I was driving through southern Guildford last weekend having a day out with my fiance and son, heading through Godalming and the surrounds, then to the National Trust a few miles away.
I found myself thinking how well our speed limits do work in areas such as these. Lovely open countryside roads set at 40 – 50mph, passing hills, fields and farms, slowing down briefly to 30mph to go through and admire little quaint villages and towns before speeding up again as you pass by. The 30mph limit is designed for built up areas for safety with the probable increase in pedestrians, and works really well.
It’s such a great area to drive, to enjoy driving again, and to learn in. See Driving Lessons in Guildford and/or Driving Lessons in Woking Anyone living in areas such as these are so lucky with the freedom these roads give us.
By contrast, driving elsewhere in very dense built up areas the frustration and sheer aggression of other road users is clear to see. And it’s by no means fun at times. You’re lucky if you see a road over 30mph and when you do they last for seconds rather than minutes. I’m not complaining, this is just how it needs to be. It does leave you feeling like you’re getting no-where. Then not to mention when you arrive at a 20mph limit!!
I’m not a fan of 20 limits – you’ll be hard pressed to find one. There have been rumours for a while now saying all 30′s will be changed to 20 within all towns and cities, thankfully I don’t think this will happen. The 20 limit is because if you were to hit someone at 20mph they’re likely to just be injured rather than killed. Where would this go next? Maybe we should change them all to 10mph so instead of injury we’re left with just ‘minor annoyance’?!
More responsibility and education needs to be given to pedestrians. If you cross without looking (like so many people do these days?!) or not at a designated crossing then you’re asking for trouble. Green Cross Code education needs to be improved in schools. Do all schools actually teach this anymore? It doesn’t seem like it to me and if they do, perhaps there’s not enough follow-up education as they get older. Afterall, aren’t the roads the single most dangerous daily obstacle in the outside world?
Theres a great Government website designed for all to use dedicated to the Green Cross Code – It’s well worth a look.
As for me, we’re going to have another drive in the countryside this weekend and enjoy every minute of it!
Have a great week
Jason
