Voluntary speed limit

[Boddie]

I just read the news on the voluntary speed limit in the Peaks - http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ne...e-in-the-peaks

A voluntary speed limit of 5mph for 4x4s and 20mph for trail bikes has been agreed in a new Code of Respect for the historic Long Causeway across Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park. The Stanage Forum - the management body for the area, which includes user groups - will hear details of the Code at its annual meeting on Saturday 12 November, 2pm-5pm, at Bamford Institute - open for anyone to take part.

Sutton Park has a mandatory speed limit of 5 mph (which I agree to be a little antagonostic) but is nonetheless never observed. Despite there being numerous car parks (within the park) prior to the main car parks that surround the main park, everybody finds it necessary to park as close to the main park as possible, instead of walking maybe 600 yards to a mile and seeing park they only ever drive past.

Obviously, they do this to avoid having to walk along a road that is frequented by cars that you have to continually avoid. Vicious circle. In my experience the main park is OK but it is the leading areas into it that are of most interest. The main parks are mainly adjacent to open fields, you may see a few cows and the odd horse galloping but start from further back and thats where the fun begins. The natural paths are less 'trodden' and so don't retain rainwater, there is far more flora and fauna to be viewed, better sightings of wildlife and its quieter.

I would suggest those wishing to view the park properly to get out their car at one of the first car parks and walk offtrack and avoid the wannabe Jason Plato's of this world in their suped up 1.1 Nova's with tin can exhausts.

[Pat]

Who's Jason Plato?

[Tinkerbell]

Can't answer that one Pat, but I do know what he means re speed limits in parks. I've experienced this myself, in the company of children. Folk visit the parks to enjoy the countryside, but drive further in from the entrance, often grossly in excess of the speed limit, thereby endangering those who are on foot. In the meantime they have already driven through some of the most interesting aspects of the parks!!! When these areas were originally 'chartered' in many cases the motor car did not exist, so perhaps this should be taken into account now, and vehicles encouraged to park just inside the gates, rather than progressing through the grounds, spoiling the enjoyment of those on foot, pushchair or wheelchairs. (Exceptions could be made for disabled drivers - it works at Centre Parcs - or at the very least maybe proper footpaths could be provided to improve safety).

[Pat]

All these sort of parks should be made vehical free apart from the people who maintain the parks or the disabled, the trouble is nowadays people are just to lazy and will not walk any farther than they have to. Where I walk the dogs there is a long lane with about 3 large parking areas but people won't use them because it would make them walk about 100 yards to get into the gate which leads into the field so therefore they churn up all the grass verges.In fact it got so bad about 15 years ago that my friend and I planted 7 trees on the verges,they are all flourishing apart from 2 which were torn down by yobs. We were going to plant some more but at the moment this lovely part of Guildford has been taken over at night by boy racers and yobs so I don't think any new trees would last very long. I just wish that people would respect the countryside a bit more.

[Boddie]

Hi Pat

Jason Plato is a touring car champion, a real driver, but in all the right places

[nightshade]

Most of the vehicles I see are 4x4 left all along the paths because the drivers do not know any better(why else would townies drive countryside developed
trucks),these people seem to be among the most inconsiderate I ever meet
I came across one broken down, so I offered to take them to a garage, they started demanding that I tow them but my car ain't that strong, so said no and was given a torrent of abuse I left them there ungrateful wretches

[Pat]

One of my pet hates too I think these people try to make us think that they live in a big house in the country so they need a 4x4. Did you know that in America you can buy spray on mud so that the townies can pretend that they spend their time in the countryside,this is true, a friend of mine has just come back from there and she was telling me about all the weird things they do out there

[henrya]

Quote
Did you know that in America you can buy spray on mud so that the townies can pretend that they spend their time in the countryside,this is true,
Endquote

About a year ago, having noticed the number of gleaming, dirt free 4x4s about, I jokingly said to one of my work colleagues that I was going to retire and set up a business 'distressing' 4x4s - adding spray-on mud. Services would range from the bottom of the range 5 minute job, to the de-luxe custom hand painted work of art (with price tag to match). We had a good laugh - but now reality has apparently taken over from fantasy! Maybe there is still a niche in the market?

henrya

[Pat]

Maybe

[Boddie]

I think we are being a little unfair on drivers of MPV's (multi pursuit vehicles) here. How else are they expected to drive the kids to school, navigate their way to the hairdressers, ascend and descend the speed bumps on the golf course driveway, fit shopping into a menial cars boot space, bullishly edge their way out of their driveways, without indication, and look down their noses at other drivers without utilising an MPV?

Not only that but there is the 'keeping up with the Jones's' factor.

On the plus side, second hand MPV's are cheap as chips. They are designed for multi-purpose and rarely are abused in such a way and they lose 10 grand on being driven off the dealers forecort so now we can all afford to look really stupid too.

[Helen]

The main difference with the large SUV's is that in the States the roads are built for them, and "gas" is very very cheap indeed. Car parks are also built for larger cars over there, with a decent amount of space inbetween rows, as opposed to the ridiculous lack of space in carparks we have here.

I wouldn't have a problem with the SUV's as long as the drivers could actually drive them! Most of the time, I suspect they can't, and rely solely on the sheer "bulk" factor of the vehicle.

Having said that, I don't really believe in lecturing people on what they should/shouldn't drive. They may look a bit silly (in the eyes of some people) driving up the high street with one, but hey, it's up to them.

And no, I don't have one. I do drive a large car though.

[Boddie]

And then Porsche bring out a model that does 150 odd and 0-60 in six seconds - very practical

[Helen]

0-60 in 6 seconds? Bit slow, innit?

[Boddie]

Come on the Helen. You have a big car, 0-60 a bit slow? A Bentley Continental by any chance?

[Helen]

Ahem...note the " " above. A Bentley Cont? That'll do nicely thank you.