Following previous trials on the M3, M6 and M20 motorways another one is under way on the M1 in Northamptonshire and in the first 2 weeks 10,000 motorists have been sent a warning letter (no fines or points issued yet) reminding them to leave a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Previously on earlier trials between 201 and 273 drivers per hour were found to be tailgating which doesn't surprise me from what I have observed between junctions 22 and 20 on the M1.

Good.  So this morning I have driven 200 miles and half in heavy rain and quite a lot in traffic where I kept a safe stopping distance but those up my jacksy did not.      ?  The question is what is the distance set out in law in England that is legal between vehicle at various speeds and what is the distance that defines tailgating?

3 minutes ago, e-Roottoot said:

Good.  So this morning I have driven 200 miles and half in heavy rain and quite a lot in traffic where I kept a safe stopping distance but those up my jacksy did not.      ?  The question is what is the distance set out in law in England that is legal between vehicle at various speeds and what is the distance that defines tailgating?

Highway Code still mentions the 2 second rule when travelling at 70mph so at least 60 metres I would imagine.

The Secretary of state for transport will be on the case then with motor manufacturers and can have them with the ACC not possible to be overridden so that tailgating is not possible.  The new very fresh Boris crew can start with the Light and heavy goods vehicles, the EV,s that have the necessary software to use the technology to stop tailgating or it to be logged and sent by WiFi to the DVLA or enforcement agencies

That is after they define tailgating.      Grant Shapps needs to remember they are starting to run Convoyed HGV,s on UK roads and with less than 2 meters separating them.

Non respect of the highway code is not an actionable offence, it would have to be due care & attention or dangreous driving and with sufficient proof.

 

If you are not taking due care & attention the safest place for all concerned is for you to be right on the bumper of the car in front.

 

1 hour ago, e-Roottoot said:

 Grant Shapps needs to remember they are starting to run Convoyed HGV,s on UK roads and with less than 2 meters separating them.

 

That's somewhat different though as they are all linked and act as one, braking at the same time etc. With no reaction time.

 

The two second rule is based on reaction time not stopping distance or time.  Is the average driver takes 1.5seconds to react to an occurrence in front of them.  The 2 second rule is based on that and adds a bit as a safety margin and to make it something easy to remember.

 

Desirable Sight Stopping Distance for a vehicle at 70mph is actually 295m according to design standards and 215m at one step below.  Most vehicles are capable of less though.

@skomaz I was being flippant on the Convoy trucks that George Osborne was so keen to trial, but then him and buddies will have investments in the tech. The point is that Traffic Laws and legislation and criminal law needs to be joined up thinking & joint up legislation, and an up dated highway code that reflects the UK laws.

 

HGV's now and for past decades are driving in convoy less than 2 meters apart. 

Traffic Laws for England / Wales are not identical to in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Max speed limits for different vehicle classes. Coaches as an example.

Many HGV drivers think they are the best on the road network which would explain why 3 low bridges have been hit 23,24 and 25 times in the last 12 months according to Highways England the worst being the A5 near Hinckley in Leicestershire near MIRA Proving Ground where I have worked on the Security Gate.

19 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

 the worst being the A5 near Hinckley in Leicestershire near MIRA Proving Ground

I've driven under that bridge many times on the way to MIRA, it was always worth checking it out for some new "scars"