Russell,

On Wed, 22 Sep 2004 22:29:51 +1200, Russell McMahon wrote:

> >From my ultra brief experience, the driving behaviour on the Autobahns is 
> amazing. The fast lane is left empty unless overtaking or unless travelling 
> at about 230 kph+. "Slow" (120 - 160 kph) drivers pull out, overtake and 
> pull back in in absolute minimum time. 

That's been my experience there, too.  It just *works* somehow!

>(Failure to do so produces a Mercedes 
> glued to your rear bumper. Rear view mirror is full. 

Yes, the speed with which a tiny dot can become a window-full is a rather frightening the forst time it 
happens...

>...<
> In ALL other European countries that we saw, people blocked up all the lanes at all times. 

And I *really* hate that!  The correct way to drive on Motorways in Britain is to pull out, overtake and pull 
back in, but most people don't do that.  There's nothing more annoying than getting stuck behind a day's 
outing of the Middle Lane Owner's Club!  (Most Motorways are 3 lanes each way).

One of the problems is that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are now governed at a top speed of 90kph (56mph) and 
that means that you get convoys of them all doing that speed, and if one happens to have its governor set to 
89kph the others will overtake, taking several miles to do so, and blocking two lanes for ages.  It's a 
*really* daft idea, IMHO.

What would improve things, is if the Government decreed that it was OK to overtake on either side.  That would 
cause those who hug the middle lane because it's "safe" to feel a lot less safe, and move over.  It would cost 
nothing to do and could improve traffic flow greatly.  As would banning Taxis from London  ;-)

Cheers,





Howard Winter
St.Albans, England


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