Thread: 130km/h speed limits

I've driven a fair bit in most of Europe and the only place they have a 130kph speed limit is on the motorways. On most of the B class roads the speed limit is on a par with ours if not slower in some countries. I crossed most of Hungary and Slovakia doing around 80kph because the motorways were running right angles to me.
Most people get a bit uncomfortable doing 130 plus so do tend to hide in the slow lanes. It's a big deal in Europe if you hang out continually in the fast lane, you are generally regarded as an idiot if you do and risk getting booked. I think most of the dual motorways here are easily worthy of the 130 limit but I think most of the drivers are not. Even our truckies are very aggressive when judged by overseas standards, but then they have to put up with morons on a daily basis. Do you think our truckies would put up with the absolutely strict 90kph that European trucks have to do on those 130kph roads? Over many thousands of kms in Europe I've never actually seen a truck speeding.
I recommend to anyone to have a drive over there because without fail everyone says to me how good they are and how crap we are in comparison. It's embarrassing really.

Originally Posted by BigJon

I would suggest with all due respect that this chap:

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner, Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol, John Hartley.

Is either some sort of fool, or more likely, well knows which side his bread is buttered on.

Doing 130 kph on the Hume Highway, or almost any other dual carriageway in Australia, is no more dangerous (and quite possibly safer) than standing in front of your bathroom mirror brushing your teeth.

I have never hit a roo standing in front of the bathroom mirror brushing my teeth but, as soon as I do, I'll let you know.

Originally Posted by amtravic1

Many years ago I had a friend who was an engineer working for Vic Roads on the Hume Hwy. I can clearly remember him saying the Vic part of the road was designed for 130 km/h.
I agree with raising the speed limit on some roads however driver education on how to use the higher speed roads will never happen. Its easier for governments to just keep a low limit and fine people.

One side, yes. The other side is not so good.
Remember, if a speed limit is posted, that speed limit is for all conditions. There are drivers out there that will not slow down for adverse conditions, after all, they are driving at the speed limit.
One night I was passed by a car driving at the speed limit on a very windy night. I was having trouble keeping the Commodore on the road he was all over it. Whenever he crested a slight hump on the highway, his Holden was skipping six inches to a foot to the side. It was a strong crosswind.

Not sure about the roads down south, but 130 kms/hr here on our main highway is a recipe for disaster. Our roads are crap, build a decent motorway, make another highway for trucks & buses only, might work. Bob

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

I have never hit a roo standing in front of the bathroom mirror brushing my teeth but, as soon as I do, I'll let you know.

You've just been using the wrong mirror!

Woman terrified as kangaroo jumps through window - Telegraph

Hopping mad: Intruder kangaroo bursts into Aussie home - World - CBC News

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

this type of thread has come up often , to no resolve....and every time I respond with the same reply....D R I V E R E D U C A T I O N....... before anything like this can take place everybody has to get it right.....it has never ever been kph in this country, yet many of you here espousing safety and speed limits still persist in calling kmh kph. Now, until the whole country recognises what our speed is designated as ie kmh, how the hell can everyone stay in step......that is just a simple one.....there are more complex ones.

Just a little education for you.
That should be kmph, km/h or kmh¯¹

Originally Posted by bob10

make another highway for trucks & buses only, might work. Bob

Would that be a railway?

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Ah yes BUT!

With higher velocity you produce lower pressures in the cabin and therefore your brake foot swells. Consequently you have a bigger foot to compensate for the additional braking required!

theory is sound