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Topic ID 2739

01/05/2007 by shunt

Incompetent Bengeo St. driving.

I wonder how many other residents have noticed that our little B road is treated like a freeway by some ignorant drivers? Not only are speeds hitting the 60mph mark, but it seems that many hold the steering wheel by the horn button, which is somewhat unpleasant for residents. Furthermore, whilst unloading tools from my truck today, I noticed that a lot of drivers are unable to negotiate a parked vehicle with any grace or sense, a simple maneouver for even novice drivers. Yes, there are idiots shouting abuse and throwing missiles at my vehicle again (even though now a differnt vehicle). Should they read this, perhaps they would note that my description of the offenders is becoming more detailed each time and I will insist on prosecutions for criminal damage and costs of repairs. Residents of Bengeo Street are perfectly entitled to park outside their properties at al times, but do not, out of consideration for other road users. If we are to be assaulted, pelted and insulted by those same ignorant motorists on the few occasions that we do need to stop near our doors, attitudes may change.


0 replies

Archived Replies

Reply ID 39388

01/05/2007 by Marilyn

Oh dear I do feel for you, why they can't see the speed limit signs and realise its a residential area I don't know. I bet they are not local and probably pull their cars as close to their front doors as they can. Most of the houses in Bengeo Street, including your I believe were there long before cars, I can remember crossing to school when there was no need for a pedestrian crossing, there is also a photo of children playing in the road early in the 20th century. 21st century is not an improvement on that or peoples manners. Take their numbers if you can and report them..............


Reply ID 39392

01/05/2007 by Bengeobabe

Hear Hear Shunt. We moved out of Bengeo STreet a while ago, and the traffic/road users were definately a factor in our decision. It is a 30mph zone, but is usually treated as a motorway. and the number of times i got looks and tutted at for daring to unpack my shopping by parking outside my front door for all of 2 minutes...


Reply ID 39408

01/05/2007 by gemipicorn

Can understand why you are so aggrieved shunt, I would be too. Perhaps you could collect the missiles and throw them back next time they pass! (sorry stupid suggestion I know). I hope they don't damage the very cool paint job on your other 'vehicle'!


Reply ID 39411

01/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by gemipicorn
Can understand why you are so aggrieved shunt, I would be too. Perhaps you could collect the missiles and throw them back next time they pass! (sorry stupid suggestion I know). I hope they don't damage the very cool paint job on your other 'vehicle'!
Nice suggestion, but not all the missiles are composed of material which one would wish to touch![:0] Don't worry, I know one of the vehicles(green hatchback), and where it parks (not far from Wick park). If I catch sight of that reg no. as the offence actually takes place, I shall unleash the hounds of hell upon it's owners![}:)] Most of these idiots I've seen before. Rude ignorant git in a black Porsche Boxter (couldn't afford a real Porsche)is not worth the bother. I guess he might learn to drive it one day.


Reply ID 39414

01/05/2007 by gemipicorn

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Nice suggestion, but not all the missiles are composed of material which one would wish to touch![:0]
Thats just sick!! [:0]
quote:

If I catch sight of that reg no. as the offence actually takes place, I shall unleash the hounds of hell upon it's owners![}:)]
Too right!
quote:

Rude ignorant git in a black Porsche Boxter (couldn't afford a real Porsche).
[:D][:D]


Reply ID 39422

01/05/2007 by furrybunny

Shunt, nice to see that you are back in the Lion car park with your real cool pick-up, walked pass the other day and I thought your bike is stunning, Getting back to the races in Bengeo Street where are the police when you want them, you can count the time on one hand when they have had speed traps, we have already had a young girl die out side the co-op, it's about time we had a camera, they are everywhere else so why not Bengo Street???????


Reply ID 39427

01/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Shunt, nice to see that you are back in the Lion car park with your real cool pick-up, walked pass the other day and I thought your bike is stunning, Getting back to the races in Bengeo Street where are the police when you want them, you can count the time on one hand when they have had speed traps, we have already had a young girl die out side the co-op, it's about time we had a camera, they are everywhere else so why not Bengo Street???????
Why thank you. Having failed to succeed at every other artistic endevour attempted in my life, I now try my best to brighten the street scene with an array of ludicrously O.T.T. automobilia, to the amusement of the population.[:D] As for speed cameras, there is (allegedly) a criteria by which they are sited. I don't like them much, but the stretch between the Co-op to the bend just before Bengeo sevice station is a particularly good use for one in a place where it may actually act as a "safety camera".


Reply ID 39429

01/05/2007 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Shunt, nice to see that you are back in the Lion car park with your real cool pick-up, walked pass the other day and I thought your bike is stunning, Getting back to the races in Bengeo Street where are the police when you want them, you can count the time on one hand when they have had speed traps, we have already had a young girl die out side the co-op, it's about time we had a camera, they are everywhere else so why not Bengo Street???????
Why thank you. Having failed to succeed at every other artistic endevour attempted in my life, I now try my best to brighten the street scene with an array of ludicrously O.T.T. automobilia, to the amusement of the population.[:D] As for speed cameras, there is (allegedly) a criteria by which they are sited. I don't like them much, but the stretch between the Co-op to the bend just before Bengeo sevice station is a particularly good use for one in a place where it may actually act as a "safety camera".
I believe cameras ar only installed at sites with a certain amount of fatalities.


Reply ID 39438

02/05/2007 by Marilyn

Dreadful to think someone has to be seriously injured or die before the consider it dangerouse enough for a "safety" camera


Reply ID 39440

02/05/2007 by furrybunny

Marilyn, totally agree, why do we have so many in Ware Road then I ask? are they falling like nine pins, I cannot recall that many? but I would have thought Bengeo Street seen as a 'village' by some, would deserve one, especially where Shunt recommends. I live in Bengeo Street and it's quite frigtening,we have had two people knocked over right outside our house in the past years, even the fire engines and police cars take it too fast around the corner by The Yew House, some morons even ignore the pedestrian crossings - on red! especially by the school!


Reply ID 39442

02/05/2007 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Marilyn, totally agree, why do we have so many in Ware Road then I ask? are they falling like nine pins, I cannot recall that many? but I would have thought Bengeo Street seen as a 'village' by some, would deserve one, especially where Shunt recommends. I live in Bengeo Street and it's quite frigtening,we have had two people knocked over right outside our house in the past years, even the fire engines and police cars take it too fast around the corner by The Yew House, some morons even ignore the pedestrian crossings - on red! especially by the school!
You may find these links useful...... http://www.hertsdirect.org/hd/envroads/roadstrans/rsu/driving/safetycameras/camrep05.pdf http://www.hertsdirect.org/hd/envroads/roadstrans/rsu/driving/safetycameras/camrep05.pdf


Reply ID 39445

02/05/2007 by Bengeobabe

even a police car parked there would be a deterent. It doesn't need to be a speed camera.


Reply ID 39446

02/05/2007 by Tigger

quote:
Originally posted by Bengeobabe
even a police car parked there would be a deterent. It doesn't need to be a speed camera.
That would need a Policeperson. I don't think they just leave them lucking willy nilly. Speed humps maybe an option, if it b****** their suspension they may think twice.


Reply ID 39448

02/05/2007 by jez_p

It doesn't take much to show some consideration. Bengeo Street is a road with many hazards to consider - parked cars, kids etc. I totally agree with the comments here, just because you can afford a pretend porsche doesn't give you the right to drive like a **** (choose your own four letter word) Not sure that Speed Humps are a particularly good idea though - they would probably just force cars to avoid them via the "Rat Run(s)" and damage everybody's suspension (alhough it might be quite satisfying to see a porsche boxster grounded on a speed hump[}:)])


Reply ID 39461

02/05/2007 by Arty

Dare I mention it, but the dear old Co-Op's car park is adding to the problems. I witnessed a near collision there last week. As for the speeding, it's because people zoom to get up Port Hill, and comtinue at the same speed along Bengeo Street. I always feel nervous walking with my children along the narrow bit between the Co-op and Cross Road. Do those signs that automatically flash '30 MPH' work - if so, one near the bus-stop might help?


Reply ID 39465

02/05/2007 by Ray_by_the_Beane

Some years ago, I witnessed a car that came down Port Hill so fast that it only just managed to get round the corner near the Empire takeaway/Port Vale. Fortunately for the idiot driver (and everyone else), there were no vehicles coming the other way at that moment (which is most unusual).


Reply ID 39481

03/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by Arty
Do those signs that automatically flash '30 MPH' work - if so, one near the bus-stop might help?
I think they do. Might be an alternative to the dreaded speed humps, which are pretty lethal to motorcyclists and cause extra polution and noise. Shame we need anything really, other than the current layout of what is so obviously an urban and highly residential road with multiple hazzards. I agree with the previous comment on motorists ignoring the red lights at the crossing. I have frequently seen children having to dodge halfway across and vehicles "lock up" as they attempt to stop from 60mph. Modern cars don't help as manufacturers find better ways of isolating the driver and are geared high for motorways. I know my own car feels like it's crawling at 30mph.


Reply ID 39485

03/05/2007 by Ewoowar

The greatest cause of traffic problems on Bengeo Street is the Co-op. If it were not a shop currently and an application was made to turn the premises into a mini-supermarket I believe it would be turned down partly on the grounds of the potential parking and traffic problems. Paradoxically cars parked by the Co-op has the effect of causing speeding cars on Bengeo Street to slow down.


Reply ID 39488

03/05/2007 by Tigger

Does anyone know what the land is behind the co-op. Mother still thinks it could be a potential car park which would relieve some of the problems.


Reply ID 39492

03/05/2007 by Marilyn

quote:
Originally posted by Tigger
Does anyone know what the land is behind the co-op. Mother still thinks it could be a potential car park which would relieve some of the problems.
Could belong to the Working men's club, not sure. It would seem my grandfather had quite a lot to do with acquiring the land for the WMC it was originally allotments I believe, will do some more investigating! It is a shame the Co-op and the club can't come to some arrangement about sharing the parking at the club as it is very underused during weekdays when the co-op could do with it!


Reply ID 39494

03/05/2007 by furrybunny

I would also like to ask why have people started using their car horns to toot goodbye late at night and sometimes in the early hours of the morning, it's most annoying when you are in a deep and luxurious sleep to be awaken by someones thoughtlessness, it's bad enough when the police/fire engines come screaming through with sirens going, with hardly any traffic on the streets.


Reply ID 39509

03/05/2007 by Leo Densian

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
I would also like to ask why have people started using their car horns to toot goodbye late at night and sometimes in the early hours of the morning,
'Cos they are selfish t*ats basically! You are not allowed to use the horn between 11.30pm and 7am in a built up area except when another vehicle poses a danger.


Reply ID 39520

03/05/2007 by furrybunny

Just come along Bengeo Street from Hertford, some stupid young woman wanted to park in the Co-Op, but as usual it was full, she just sat there waiting for someone to reverse out, she was parked right in the middle of the road so no one could get pass, the traffic was building up on both sides, people started tooting her, but she was adamant, she was not moving, then when she did finally pull over, she wound down her window and was shouting obscentities to every passing motorist she held up! she's obviously has a great deal of decorum!


Reply ID 39532

03/05/2007 by Marilyn

My Grandad died in 1949 so I never met him but I will see what I can find out from dad if he remembers, he is 83 so he remebers things someday he is sure he has told me before but I am sure he never has!


Reply ID 39537

03/05/2007 by furrybunny

Marilyn, are you sure!


Reply ID 39544

04/05/2007 by Marilyn

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Marilyn, are you sure!
Nope Starting a new thread in Community as Admin will get cross if we go off topic.


Reply ID 39595

04/05/2007 by furrybunny

Marily, you will get smacked legs for going off topic!


Reply ID 39702

08/05/2007 by melrist

On the Co-op line, I saw today that they have marked their 'car park' out and put yellow hashes across 1/3 of it, and marked 5 spaces only. I have the phrase 'Is it me?' running around in my head. Surely there is an accident waiting to happen.


Reply ID 39708

08/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by melrist
On the Co-op line, I saw today that they have marked their 'car park' out and put yellow hashes across 1/3 of it, and marked 5 spaces only. I have the phrase 'Is it me?' running around in my head. Surely there is an accident waiting to happen.
Well, it shouldn't be. Though many using the Co-op parking do so inconsiderately, this is still a B road with a low speed limit. If manouvering or parked vehicles create difficulty, one should perhaps question the competence of drivers to safely negotiate any road feature and the speed at which they expect to traverse a densely populated residential area. After all, if they can't safely pass a parked car, without loss of safety or temper, what about a cycling child?


Reply ID 39713

08/05/2007 by furrybunny

0ooo! it's going to be fun when the schools turn out tomrrow, mums fighting for the five places, with their mean machines (4 x 4's)it just means more parking on Bengeo Street and more irate drivers! I walk to the co-op much safer!


Reply ID 39795

10/05/2007 by Arty

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
0ooo! it's going to be fun when the schools turn out tomrrow, mums fighting for the five places, with their mean machines (4 x 4's)it just means more parking on Bengeo Street and more irate drivers! I walk to the co-op much safer!
No need to visit the Motor Show this year, folks...in Cross Road this morning there was a Volvo 4 x 4 parked inconsiderately next to a Merc 4 x 4, parked inconsiderately next to an Audi 4 x 4, which of course helped the chaos in Bengeo Street. Interesting to compare designs, though. Big, I guess, would be the common denominator.


Reply ID 39805

10/05/2007 by Marilyn

quote:
Originally posted by Arty
quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
0ooo! it's going to be fun when the schools turn out tomrrow, mums fighting for the five places, with their mean machines (4 x 4's)it just means more parking on Bengeo Street and more irate drivers! I walk to the co-op much safer!
No need to visit the Motor Show this year, folks...in Cross Road this morning there was a Volvo 4 x 4 parked inconsiderately next to a Merc 4 x 4, parked inconsiderately next to an Audi 4 x 4, which of course helped the chaos in Bengeo Street. Interesting to compare designs, though. Big, I guess, would be the common denominator.
I suspect that can be blamed on Duncombe parents who don't want to get caught up in the school traffic queue in Warren Park Road


Reply ID 39859

10/05/2007 by SallyB

"just because you can afford a pretend porsche" With all due respect, I'd be careful how you phrase statements like that. Most people can *finance* most cars, but it takes greater intelligence and character to have enough money in the bank to buy a fleet of them and drive around in something far less flash and stay out of debt. I know, personally, plenty of folk driving around Hertford in new/flash cars who are up to their eyeballs in debt struggling to meet the payments, yet I also know folk driving around Hertford in very nice cars who have budgeted carefully for their purchase. Takes all sorts... Anyway, regarding Bengeo Street. I can't say I've ever seen anybody doing anything like 60 mph on there - often there are too many obstacles to do so, but then I'm not always on Bengeo Street to witness the events mentioned above and it does not surprise me that this happens as I do witness some atrocious and dangerous driving in Hertford (and everywhere else) on a regular basis (somebody almost crashed into me today while texting at 50 mph). I am a delivery driver based in Hertford/Bengeo and Ware so I am out and about quite a lot. It's a rare occasion when I reach 25 mph on Bengeo Street, due to the parked cars and the Co-op shoppers. What annoys me most when I do park in the Co-op is when people park behind me parallel to the street, lock the car, go shopping in the Co-op, and completely block me in.


Reply ID 39863

11/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by SallyB
"just because you can afford a pretend porsche" With all due respect, I'd be careful how you phrase statements like that. Most people can *finance* most cars, but it takes greater intelligence and character to have enough money in the bank to buy a fleet of them and drive around in something far less flash and stay out of debt. I know, personally, plenty of folk driving around Hertford in new/flash cars who are up to their eyeballs in debt struggling to meet the payments, yet I also know folk driving around Hertford in very nice cars who have budgeted carefully for their purchase. Takes all sorts...
It was something said with humour and linked to the show-off attitude of this specific owner. Quoted out of context it makes less sense. I drive a vehicle which is well below what I could afford, but good enough for what I need and purposely not new. The Boxster does have an unfortunate aspirational/pretentious, rather than prestige image, however. Speeding on Bengeo Street occurs at any time traffic conditions allow. The only things that slow people down are those you have mentioned...the Co-op and parked vehicles acting as temporary "traffic calming" obstacles.


Reply ID 39866

11/05/2007 by furrybunny

I have lived on Bengeo Street for 24 years and have seen a steady increase in speeding, I agree with Shunt that the Co-op, believe it or not, does act as a calming influence for traffic, then if anyone hits the pelican crossing button, it's almost stationery! but by the time some 'speeders' yes it's the correct spelling! are nearly out of Bengeo, by the school, they have picked up to quite a speed! and SallyB they do 60 and excess! infact sometimes I wait for the 'crunch' when someone is turning right into Gosslin Road, a screech of brakes if often heard!(and shouting)


Reply ID 39880

11/05/2007 by Andrew

Having lived on Bengeo street for 12 years, it has always struck me, as SallyB comments, that the traffic moves rather sedately most of the time. Much of this is due to the co-op and the on street parking further up towards the Greyhound. The pelican outside the White Lion is also great with its almost instant green to red for traffic when you push the button. If only more pedestrian crossings were phased that way.


Reply ID 39893

11/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Having lived on Bengeo street for 12 years, it has always struck me, as SallyB comments, that the traffic moves rather sedately most of the time.
It isn't at the moment! Many vehicles travelling at 50mph across the crossing. True, the bit by the Greyhound and Co-op is slower due to parking. It's the bit where residents don't park out of consideration that is abused.


Reply ID 39947

12/05/2007 by jez_p

quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Having lived on Bengeo street for 12 years, it has always struck me, as SallyB comments, that the traffic moves rather sedately most of the time. Much of this is due to the co-op and the on street parking further up towards the Greyhound. The pelican outside the White Lion is also great with its almost instant green to red for traffic when you push the button. If only more pedestrian crossings were phased that way.
It is obviously one of the old style pelican crossings that has a timer, rather than waiting forever for a gap in the traffic before changing.


Reply ID 39955

13/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by jez_p
quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Having lived on Bengeo street for 12 years, it has always struck me, as SallyB comments, that the traffic moves rather sedately most of the time. Much of this is due to the co-op and the on street parking further up towards the Greyhound. The pelican outside the White Lion is also great with its almost instant green to red for traffic when you push the button. If only more pedestrian crossings were phased that way.
It is obviously one of the old style pelican crossings that has a timer, rather than waiting forever for a gap in the traffic before changing.
Actually it does have motion sensors, but set for 30mph. At faster speeds the gap they calculate as safe isn't, as demonstrated by the Mercedes, who's ABS brakes finally pulled it up a car's length beyond the crossing, or the LDV pickup which sailed across with all four wheels locked in dry weather. Of course nothing would help with the young mother who, whilst rummaging in her handbag, failed to register that there was a red light at all, or noticed the pedestrian forced to dive for the kerb like a football goalie.


Reply ID 40349

22/05/2007 by Arty

There's a traffic counter (rubbery wires thingie) accross the road at the top of Port Hill appeared today (Tues 22nd)...


Reply ID 40351

22/05/2007 by Drama Queen

As a Bengeo resident, off Bengeo St itself, I agree with Shunt. Its outrageous. I blame this on the Council fair and square.. why you ask? Well, as they insisted on traffic-lighting the Old Cross, this didn't solve a problem, it pushed rush hour workers through Bengeo and cutting around to avoid getting snarled up in the queues... I am horrified that I still have a) my wing mirrors on my Micra and b) its not necessarily the very young or the males that are doing the speeding! Mothers, have a look at your speedo now and again! Its lovely in these comfy status cars, but you forget you're touching 40-50 mph even if you are late in dropping the kids off! Sorry, I can only report what happens on the road. I got someone beeping at me the other day because I was only doing 30mph!!! If Sainsburys get planning permission.. don't worry, traffic will be stuck deadstill for years... you won't get the speeding at all.. till then I pray everytime I exit the Avenue.. today was also mightily horrendous


Reply ID 40355

22/05/2007 by jez_p

Have we lost a week's worth of posts here? I am sure the topic used to be longer. I am shocked at how many people seem to be icapable of driving safely. The stories of near misses on the crossing caused by poor driving is frankly inexcusable. Bengeo Street is a built up B-Class road and all users should treat it as such.


Reply ID 40443

23/05/2007 by SallyB

Arty, there are a few of the traffic counters around Bengeo. I went for a bike ride last night and found them on The Avenue and Sacombe Road too. Not sure where else. I am not sure if they count bikes :-)


Reply ID 40446

23/05/2007 by 2929paul

quote:
Originally posted by SallyB
Arty, there are a few of the traffic counters around Bengeo. I went for a bike ride last night and found them on The Avenue and Sacombe Road too. Not sure where else. I am not sure if they count bikes :-)
Might these be connected with the promised "no right turn" into Cross Road scheme?


Reply ID 40448

23/05/2007 by SallyB

We speculated last night that it might be, but we don't have any evidence whatsoever so it was just speculation. I might go for another bike ride around Bengeo tonight and locate them all - perhaps there is one on Cross Road/Tower Road too?


Reply ID 40456

23/05/2007 by shunt

They are of the double strip type, which I believe monitor speed too. I wouldn't get too excited. these things appear and dissappear all over the place, but don't always lead to action. It depends what they find, I suppose.


Reply ID 40459

23/05/2007 by jez_p

I believe that if these things identify a proportion of drivers exceeding the speed limit, then they can be grounds for installing a great big ugly yellow speed camera. Judging from the previous posts in this topic, one may be needed.


Reply ID 40461

23/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by jez_p
I believe that if these things identify a proportion of drivers exceeding the speed limit, then they can be grounds for installing a great big ugly yellow speed camera. Judging from the previous posts in this topic, one may be needed.
As far as I've heard, there has to have been deaths to warrant a "safety" camera. Anyway, the strip is in the wrong place. Speeds are higher post Co-op, before Greyhound.


Reply ID 40471

23/05/2007 by furrybunny

Shunt, how many 'deaths' does it take to get one? a young girl was killed outside the Co-op, do they work on a points system 10 for a death and 8 for knocked over and 4 for a near miss? I agree with you, they gather pace past the White Lion.


Reply ID 40474

23/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Shunt, how many 'deaths' does it take to get one? a young girl was killed outside the Co-op, do they work on a points system 10 for a death and 8 for knocked over and 4 for a near miss? I agree with you, they gather pace past the White Lion.
I'm not sure, but near misses definately don't count. I'm sorry, I'm not willing to sacrifice myself by throwing myself into the road.[:D]


Reply ID 40506

24/05/2007 by nora batty

quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Shunt, how many 'deaths' does it take to get one? a young girl was killed outside the Co-op, do they work on a points system 10 for a death and 8 for knocked over and 4 for a near miss? I agree with you, they gather pace past the White Lion.
Didn't this young girl step into the traffic for no apparent reason? Poor driving wasn't the cause.


Reply ID 40515

24/05/2007 by jez_p

I believe that the factors to get a speed camera are complex, but they do include the number of KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) as well as a few other factors. I think that another factor is that they have to prove a large percentage of vehicles are exceeding the speed limit (presumably to maximise profits)


Reply ID 40518

24/05/2007 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by nora batty
quote:
Originally posted by furrybunny
Shunt, how many 'deaths' does it take to get one? a young girl was killed outside the Co-op, do they work on a points system 10 for a death and 8 for knocked over and 4 for a near miss? I agree with you, they gather pace past the White Lion.
Didn't this young girl step into the traffic for no apparent reason? Poor driving wasn't the cause.
As far as I know, there have been no physical injuries to persons directly caused by contact with a moving vehicle, which are entirely the fault of the motorist, except to the poor chap I mentioned earlier who's evasive dive for the pavement resulted in some grazing and bruising. There has been damage to parked vehicles and a lot of hasty evasive action taken by scared pedestrians. Otherwise, it's a series of near misses. Road accidents are rarely one person's fault, being a combination of one or more persons causing a hazzard and others failing to avoid that hazzard. That the girl stepped into the road, does not absolve the rest of us from the responsibility to anticipate such events, as far as is possible. Approaching a crossing at high speed on a road which has numerous side turnings and is highly residential, is not taking reasonable care.


Reply ID 40551

24/05/2007 by Drama Queen

Not adhering to the speed limit signs as well and generally bad/poor driving practices... All go to make Bengeo Street more like Imola! I drive a small engined car and therefore have to anticipate what I do and others because I don't have power/acceleration to get out of it if necessary. A lot of vehicles are fast (over 1.2 engine size) and have the ability to accelerate quicker than Linford Christie! Its all too easy to not even notice, in these comfortable cars, how fast you really are going... and seemingly not to care, cos your car can get you out of the mess you're going into! Its just a thought, but when I have been behind the wheel of a much more powerful vehicle, my driving changed, and I quickly had to take the FOG... foot off gas.. I was horrified that I did 40 mph and because of the comfy car interior etc, it didn't feel like it at all.. Maybe we all need to check the speedos a bit and not expect our vehicles or someone else to get out of the way... just a thought...


Reply ID 40558

24/05/2007 by shunt

Insulation from the outside world is a factor, agreed, but a reasonably aware driver soon gets used to it and slows down. Performance cars do have the advantage of massive brakes, tyres and superior suspension. When driving such a car in a built up area, I see stopping distance as the advantage. If I adjusted my speed up to take account of the car's ability, that advantage would be lost. There is no particular group which is more guilty than another. I see bikes, vans, luxury status symbols, and baby hatchbacks all impatiently using up the margins in their reaction time, tyre adhesion and braking performance by driving at speeds at which their vehicle is comfortable inside, regardless of external conditions. A safe speed in a 30mph limit is (rather annoyingly) one which feels really, really, infuriatingly slow. You might still hit the idiot who leaps onto your bonnet, but you might not kill him.


Reply ID 40612

25/05/2007 by Marilyn

There is a "double strip" thing an the entrance to The Wick so could well be something to do with the restrictions they are planning. Another in the Avenue I noticed this morning so it looks like they have all the entry/ exits covered.


Reply ID 40615

25/05/2007 by Mr P

We had a grea time driving home the other day - along Bengeo Street. Came up Port Hill at 30mph, knew there was a little white car tailgating me all the way but couldn't really see them as we're a huge tank with the stopping-power of a rhino and they were a little white fiesta with the stopping power of a small budgie. All along Bengeo street at 30mph, wanting to turn off - and knowing that he'll end up crumpled on my towbar if I brake nearer the junction - I slowed down well before the junction. He starts weaving to try and get round me, I brake harder as I need to turn now, and... MY WORD! what a huge ****ing b*****ing mouth that ****ing young ***ing lad and his two ****ing mates ****ing had as they ****ing swerved around me and roared off at great speed. Laugh? did we ever.


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