On 16 Oct 2004 15:09:56 GMT, Robin May wrote:

If I remember correctly, the A13 from between Canning Town and Barking
and beyond used to have a speed limit of 50mph. Why is it that after
extensive improvements to the road this has gone down to 40?

To improve conditions for local residents? The quieter road surface may be a
clue. It's not so you can hear the "Today" program in your already-soundproofed
car on your way to work. It's so people who LIVE near the A13 (they exist, you
know) can hear themselves think. The lower speed limit also helps buses when
they need to pull out into traffic, and makes cycling safer.

The difference between 50mph and 40mph across the whole 14-mile stretch of the
A13 improvements is the difference between a 17-minute journey and a 21 minute
journey (assuming you treat the speed limit as a target and hit it perfectly).
That's an extra FOUR MINUTES on your commute. What's the problem in setting
your alarm clock 4 minutes earlier in the morning and just sticking to the speed
limit? You'll save wear-and tear on your car by not braking for GATSOs, you'll
save money by not paying speeding fines, you'll arrive less stressed at work,
and you'll probably have fewer accidents. If EVERYBODY did it, there'd be less
congestion caused by the GATSO-shy jackrabbits bunching up the traffic, and the
journey times for everyone would be quicker. And, of course, the nearby
residents would be able to hear themselves think.