why do people speed on the motorway?

Question

i understand it is 70 max on the motorway but it seems its the norm for people to do at least 80 why?

and also is there not many speed cameras on the motorway?

Answer 1

70 m.p.h. is the correct limit on UK motorways.
To other comments to this question it is illegal in this country to undertake.
The speed limits on our roads were introduced as cars became easier to buy and the roads became busier. Car performance in terms of safety and braking is much improved on the older style of vehicle and I believe this gives drivers a false sense of security and therefore people drive without much thought. This can also be seen where a driver continues at about 40 m.p.h. whether they have passed through a 30 m.p.h., 50 m.p.h. or de-controlled sign. People pass their driving test but few continue with any other training to keep their skills high - we are after all driving a lethal weapon. As to speed camera on the motorway - the M25 has quite a few but I know what you mean. I believe speed cameras are ineffectual and cause traffic waves. A driver will race passed you - brake hard for the camera - and then speed off again. The really useful speed camera which I have seen on the M4 road works is a timed camera which clocks the driver in, in the middle and then at the end which gives an overall time and distance. No cheating on this one!

Answer 2

70 miles per hour is usually the norm. There are average speed checks on some motorways, ie; M25 at certain times of the day.
If you are travelling a long distance and need to use the motorway then 70mph is too slow to overtake at times. Also when there is a lot of traffic I'm afraid you 'have to go with the flow' unless you want to do about 50mph in the slow lane in which case, whats the point in being on the motorway?
80mph is a more realistic speed in good conditions when the way is clear. I've done this speed before and had police (no sirens) overtake me. If you are a responsible and careful driver then 80mph is fine.
Driving slowly is irresponsible, causes frustrations and potential hazards, as does driving too fast and carelessly in bad conditions.
There, I've said my bit!

Answer 3

Because the maximum safe speed depends on the road, the car, the traffic and the weather conditions. UK motorways are built to high standards, originally for high speed but also for inept and half-asleep drivers, so on most days 80-100 mph is perfectly safe. Driving at 70 on an empty motorway is just as stupid as driving at 30 past an infant school.

Answer 4

With people travelling at different speeds it's a good job!! I was once travelling back to Wales from Plymouth, i had been on the Motorway apx 3 hours everything running smoothly. Then a marked Police car joined the Motorway it caused complete chaos!! Everything slowed to 70, no one dare overtake the Police and the traffic coming up from the rear wondered why no one would move over to let them through!!
It's important we all have our individual speeds within that is a relative closeness to the 70 mark!!

Answer 5

I'm not sure about speed cameras, probably a few.

People like to speed on motorways because they have a thrill and want to go really fast because they know it's a motorway. They think that it wont harm anything if they go a bit faster than the limit, after all, it is only a motorway.

=S

But it isn't really.

Answer 6

I recently drove at a speed of 58 to 65 MPH 200 miles on a motorway mainly to see if it could be done. My fuel consumption was very low, but I became so bored ( I did take breaks) that in retrospect I think I was more dangerous to other users than if I had travelled at 80/90 mph

Answer 7

they speed there as they are less likely to be caught.
It does not feel fast on the motorway as it would on a single carrigeway road.
The motorway is a safer place to speed as kids are less likely to run out in front of you and all the traffic is going it the same direction

Answer 8

They have less chance of being caught on the motorway compared to urban roads, also the width or the road some how makes them feel it is safe to do so.

Answer 9

Because 70 mph is really quite slow i always sit just under 100mph usually around 90 - 95 that way they cant give me an instant ban if i get caught!

They brought those speed limits in years ago when cars wernt built like they are today, the brakes wernt as good nor were the tyres or handling so i think they should raise the limit to 90mph for sure!

Answer 10

Because most people are sick and tired of living life to the full in the slow lane. So they get on the motorway and live life to the full in the fast lane.

Hope that helps. If you don't like the concept then carry on the boring slow lane.

Kiss Kiss