I had mixed feelings in the following scenario:
I was southbound on the M5 J7/J8 a few weeks back, and owing to the recovery of an accident in the overtaking lane ahead, the two right hand lanes were signed as closed with just the slow lane open (i.e. with the overhead lane symbols reading 'ITT' if that's understandable).
As SWMBO (who is self-effacingly well-mannered) was aboard, I was constrained by her to occupy the left lane as soon as possible, which I did, a good couple of miles short of the accident. And to stay put. Which was frustrating to put it mildly, as there must have been at least 100 cars which overtook us, many not slowing at all, right up to the site of the accident.
Now I'm thinking, strictly speaking the two right lanes weren't exactly 'closed' till then, so why not?
And if SWMBO hadn't been there, would I have gone the distance without thinking 'right, if you can't beat 'em join 'em. As many indeed did.
Hmm...
Oz (as was)
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The sign you indicate shows the lanes *ahead* are closed. Its a warning not an instruction. There is no obligation to move to the open lane unless the gantry has a red X above.
Not sure where manners enters into this? Only at the scene of the blockage where everyone should "zip in turn"
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Idealogically I'm with you and TVM. But my British ashamed-of-everything perspective does usually lead me to move into the lane a bit early. Certainly not 2 miles ahead though!
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I agree totally with the distinction between the advisory and mandatory sign.
And it seems daft to have two miles of empty carriageway serving no useful purpose.
But on the one hand, the Brits do love to form queues, and on the other, behave differently when in cars compared with when they're on foot (old Two Ronnies sketch comes to mind). This conflict means there will inevitably be some ill feeling at the pinch point.
Oz (as was)
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Its because people pull over two miles too soon, they get frustrated about cars going past, so when we get to the pinch point they wont let anyone in because they are fuming in a self made stew inside the car.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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What really annoys me is when something similar happens on a dual carriageway and some numpty decides to stop everyone by occupying both lanes.
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But people do let them in,a la J.Clarkson's christian drivers.On a road where there is a long queue in the a.m.many turn off onto a crescent which brings them out about thirty cars down the queue,they are then let in by the c.d.s.If they gave it some thought the entire population of the street,plus numerous guests,would all have to be leaving at the same time for there to be so many cars waiting to come out.
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Life's too short to struggle over every place at bottlenecks. That's what they used to do in Lagos, causing endless and quite unnecessary traffic jams. When you got to the front you could never work out what had caused the delay.
One of the problems with lane closures is that they usually involve a speed limit reduction as well. To minimize delays, two lanes zipping into one should also double their speed through the bottleneck. It would be great fun as well as rational, but I'm afraid most drivers couldn't hack it. Pity.
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Near where I live and just beyond a mega-busy roundabout there's a permanent 2-into-1 lane situation. It's often beyond your control which lane you're in when you have to merge, but seemingly there is zero aggro, ever. Those who bomb up the outside do so because they can, and it makes sense, and are always let in promptly at the end. Good cooperation always. This is how it should be on the motorway IMHO.
Oz (as was)
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In a similar position I take the part of the self-effacing one and Mrs H does a load of tutting and counting how many cars overtake us, but my responsibilities are clear; to finish the journey safely and intact. Others with greater skill and faster cars or both can do as they please, I'm just not bothered; I will drive within my limitations.
Hawkeye
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Stranger in a strange land
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