M1 - so called smart motorway

[sunshineandcake]

Hello,

I would welcome your views on the so called smart motorway known as the M1. I have this evening received a second notice of intended prosecution. Apparently I was doing 68 when the limit was 60.

Last year I received my first 3 points for doing 54 on the M1 again when apparently the limits was 40.

I am going through menopause and have fog brain. With the wretched speed changing so frequently, I can’t keep up with it. Is it just me? Or is anyone else experiencing this?

I am in my 50’s and a careful driver. I feel upset and angry at this fraudulently money making scheme as I see it. My car insurance will go up again with more penalty points.

I see maniacs on the M1 who know where the cameras are and get away with dangerous driving. Why not clamp down on them?

I would welcome your views/experiences of the M1.

You have to watch for the signs.
And if everyone else is slower than you.
Does your car have a speed limiter

my car does have a speed limiter but it’s fidgety and I haven’t used it.

The problem with the M1 is the speed keeps changing, 40 then 50 then 40 then 60 then 40 etc. with my fog brain, I forget what the last speed indicator was and then you might not get another speed reminder until much further down.

I regularly drive on the M1 in West Yorkshire near Wakefield, and the speed limit signs on the smart motorway there are easily visible and very clear. If you can't see or notice them, you shouldn't be driving.

Fog brain is not an excuse here and won't wash with the police.

If your menopause issues make you an unsafe driver you need to see your GP.

If your "fog brain" is that bad you need to stop driving.

I drive along those. They do frequently change the speed limit on the gantries but it shouldn't be any more difficult than following any other speed limit sign.

Have your eyes been tested recently? You should be able to see the number on the gantry with plenty of time to adjust.

Are you sure you should be driving?

I've driven on the M1 a fair bit recently, and haven't had any fines. If this has happened to you twice, then you need to think about why it's happening. Is there a reason why you can't keep track of the speed limits? If you're not just being reckless and you're actually trying to stick to the limits, maybe you're not safe to drive at the moment?

I am a competent and able driver who has never had points through out my whole life until recently with the M1 and the frequently changing speed cameras.

100% sure I am capable of driving.

You need to get off the roads with “brain fog” it’s like the bloody “baby brain” crap. You are an adult you can read numbers, you can drive a car. Take some responsibility for your speeding.

So why do you think you keep getting fined then? Just keep an eye on the signs and stick to the speed limits, and your problem will be solved. If you're struggling to do that, why do you think that might be the case?

I get you in the sense that the varying speed limits are a pain th the backside!
And sometimes they are actually dangerous! Had situation today down south: speed limit was 60 for a long time then change to 40 and naturally everyone breaks creating a butterfly effect to almost standstill.

However, if you notice that you struggle with concentration/ eyesight on the motorway it's time to take a break!

@sunshineandcake signs are there

I don't get what the problem is. If you can't follow signs, you shouldn't be driving.

I didn't realise it was smart up until West Yorkshire.
I know in Northants it is very clear on the gantry what the speed limit is some sections are lower for longer than others.

Presumably you'll be careful and pay attention from now on. For people who don't naturally take the limits seriously fines are a very beneficial incentive.

So you used to be a capable driver. Now you're not.

Jeez!! How the chuff do you cope on A and B roads where the speed frequently varies? What about other signage (eg children crossing)? Sounds suspiciously like you aren't safe to be driving if you are too brain fogged to cope with fluctuating motorway speed limit signs 🤯🤯🤯

Sorry, I think this too. If you're unable to keep up with the clear speed limit signs it's a bit of a worry. Things are changing all the time on busy motorways, you have to keep up!

It isn't "smart" all the way just where it regularly gets congested near cities.

Driving past Wakefield on a weekday morning is a PITA.

Fraudulent money making schemes!? Are you serious OP.

You should seriously think about giving up driving for your own safety and the rest of us. I dread to think how you drive in urban areas or on country roads.

I’m sorry OP, I have a lot of sympathy for you going through menopause and its symptoms, but you just have to pay very close active attention to speed changes on a smart motorway. It’s annoying but important, and brain fog is no excuse - if you genuinely think brain fog is stopping you see and remember speed limit changes, then you should stop driving. If not, then work harder to manage it.

I drive on it a lot and don’t have a problem, the speed limits are clearly displayed when you go under a gantry if they’ve been temporarily lowered. I see the number and slow down and don’t speed up until I pass a different one.

Well you're obviously not competent!

What do you do on ordinary roads where the speed limit changes fairly frequently. Or are you one of those who drives at 45mph wherever you are.

How about putting cruise control on when you see the speed limit sign and amending it each time it changes?

as someone who lives a few miles from the M1 and drives it a lot i have never had a speeding ticket on there, the speed signs and changes are always very clear and tbh if you can't see them and have brain fog I do hope you're never on there when I am or any other roads near me! this screams accident waiting to happen.