Indeed. But, what was the incorrect teaching on the course exactly?

If we are saying that lamps must be within 200 yards to be a 30mph (Thanks to Andrew R... and Wikipedia) then the photo shown on the course can be correct. It was a narrow lane with a single lamp post. No speed sign. Therefore assume it is 30mph not 60. Why? Because around the bend is another lamp post within 200 yards of the first. When I said solitary, I mean the photo showed a solitary lamp post. But to be a 30, there will have been another one out of sight.

I read this a few times, and I'm not sure I fully understand.

I totally agree that the speed limit without lamp posts or a sign to the contrary is 60. I also agree that idiots driving too fast for the conditions and their skill level, will be the hazard. I was not making any observations on who is causing the problem, simply what the speed limit is in that situation.

I think on most country lanes, 60 is too fast regardless, but that's what the law says.

I'm currently doing advanced motorbike rider training with RoSPA, so no doubt these discussions will come in handy.

Well that now sounds disingenuous rather than incorrect. If you were driving that road you'd know how far apart the lamp-posts were spaced because either:

1. You'd have just passed one (within 200 yards), or

2. The one in the photo would be the first one, in which case there'd be a 30 limit sign by it.

What was their point? "Here's a section of road, and if you'd driven there with your eyes closed you'd be going too fast".

PS. Thanks for being condescending and crediting Wikipedia on my behalf, I note that it didn't work for you...

AndrewR

I am not sure I deserve a dressing down from you. I was merely pointing out that we both found the same info on Wiki. There was no intention to be condescending. So apologies if it sounded like it. I am a self confessed Wiki user (with caution) and make no apology for that.

This was supposed to be a general discussion on what I'd gleaned from a course and how it is not always easy to determine speed limits. Though it appears I've managed to hijack the thread from its original purpose, so sorry for that.

Anyway, have a look at what RoSPA say:

RoSPA


The lamp post is an indicator. The course was about "Speed Awareness," so the photo is designed to catch you out (perhaps disingenuous), and get you thinking. So, in answer to your points:

1. I think it is perfectly possible that you are entering a 30 zone with the start of some lamp posts. They may be spaced quite far apart.

2. There may not be a 30mph sign. That is why the lamp post is used as a surrogate to indicate a restricted road.

I accept that in general there will be signs to remind people. But, there are occasions where signs are obscured, so having additional road "information" is handy to avoid getting a ticket.

Ah you have me there ref Germany (BAOR in my day) and I have to concede on that point as the weekend ban on HGV was effective.

“Examples of European bans include:
FRENCH lorry ban: 22:00 Saturday to 22:00 Sunday
GERMAN lorry ban: Midnight to 22:00 Sunday
ITALIAN lorry ban: 08:00 to 22:00 Sunday
SPANISH lorry ban: Complicated restrictions only on certain roads at certain times and easy for operators to get caught out.
SWISS lorry ban: All day (midnight to midnight) Sunday, also every night from 22:00 to 05:00.
There are no bans in place in Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, Ukraine and many other eastern European states”


Mind you the last time I ‘commanded’ a convoy I think my ‘tail end Charlie’ was Ben Hur