…I have just been informed that they automatically sense a slow moving vehicle and then drop the speed limit accordingly, if this is correct, then it could become a good outdoor sport for the winter 
Any truth to this, because if there is, then it is a very big flaw in the system.
It certainly is true thats why sometimes you will see the 40mph limit up and suddenly the way ahead is clear. Usually caused by muppets braking for nothing and the domino effect causes a cluster of traffic. The sensors detect this and reduce the speed limit appropriately. 40 50 60.
Almost.
That system (MIDAS) is incorporated on all newer motorways that have either been build as smart motorways or have been resurfaced to a decent distance. Even some A roads have them. And yes they sense the flow of traffic and adjust the speed limit and “Queue” signs accordingly without human involvement. The control rooms get a notice and once they get around to it use the camera system to see if it is valid or if it needs further action.
HA reckons it is now installed on 30% of the motorway system.
Nothing new, they started rolling it out in the 90’s
So…If your vehicle has come off the cruise control and slowed down and you are not aware of it, then it could in theory and now it seems practice, cause a “wave” of slow moving vehicles 
You could even cause it on purpose! 
Unbelievable!!!
Why are there so many speed cameras on gantries above the road in all lanes - which only a very few of actually “flash” when you go under them at ■■■■-take speeds?
How come I’ve never seen anyone getting flashed for running under the red 'X’s at any speed?
Why do we eat Apple pie on sundays?
Why does the betting suggest that voting really is rigged in America?
Winseer:
Why are there so many speed cameras on gantries above the road in all lanes - which only a very few of actually “flash” when you go under them at ■■■■-take speeds?How come I’ve never seen anyone getting flashed for running under the red 'X’s at any speed?
Why do we eat Apple pie on sundays?
Why does the betting suggest that voting really is rigged in America?
The smartest thing about these motorways is that they pay for themselves!
Middle of the night, speed set to 40 or 50 and it’s like an eighties disco!
A step to far in taxing motorists .it is ridiculous 
Smart my ■■■■■■.
These are roads that tell us to do 40 when we are in a 12 mile tail back and have been for 2 hours.
Captain Caveman 76:
The smartest thing about these motorways is that they pay for themselves!
Middle of the night, speed set to 40 or 50 and it’s like an eighties disco!
Yeh, that one between 5 & 6 on the M25 - is like a strobe light at night!
The real disgrace is now the fact that the Motorway network is controlled by the HA and not the Police. The HA make or just support all policy decisions even when they are clearly wrong - such as Smart Motorway Hard Shoulder running.
This is the Agency that drives around in large 4 WD vehicles but won’t move the broken down or damaged vehicle unless all 4 wheels will turn - thus causing unnecessary tailbacks and delays.
This is the Agency that will make your wives and children sit on the side of the Motorway wrapped in a Space Blanket at sub zero temperatures because Policy won’t allow them in the car.
It should not really surprise anyone that MIDAS activates when it’s not needed, at speeds that are too low and remains active long after the issue that caused it to activate in the first place. It’s run by the HA.
Imagine now a picture of a Soapbox. Sorry!!
The HA…
Can ask you to get out of your car and stand behind barriers, they cannot do anything if you refuse to do that.
Staying in your vehicle on the hard shoulder is not an offence.
the safety aspect is a different matter
Highways Agency? - You can say THAT again.
HA HA and no I’m NOT laughing. 
yourhavingalarf:
The HA…Can ask you to get out of your car and stand behind barriers, they cannot do anything if you refuse to do that.
Staying in your vehicle on the hard shoulder is not an offence.
Yeh, getting killed needlessly isn’t an offence. Nor is acting unsafely in a manner likely to endanger life on the roads either, alas.
the safety aspect is a different matter
They should have just widened and taken some side field out for the new hard shoulder. Gotta be cheaper than closing the live lane one every five minutes for yet another vehicle recovery.
att:
So…If your vehicle has come off the cruise control and slowed down and you are not aware of it, then it could in theory and now it seems practice, cause a “wave” of slow moving vehiclesYou could even cause it on purpose!
Unbelievable!!!
And think of the money you will generate for the exchequer for the subsequent fines generated! - you could be helping fund a new hospital.
Winseer:
Highways Agency? - You can say THAT again.HA HA and no I’m NOT laughing.
It’s Highways England now, so…
HE HE HE HE!
Jesus how ■■■■ up is that? I didn’t realise… I thought it was bad enough having a seemingly permanent ‘caution queue’ and 40mph limit on the almost empty SB M6 at 3am…
Face:
Jesus how ■■■■ up is that? I didn’t realise… I thought it was bad enough having a seemingly permanent ‘caution queue’ and 40mph limit on the almost empty SB M6 at 3am…
My favourite was coming up the M1 during a heavy rain shower in the early hours. I’d just driven a hundred miles or so at 50ish mph ( and the cars at 70ish) When I got to the M1 “smart” bit. The matrix were set to 50 with a “spray” warning. Needless to say, the cameras were going off like mad.
Why that particular bit of road needs a lower limit when all the others were safe at 70 I’ll never know.
Just remember, it’s about safety, not raising money!
Captain Caveman 76:
Just remember, it’s about safety, not raising money!
And Educating too 
Apparently
SEDriver:
Winseer:
Highways Agency? - You can say THAT again.HA HA and no I’m NOT laughing.
It’s Highways England now, so…
HE HE HE HE!