I see a P or L plate, I expect them to be going slower so give them more room, it's the unexpected foolishness of the un-plated vehicles that is the danger.

Posted by catwomanau, 26/01/2012 8:45:44 AM, on The Herald

I believe that having speed restictions of 90 and 100 on red and green P platers that drive on Freeways is plain stupid. These roads are built to keep large volumes of traffic flowing at a constant speed, not to be impeded by drivers that are speed restricted. The intent of speed limits on P platers no doubt has been done in the mistaken belief that it will save lives, however nothing short of a speed limiter will stop drivers from exceeding speed limits and even then a limiter will not stop people driving too fast for the prevailing road conditions.

Posted by thinkitthrough, 26/01/2012 9:00:19 AM, on The Herald

In response to the comment by rev, I agree with you that we seem to see more idiot P platers than sensible ones and, as mentioned by thinkitthrough, nothing seems to slow them down. But the rare few who do wish to obey the law are not assisted by stupid speed restrictions and neither are the motoring public. Catwoman, I also agree entirely with you and wish that police would book idiots who are incapable of driving up to the speed limit. While we're on the subject I also believe that freeway speed limits should be increased to at least 130 for drivers with cars of a certain modern standard.

Posted by brett, 26/01/2012 12:51:47 PM, on The Herald

These motorists have a provisional licence that is contingent on them demonstrating that can indeed drive without incident for a determined period. I agree with the other blogs that cite that they often encounter those p plate drivers that drive erratically. There is too much evidence to really consider lifting the speed limit for these inexperienced and often too immature drivers.

Posted by Knowitall, 26/01/2012 6:19:32 PM, on The Herald

@Brett, how will a variable speed limit based on the type of car you drive work? You've already pointed out the failings of a variable speed limit based on driver experience. The inconsistencies in your arguments suggest that are not so concerned about road safety as you are about getting yourself from A to B as quickly as possible.

Posted by uraok, 27/01/2012 9:09:21 AM, on The Herald

@Brett, As you are a regular F3 user then you would no doubt have noticed that there are 2-3 lanes for motorists to use. Granted there could possibly be a 20km+ speed difference, but any experienced driver should be able to safely overtake and avoid delays. The idea of a restricted speed limit is to allow P platers time to gain experience under controlled conditions. I wouldn't like the idea of an unrestricted red P plater driving at the posted speed limit without some sort of vehicle knowledge that can only come from experience behind the wheel.

Posted by Daaave, 27/01/2012 10:28:39 AM, on The Herald

I think that whilst on their L's they should do 80K's for the first 3 months, 90K's for the second 3 months, 100K's for the 3rd 3 months and finally 110 for the last 3 months. That way hopefully some of the fascination may subside with driving at that those fast speeds and they will also learn a bit about handling a car at that speed instead of only ever driving at 80 kilometer's an hour and then going out and driving at 110 with no experience at all. Then let them drive at 110.

Posted by Ash, 27/01/2012 11:57:56 AM, on The Herald

@ Daaave - Nice to see someone with an ounce of sense.

Posted by Jeebus, 27/01/2012 12:43:15 PM, on The Herald

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Ps put upon for nothing

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