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Absolutely, I dropped off in the old school building half way up lochend road the other day. There was a van parked on both sides of the exit right on the corners. You’re basically using the force to get out and hoping no one hits you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
That’s brutal when folk do that. The other thing is when cars park opposite each other on a narrow street so you’ve got just the width of your car to get through the gap they’ve left.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
You’re driving along and see a car ahead of you waiting to cross your line of traffic to turn right from a side road. There’s a massive gap between you and nothing coming from other direction so you are wondering why they haven’t gone as they have a clear view of a clear road both sides. They wait and wait and then when you are almost upon them they pull out!
In the days before cameras everywhere some people used to take great delight in knocking their mirrors off when squeezing through in their battered old vans.Quote:
Originally Posted by matty_f
Here in Berlin you often see the police, a tow truck and fire brigade driving around the side streets. If the fire engine has trouble getting through anywhere due to parked cars, they get towed and impounded. No ifs or buts, they're gone.Quote:
Originally Posted by matty_f
How do they decide which car gets towed?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibrandenburg
Like say I park on one side then someone else comes along and parks opposite so the fire engine can't get through?
The roads are designed so that if the cars are correctly parked, then fire engines would have no trouble getting past, however some parking infringements would normally only warrant a ticket from a warden. I guess the fire engine is brought to enable the police to say without any doubt that the parking infringement was a hinderance for the fire brigade gaining access to any particular area. It also serves as a visual reminder to drivers/parkers that there is a real danger caused by irresponsible parking infringements.Quote:
Originally Posted by Onceinawhile
Folk wearing masks when they're alone in their own car!
Why?
Similar to my neighbour wearing one when he does his garden or washes his car?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
Private car, then who knows, but in shared vehicles I can understand it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
The company I work for are encouraging personnel to use their own vehicles when there isn't enough company vehicles to abide with social distancing rules, they're also asking all employees in shared vehicles to use masks/gloves when driving and a full wipe down afterwards with anti-bac wipes.
The traffic lights at the bottom of Easter Road.
They weren’t working yesterday morning and the traffic was actually flowing much better.
A pain for pedestrians of course but still, the traffic was great :greengrin
Those lights are a classic example of solving a problem that didn’t exist.Quote:
Originally Posted by hibee_girl
:agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
It's a nightmare around that whole area at the minute especially with Links Gardens still closed, Leith Walk only one way and the roadworks at Constitution Street.
I don't understand why they got rid of the roundabout there. The turn from Duke Street onto Vanbrugh Place (I think) is ridiculously sharp. It's almost impossible not to stray into the lane for turning up Lochend Road.Quote:
Originally Posted by hibee_girl
They said it was to help the flow of traffic when Leith Walk was closed for tram works but I don't see how it's helped at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
The traffic today at one point was backed up from the bottom of Easter Road to Tamson's bar.
I think that was because of (yet another accident) on the Tamsons junction. Maybe there should be lights there!Quote:
Originally Posted by hibee_girl
Hot news! It's traffic hell out West approaching Drum Brae from all directions. Roadworks on Meadowplace Road outside Tesco have temp lights. The rush hour will be fun. Avoid!
Chaos, took me more than ten minutes to get out of Tesco car park.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
Traffic hell in the East and in the City Centre too. Three way lights at Jock's Lodge, no right turn London Road to Willowbrae Road, York Place closed westbound, and the Cowgate also closed westbound. Blimey.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
The only time I'm in Edinburgh with the car is for the football and that is bad enough. I can't imagine what it's like for folk who live in the city or surrounding areas. It looks like the council want to make anywhere in Edinburgh a car free area
Gorgie Road closed to through traffic as well.
Don't suppose that will bother many on here!
I started back working in the taxi this week, back to the chaos 😫
Took me about 70 mins from Waterloo Place to Sighthill the week before last. Unbelievable how many streets are closed.Quote:
Originally Posted by grunt
What happens when you break down on Ferry Road now, one accident will bring that road to a standstill and the knock on effect will be mental.
Try getting to Lochgilphead right now. That's a proper road closure. 😉Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
I had to take someone from Waverley to the shore yesterday, it took half an hour. Easter Road was horrendous. When do the tram works on the Champs Eleithy finish?
I was on the OMR on Wednesday. Quite a sight to see the after effects of the landslide close up. Scary stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
I'm heading to Tighnabruaich at the beginning of November. Fingers and everything thing else is crossed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peanut Shaz
They were off again today late afternoon and yes, traffic flowed well. Maybe someone knows where the on/off switch isQuote:
Originally Posted by hibee_girl
I note that traffic roundabouts are soon to be leased out to advertisers.
I suggest that this is going to distract drivers - after all, that's exactly the intention!
Very irresponsible I reckon.
Fife already do this, I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
I don't look at them, and I suspect most drivers don't, which defeats the point of the ad in the first place.
The roundabout at bottom of Pennywell Road has some signs in it saying "Advertise Here".Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
Same as the roundabout at Cameron TollQuote:
Originally Posted by silverhibee
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Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod
I first saw it in New York and New Jersey states.
Very common now in other local authorities. Perth has signs saying that this roundabout is sponsored by, but the council don't keep them weeded and they look unkempt. If I was a business I would be withholding payment.
Should be banned. Same with the big roadside advertising boards and the folk who park their advertising trailers on the bridges above the bypass.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
And don't get me started on the 'beep beep' radio ad
Most drivers won't be looking at any ads whilst they're negotiating ****-shows like Crewe Toll. These ads are aimed at passengers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy
Probably posted several times before, but drivers who think that traffic pulling over to allow an emergency vehicle with a blue light to pass, is the ideal opportunity for them to overtake. What goes on in their heads .
Think I’ve said this before but as you drive along looking for a parking space only to find there isn’t one, stopping, double parking and putting your hazards on is not acceptable.It made absolutely no difference to the queue of cars now stuck waiting for oncoming traffic to ease to squeeze past you that you have indicated five minutes with your hand and said sorry as you run to the nearest shop.
I was behind a lorry which parked up with the hazards on at the Portobello crossroads earlier...it had just pulled into the left hand lane and just stopped at the front of the queue with the lights on green!Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
Aye, most will be fine. It's the rest I'm concerned about :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod
Dundee has them on the Kingsway and some are known by their sponsor names. That's probably because Dundee has 3,019,561 roundabouts (circles) though.Quote:
Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod
Worse than them are the ones who sit blocking the road oblivious to the big red truck behind them with flashing lights and sirens trying to get past. I often wonder if their reactions are always as slow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Saturday Boy
Elderly drivers whose years have sadly rendered their driving skills less than acceptable to be safely on the road.
Ageism is alive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
Reminds me of the story of the girl who took her brother with her to the garage when her car was needing some work and the garage mechanic addressed all the discussion to the brother, she eventually said to the mechanic 'do you know what I do for a living? I'm chief engineer for a formula 1 team'
True story. Without knowing the circumstances you can't stereotype.
To be fair, Scouse didn't say all elderly drivers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
There are definitely some who should no longer be driving, but there are "young" people who are every bit as dangerous.
And she didn't fix her own car?!? :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
I think it might have been under warranty 🤔Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
It’s not ageiism at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
My own Dad recognised when his years had caught up with him and took himself off the road. Just pointing out that others don’t and it is sometimes clear to witness their now lack of safety on the road.
Certainly not stereotyping either.
That f***ing helicopter that keeps flying over the house every 40 minutes or so, all day yesterday and looks like it will be going on all day today..
Who's driving it? :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by silverhibee
Those metal hallides are a big giveaway :greengrin:Quote:
Originally Posted by silverhibee
The pilot is driving it. :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
Blaming the edible I had last night. :cb :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by sleeping giant
I reckon you should have to resit your test every year after reaching 70.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
You should have to give up your license at that age. I know it’s not nice, but there needs to be a limit set. Look at that case in mornigside earlier in the year. I’ve driven for a living for a large part of my life, but I’m prepared to accept that at some point my ability to get myself out of trouble will be diminish as I get older. Take the uncertainty away and impose an age limit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danderhall Hibs
At some point people's ability to look after other people will diminish. Take away that uncertainty and ban grandparents from childminding at age 70?Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
Pretty sure the parents of children can make their own decision as to wether their own parents are capable of looking after the grandkids.Quote:
Originally Posted by lapsedhibee
Older drivers are often reluctant to give up their licences regardless of their failing ability as it would remove their independence in getting out and about easier, oblivious to the fact that they have become a danger on the roads.
Drivers who when they get to a junction where a side road joins a main road, position themselves right in the centre so a car behind turning in the opposite direction cannot get alongside them. Hence as they wait for a break in the traffic to turn right you have to wait to turn left even though you could have turned left ages ago.
Maybe it's because they're afraid of getting hit by another clown turning right from the main road who can't turn a corner. I often wonder if they just don't have a clue or if they do it deliberately?Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
Why would you force me off the road at 70? IIRC the person involved in the accident you mention was over 90?Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
Exactly. What a load of utter bollox.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Of course it is although it won't be long before I'll be stopped at the border of Danderhall ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
There is however a genuine concern that as we get older some of our faculties are not as good as they once were. There are a number of conditions where you can be advised by your doctor, optician or other health professional not to drive but I don't think they advise the DVLA and the individual can just not pass the information on.
I agree Jack. But that doesn’t lead to a blanket ban at a particular age. What’s next? A ban from ER if someone can compare the current squad to the Famous Five? (BTW knowing some on here that’s meant to be a joke, okay?)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
Perhaps there's a bit of room for a compromise re when is the right time to stop driving. I don't think a full driving test would be necessary but some sort of assessment on certain situations/reaction times could be beneficial, maybe every 2 years. I think families also have step up . I personally had to convince my own Dad, over a period of time, to stop driving as it was getting tougher and tougher to sit as a passenger and try to remain calm. He resisted at first but eventually accepted his driving days were over.
70 probably isn’t the right age but there has to be a cut off or a test to determine whether people can still drive safely.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
It not utter bollox, as I said 70 is maybe to young, but there should be some kind of age limit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
Dunno if 70 is the right age but parents of young children can put undue pressures on the grandparents to look after their kids when perhaps they're not fit for the task in hand.Quote:
Originally Posted by lapsedhibee
I'd always pledged I would never rely on my parents for childcare (they get plenty of visits/sleepovers) but I got caught out once when my daughter was around 5. Reluctantly I left her with my dad who was only 65 at the time and retired (mum still working). She was with him for 4 hours (1000-1400) and when I went to pick her up my dad was sleeping on the couch and my daughter was playing in front of a lit, open flame gas fire.
There was a Barbie doll with singed hair stuck to the carpet!
I don't blame my dad, it was my responsibility and I made a mistake. I've managed my time better so I've never had to put any of us in that position again.
But, I have a very good friend who has 5 boys of various ages (youngest is <2), they get left regularly with his 80 year old mum during summer hols and she definitely can't cope.
A grandparent will never say no when it comes to childcare.
P.S apologies for unforseen thread hijack.
I would support the idea of having to be assessed every few years after a certain age, but using a precise age to stop folk driving is not right.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
I agree with many of the "driving peeves" on this long thread, most of which are caused by drivers who are decades younger than me. Of course I think I am still a good driver - who doesn't? Anyway, I need to sign off as I've a few boy racers/whippersnappers I want to go out and show up before listening to our match. :greengrin
There's an arbritary lower age limit for when you can drive so why not an upper limit? I'm sure there are many 15 and 16 year old who are perfectly capable, physically and mentally, of driving.
Personally I'd not be supportive of an outright ban but it stands to reason that someone's reaction times will slow as they get older. A basic competency test after age 70 might be a good idea. I'd go further and suggest everyone driving should have to undergo an assessment on a 5 year basis.
Having to just give up your licence at 70 is utter bollox to me. Thinking of older (say late 70s+) drivers I know/knew, almost all of them realised themselves when their time was up. But I do admit there is a problem with some old people's driving skills deteriorating. I would hope that their GPs could play a part by advising them if they thought that reactions etc were diminishing but this obviously isn't going to completely solve it.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
On reflection I think an age limit is wrong, but I do think a test of some sort when you reach a certain age would be a sensible way to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
So we’re agreed then? At the age of 70 you have to resit a driving test every year.
Why resit your test at 70 or any age? Why not do it every 5 or ten years. Some of the worst driving you will ever see is from folk in their 20s. I passed my test when I was 17 and now more than 34 years later no one has ever checked to see how good bad or indifferent my driving is.
Can't see it happening. Would put too many jobs at risk.Quote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
I'd agree that some of the most reckless driving I've seen over the years is mostly deliberate behaviour from "younger" drivers, but I've also witnessed a shed load of potentially dangerous (but not intentionally so) driving from driver's that I'd politely class as senior citizens.Quote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
Having a threshold where a competence check is carried out can't be a bad thing?
And I realise you're not questioning your own abilities by using the elapsed years from testing to today for effect, but it genuinely isn't a bad idea to have your driving appraised by taking a 1-2 hour refresher lesson or going through an IAM Advanced Driving Course.
I've been driving for 28 years and reckon I've had my driving appraised every 10 years through my work (3rd largest fleet in UK) and putting myself through a motorbike test as well as a one off advanced driver lesson.
For as much as we all think we're competent drivers at worst, Lewis Hamilton at best, I'll happily admit that I did pick up some tips and had some minor traits corrected.
Considering the amount of folk that are killed on our roads each year, never mind injured, perhaps that's even more reason to have our fitness & competence to drive checked on a more regular basis. Would probably actually create jobs of anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedy
And after the chat about 70+ and tests I nearly was involved in an accident this afternoon!
Driving along Great Junction Street towards the Ferry Road lights, a cyclist drove off the far pavement, cut across the road, oblivious to me (he certainly couldn’t hear me cause he had earphones in), saw me at the last moment and swerved away. He smiled inanely when he saw me say “that was a bit silly old chap!”
Cyclists of all ages should have to prove they gave even opened the Highway Code 😡😡
:agree: 65 wouldn't necessarily be too young for that.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
Just for a laugh I'm going to suggest anyone that doesn't pass their test first time shouldn't get another chance.
After all being a competent driver only 50% of the time just isn't good enough. Don't get me started on those individuals regularly congratulated in the media for their perseverance at passing at their 30th attempt!
If you pass first time you think you know it all, passing second time means you combine confidence with carefulness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
PS guess how many times I sat my test??
Any cyclists been in the new bike lanes yet?
While the lanes themselves look wide enough, they've plonked stone bases on the inside of the white line,which reduces their width. Not sure I fancy them on a windy day, or when the gutter is full of slippy leaves.
They're not great for overtaking.Quote:
Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod
Quote:
Originally Posted by Killiehibbie
i see clowns in both directions. I agree with you, so many folk who cut the corner badly when turning right from the main road.
it’s as bad with the folk turning left from the main road, many go so wide they’re well into the lane going in the opposite direction! And get humpty when the people waiting to turn left or right get annoyed at their car almost getting hit, just because other drivers can’t judge speed and/or the angle of the corner
I know this will have been raised on this thread before, (maybe even by me), but why do some people not indicate? I’m genuinely interested, by the law of averages, there must be some people on here that don’t do it. Will anyone own up to it and explain their reasoning for it? I’d say laziness, but how hard is it to flick a lever that is 2 centimetres from your hand? I honestly can’t think of any reasons behind it.
People who brake, brake, brake then indicate to let the world know where they intend to go. Rips my knitting.
Great question. Would love to know the answer to this as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by EH6 Hibby
Quote:
Originally Posted by matty_f
especially those people who think they’re not needed at roundabouts!
One of my friends once told me I was so good at indicating at roundaboutsQuote:
Originally Posted by McD
You’re supposed to be! :greengrin
Nearly as bad as those who don’t know when to indicate on a roundabout.Quote:
Originally Posted by McD
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
:agree:, and those who have no idea of lane discipline on roundabouts
That is a belter. I have dented a few doors while on my bike due to fuds who don't understand the rounda bit of roundabout and think it's ok to go straight over, even when someone is inside themQuote:
Originally Posted by McD
Maybe they just prefer the "bout" aspect. :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
Low emission zones, however well intended they may be.
If you want to reduce the amount of cars in city centres then you need to make public transport affordable, reliable and efficient.
Taking older cars out of the city centre impacts people who drive them, often because that’s what they can afford. If they commute in, forcing them out of where the work often is forcea them into unaffordable finance deals or not getting to work at all, public transport is truly no cheaper than driving from my experience (in fact, often more expensive).
I get the feeling that LEZ’s are there because they’re easiest, not most efficient at tackling pollution.
I rode one the other day. There's not a lot of room for error 😱Quote:
Originally Posted by lapsedhibee
People who get to the pump at the petrol station, and sit in their car for ages!!!:grr:
Got to the garage this morning, no empty pumps so waiting behind 2 cars sitting at the pumps in front of me. The farthest one, the guy is just starting to put the fuel, all good.
The nearest car, can't see anyone, assume they're in the shop, after sitting for minutes, someone opens the driver's door, farts about with their mask, then the gloves!!! What have you been doing, and stop faffing about!!!:grr:
The people who queue at pumps when there is a vacant one, but not on the right side for their fuel cap. Having said that, I was able to go in and fill up this morning without having to wait, like everyone else.Quote:
Originally Posted by McD
Agree with the point about people who take ages. The car in front of me was paying at the pump, I arrived, filled up, went into the kiosk and paid, and I was quicker than she was.
Probably said too many times before, but ignorant drivers!
Cityfibre works on South Gyle Crescent. The road is down to virtually one lane in one direction adjacent to Gregg's. If I can, I'll stop and let larger vehicles/buses pass in the other direction, when I do I invariably get an acknowledgment from the drivers, but then behind them are all the ignoramuses who, I can only assume, maybe think I've just stopped in the middle of nowhere for no particular reason.
Very few of them acknowledge me stopping when I could just plough through (their lane is obstructed). And without sounding sexist, it is quite often the ladies out there that fail to stick a thumb up or an open palm of thanks!
I agree on the petrol pump one, the queue is created by folk only wanting to use the correct side for their car, daftness personified.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns
Probably been covered, but drivers not acknowledging you when you have given way. I've been driving on single track roads yesterday and today. Most people are good at a wave or lift a hand, but white van drivers seem to think it's OK to ignore you.
Drivers who don’t fully go into the turning lane and hang over into the outside lane. There’s plenty of room for you get your vehicle fully in there, so do it!