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    Useless Motorways?

    I am having a rant about motorway jams.

    I just got back from a trip up to Coventry today and the return journey was, unsurprisingly nearly a nightmare had I not been on the ball.

    On approach to the Silverstone junction off the M40 there was a sign saying "Queue ahead", so I quickly turned off at the services and checked out an alternative route which would take me to the next junction down. When I got there, I nearly joined a major snarl up again, but managed to turn round quickly and find another route. I decided the M40 was a no go, so I did a big detour down to Newbury, then onto the M4, only to find another jam and too late to turn round!!! Luckily it was not too major and eventually I got past the accident but it made me angry that nearly every time I travel any distance now there is a major motorway jam.

    I listen to the radio traffic news but I dont always know what station to tune to and it seems you have to change stations as you move to different areas. . I suppose I could subscribe to one of the mobile phone services that give travel news, but I dont know if they are effective, and I feel that some of my road tax should go towards a government run scheme which provides a proper warning service when there is a motorway incident. I also suppose I could take my laptop (or get a 3G mobile) and use the BBC or The AA travel news before I set off, but incidents might still arise during my journey.

    Do any of you guys use such a service and if so, does it help you to plan/avoid traffic problems?

    #2
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    Know exactly what you mean! Just done a 400 mile round trip picking up the hardtop from Bristol, was'nt to bad going down except along the M42 at Birmingham ( spotted a white stag going the other way towing a caravan, will probably find out who tommorrow).As soon as i got back on the M5 it was non stop of shuttling up the motorway, several times we said this stop must be because of an accident ahead because of the length of time butNo:X,nothing there,of we went again back up to 70 then BRAKE!...STOP. But at least we was'nt going southbound because of an accident south of Bristol the tailback was well into double figures:shock:.

    4 hours going down, 5+ coming back

    Baz

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      #3
      imported post

      Chris,

      Couldn't agree more. I seem to have the same problem every time I hit the M25 outside T5. They could put 10 lanes in and it would make no difference.

      I've been impressed with the satnav in my Audi. I have been routed round traffic I had no idea was there from any source. I'm not sure who makes it but it's the best I've ever had and I trust it without question now.

      Tim

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        #4
        imported post

        My car has sat nav with TMC which will reroute to avoid jams. Has to be used with caution as it monitors main roads and will re-route you through more minor roads, if there is a problem. Often the minor roads are unmonitored and may be worse than the orignal road. Overall very useful.
        John.

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          #5
          imported post

          Tim.
          It is the Trafficmaster TMC system. Picks up info from cameras on motorway bridges and the blue cameras you see on poles on main roads.
          John.

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            #6
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            Better than my sat nav Tim, put in Queens Road, Bishopstown, Bristol and it came up with only one in Bristol, so let it do its thing and ,yes, you've guessed it, there's another 7 miles away in Bishopstown, which my sat nav did'nt even register.

            It was very close to swimming in the river Avon.

            Baz

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              #7
              imported post

              My sat nav is a bit old fashioned it`s one of those books with squiggly lines in it.

              Did you get your hard top ok Baz??

              Adrian

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                #8
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                KOY 23 wrote:
                Tim.
                It is the Trafficmaster TMC system. Picks up info from cameras on motorway bridges and the blue cameras you see on poles on main roads.
                John.
                I think so John. Definitely got a TMC indicator. It's all built in so no idea who makes it.

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                  #9
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                  What with the b***y Human Rights Act the plod close any road where there is an accident causing massive jams (never mind the human rights of the rest of the public to go about their lives in peace).

                  The other problem is you guys with your sat navs and route finding software. Since having the Stag I have taken to the A roads and B roads because I just hate the noise and millions of buzzing Euroboxes which are now mostly much faster that the Stag. This means a change in mindset ie its now going to take me 5 hours to do that 4 hour journey, so I'll take a break and it will take 5 1/2 hours - so what?

                  I plan my journeys using the Google 'Get directions' software for starters and then modify them choosing the 'avoid major highways' option. I might then modify that to make the journey more pleasant. This has lead to a whole new set of 'Stag routes' leading in various directions from my house. It has been a pleasurable revalation and makes motoring somewhat pleasurable again. I have even started making Eurobox journeys on these routes

                  Massive traffic jams like you get on motorways these days arent usually a feature of A and B roads. I am retired so I realise itseasier for me to take this attitude. But I am convinced that modern route planning aids just channel everyone unthinkingly onto major roads. A and B roads are much less crowded as the Facebook/Twitter generation unthinkingly channel themselves into ever worsening traffic jams. Still they can do a bit of twittering as they sit there plugged into their IPODS!

                  Al

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                    #10
                    imported post

                    www.traffic-england.com gives up to the minute traffic info on the whole country, including what the motorway info signs are reading....the info is direct from the Highways Agency.

                    I've found it hugely useful when journey planning.

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                      #11
                      imported post

                      kryten wrote:
                      http://www.traffic-england.com gives up to the minute traffic info on the whole country, including what the motorway info signs are reading....the info is direct from the Highways Agency.

                      I've found it hugely useful when journey planning.
                      Russ, that is a revelation! It seems the gov are doing something for us guys! Theres me slagging them off and they do have something that might help us. Will have to take my other half on all journeys and get the laptop or mobile tuned in all the time!

                      I must admit though, I am starting to re-use the old A & B roads more now, and finding it quite enjoyable.

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                        #12
                        imported post

                        URL now saved in Favourites. Thanks, Russ.

                        Hope there are no jams around Uttoxeter today. Have a nice time y'all.

                        Dave
                        Dave
                        1974 Mk2, ZF Auto, 3.45 Diff, Datsun Driveshafts. Stag owner/maintainer since 1989.

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                          #13
                          imported post

                          Most of the jams are due to p**s poor driving! Sitting in the outside lane a 65mph, while the inside and middle lane are free!! This wind's me up no end! 2 1/2 hours to do 104 miles on friday from Runcorn to home!!!!

                          And dont get me started on rubber neckers':X

                          Jason

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