Why is it that 75% of the drivers in the south of Sheffield are incapabile of reading the large blue signs which go with the part time bus/taxi/cycle/motorcycle lanes on the main arterial roads :- Ecclesall, Abbeydale, London and Chesterfield Roads

These bus lanes, as clearly stated on the blue signs, are only in operation in the rush hours. The highway code insructs drivers to drive in the left hand lane unless overtaking or passing stationary vehicles. At lunchtimes, on sundays especially, and any night that I'm out in my car I get the impression that people either can't read the signs, as they've got bad eyesight, or they think that these are permanent bus lanes, and it's never occured to them to look at the signs.

Another thing which annoys me, is cars waiting on cycle waiting areas in front of the motor vehicle stop lines at traffic lights. I realise that we've only had these in Sheffield fairly recently, I first came across this about 14 years ago in Bristol. In this cycle area there are no sensors under the road visible, so any car driver will be waiting there a long time until another vehicle comes behind and waits in the possible place. I understand that it is a road traffic offence waiting in the red area too liable to 3 points?

Everyone should have to pass a refresher driving test every 10 years. Then there would be no excuse

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Everyone should have to pass a refresher driving test every 10 years. Then there would be no excuse

A refresher theory test? Or practical?

I tend to drive down Ecclesall Road most sunday nights, fairly late, and I rarely use the bus lane! not because I think it is still operational, but because there are usually random cars parked in it (as they have every right to do) I'd rather just drive in one lane than have to constantly swap from one to the other to overtake them.
However I do that on that road because I know it, if I use other roads that have bus lanes that are only in use for a limited time, I use the bus lanes, its amazing how much quicker it is because no-one else seems to bother :D

Originally posted by ianmitchell
A refresher theory test? Or practical?

some of us never did a theory test in the first place :D (unless you count those 3 questions at the end of the practical test) :hihi:

what REALLY ****** me off, ok then - 2 things-

1) PEOPLE WHO DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE MOTORWAY!!!! its for overtaking only you pr@tts!!!!!!!!

2) people who don't thank you if you stop and wait for them to come past you- it makes me so so mad!!!!

if we just got rid of all buses there would be plenty of room for everyone in cars and no one would have to rush around causing problems..think back to the bus strike..........it was a pleasure to drive......

I can not stand people who do not indicate their intensions on a roundabout.
As Scott and Andy said middle lane hoggers on Motorways get right on my nerves,to such an extent that i undertake them to make a point ,wrong i know but makes me feel better!

I sometimes annoy drivers when I'm learning to drive.

At least I'm keeping the speed limit!

Em 3978 You are right. In my rant at the start I said "unless overtaking or passing stationary vehicles".

I also never took a theory test. I would say that passing your motorcycle test (as I did) is an incredibly useful improvement to your awareness however, you are always checking your blind spots even in a car.

I think Theory is essential, but eye test must also be compulsory, as there are many older people I know who have no peripheral vision and an inability to see anything clearly at night. And I think that's extremely dangerous, and incredibly selfish to other road users and Pedestrians.

I think some people forgot they had to learn to drive. Take all the time you need Ian. I always try to be courteous and patient to L drivers

It annoys me when people who have been driving for a few years, (or decades) think they can give lessons to other people. These people are the least qualified in my view. They will pass on incorrect information about how to change down gears, how to approach dual carriageways etc.. And will have a shaky idea about what is in the current driving test. I passed my car test over half my life ago and from what I've heard recently, it has changed quite a lot

I dont drive but if I did those idiots blocking yellow box junctions whould get on my nerves

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Why is it that 75% of the drivers in the south of Sheffield are incapabile of reading the large blue signs which go with the part time bus/taxi/cycle/motorcycle lanes on the main arterial roads :- Ecclesall, Abbeydale, London and Chesterfield Roads

These bus lanes, as clearly stated on the blue signs, are only in operation in the rush hours. The highway code insructs drivers to drive in the left hand lane unless overtaking or passing stationary vehicles. At lunchtimes, on sundays especially, and any night that I'm out in my car I get the impression that people either can't read the signs, as they've got bad eyesight, or they think that these are permanent bus lanes, and it's never occured to them to look at the signs.

The problem is that, in general, people do not look at road signs. They see 'Bus Lane' on the road and assume that it is a permanent feature. It suits me, however, as I can sail down the inside while they all queue like sheep.

Another thing which annoys me, is cars waiting on cycle waiting areas in front of the motor vehicle stop lines at traffic lights. I realise that we've only had these in Sheffield fairly recently, I first came across this about 14 years ago in Bristol. In this cycle area there are no sensors under the road visible, so any car driver will be waiting there a long time until another vehicle comes behind and waits in the possible place. I understand that it is a road traffic offence waiting in the red area too liable to 3 points?


You are correct in that this is an offence. The advanced stop lines or areas for cyclists are there so that they can get away more safely. However I DO think that the proliferation of cycle lanes round the Hallamshire Hospital area needs looking at.

Everyone should have to pass a refresher driving test every 10 years. Then there would be no excuse

I couldn't agree more but it will never happen as the politicians look on it as a sure-fire vote loser, and despite their soundbites, that is all they are interested in at the end of the day.

originally posted by ianmitchell

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Everyone should have to pass a refresher driving test every 10 years. Then there would be no excuse


A refresher theory test? Or practical?

Both!!(although perhaps not so stringent that they would lose their licence altogether but would have to undergo refresher training with a driving instructor - and yes I DO have a vested interest but not just for myself but in the interests of road safety in general).

And when drivers get to 70 and have to re-apply for their licences, they should have to undergo a medical and eyesight test to certify that they are fit to drive, not just be able to 'self certify'.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I also never took a theory test. I would say that passing your motorcycle test (as I did) is an incredibly useful improvement to your awareness however, you are always checking your blind spots even in a car.

I also took a Midas Minibus test a couple of years ago, this also made an improvement to my driving as i'm now much more aware generally. It was also good revision as my driving test was a few years ago (8 1/2!!!)
I agree though, you should have to reatake a test every 5 or 10 years, it would make some people more conscious of their bad driving habits and would (hopefully) take the worst road users off the road entirely!! :clap:

Saxon, I agree with you totally. I once knew a woman, years ago, who was 70 and had been driving for 40 years and she started taking lessons because in her frailty, she'd lost her confidence. The rest of the neighbours were hoping that the Dr. wouldn't pass her fit, but he did. She should have used the lesson money for taxis instead and retired from driving.

Well done Em. Any extra training can only be good.

People stopping inside the red section at traffic lights doesnt annoy me, as im not a cyclist and I dont do it.

People not using bus lanes out of hours doesnt annoy me either, as it lets me whizz past the lot of em! What does annoy me is when, at the end of a bus lane, where the traffic goes back into one lane, people wont let me in because they think i'm in the wrong! Was almost crushed by a truck on Chesterfield Road last week.

People blocking box junctions annoys me. A bus did this yesterday by the Wicker arches, so I took the registration number and reported it to First. They have bus lanes around that area anyway, what more do they want?!!?

The lack of box junctions is also annoying. There are places in the city centre that could certainly do with them. They have just painted one by the new Train Station entrance though, which is a start I suppose.

Idiots who cant park or intentionally take two spaces in a car park make me mad. If its pay and display, they should pay double!

Hesitant drivers also annoy me. They can be more dangerous than boy racers as they do not flow with the traffic.

Lane drifters on roundabouts also annoy (and sometimes scare) me. Park Square is a prime example - I have nearly been bashed into several times by dopey drivers not checking around them and trying to take me out of my lane. One day I wont have the space to move and your precious metal will be embedded into mine!

Tis all for now, dont want to start on Bus Drivers again or I wont stop :D

Originally posted by unners
I can not stand people who do not indicate their intensions on a roundabout.
As Scott and Andy said middle lane hoggers on Motorways get right on my nerves,to such an extent that i undertake them to make a point ,wrong i know but makes me feel better!

Both of these really annoy me - the first one when I'm trying to show a learner how to do it properly (all it takes is the flick of a switch), and the second one when I'm driving on the motorway (or doing a Pass Plus motorway lesson for someone)

Originally posted by ianmitchell
I sometimes annoy drivers when I'm learning to drive.

At least I'm keeping the speed limit!

Just do what you're told, Ian - you're not annoying anyone (or shouldn't be if they've got any sense). I've got a sticker on the back of my car that says "Please be patient - you were a learner once" - something that too many people tend to forget!

Originally posted by dinp
People stopping inside the red section at traffic lights doesnt annoy me, as im not a cyclist and I dont do it.

People not using bus lanes out of hours doesnt annoy me either, as it lets me whizz past the lot of em! What does annoy me is when, at the end of a bus lane, where the traffic goes back into one lane, people wont let me in because they think i'm in the wrong! Was almost crushed by a truck on Chesterfield Road last week.

People blocking box junctions annoys me. A bus did this yesterday by the Wicker arches, so I took the registration number and reported it to First. They have bus lanes around that area anyway, what more do they want?!!?

The lack of box junctions is also annoying. There are places in the city centre that could certainly do with them. They have just painted one by the new Train Station entrance though, which is a start I suppose.

Idiots who cant park or intentionally take two spaces in a car park make me mad. If its pay and display, they should pay double!

Hesitant drivers also annoy me. They can be more dangerous than boy racers as they do not flow with the traffic.

Lane drifters on roundabouts also annoy (and sometimes scare) me. Park Square is a prime example - I have nearly been bashed into several times by dopey drivers not checking around them and trying to take me out of my lane. One day I wont have the space to move and your precious metal will be embedded into mine!

Tis all for now, dont want to start on Bus Drivers again or I wont stop :D

Oh go on,it would make a nice change!

Originally posted by Saxon
I've got a sticker on the back of my car that says "Please be patient - you were a learner once" - something that too many people tend to forget!

I've forgot already :roll:

Year and 10 days since I passed.. 40% Insurance drop already :clap:

You've got all this to come by the way Ian.... Arrogant drivers who can't make their mind up where they are going & Boy Racers cutting you up..

Originally posted by Deejay
I've forgot already :roll:

Year and 10 days since I passed.. 40% Insurance drop already :clap:

And you should know better!!:D ;)

Originally posted by unners
Oh go on,it would make a nice change!

Must---Resist---Temp-t-a-t-i-o--n...... :D

Originally posted by dinp
Must---Resist---Temp-t-a-t-i-o--n...... :D

Go on,go on,go on!

Originally posted by unners
Go on,go on,go on!

Nah, got uni in half an hour, must dash - BYEEEEEEEEEE :D

Originally posted by Deejay
You've got all this to come by the way Ian.... Arrogant drivers who can't make their mind up where they are going & Boy Racers cutting you up..

What really ****** me off are rude boys on scooters.

Two drove either side of me once during a lesson:o

Gits

Originally posted by Saxon
The problem is that, in general, people do not look at road signs. They see 'Bus Lane' on the road and assume that it is a permanent feature.

I agree. I think Muddycoffee is being a little hard on drivers who are watching what's the road in front of them, and are not gawking at every road sign / advert / attractive female they go past.

However, if you really want to attract the attention of male drivers, then you can't go far wrong with pictures of a busty young lady. That Wonderbra 'Hello Boys' advert contributed to more than a few road accidents caused by drivers more interested in the ample cleavage on display rather than the current road conditions...

You are right of course Abdul, I two remember "hello boys" very fondly, there was one on the Moor street roundabout at the bottom of Ecclesall road, Very Distracting on a roundabout which is very hard to join much of the day due to it's busy location.

And there are rather a lot of signs notices. I welcome the up coming removal of the large advertising hoardings to reveal the impressive stone wall below Homebase on Chesterfield road.

I would disagree slightly about these blue bus lane signs though. Most LOCAL drivers have slowly krept past them in lane 2 at rush hour. With sometimes minutes to study them at a time. And observe the details.
I fully expect out of town drivers (especially trucks) to fail to notice them however as they are probably overloaded with unfamiliar visual information.

Originally posted by dinp
People stopping inside the red section at traffic lights doesnt annoy me, as im not a cyclist and I dont do it.

People not using bus lanes out of hours doesnt annoy me either, as it lets me whizz past the lot of em! What does annoy me is when, at the end of a bus lane, where the traffic goes back into one lane, people wont let me in because they think i'm in the wrong! Was almost crushed by a truck on Chesterfield Road last week.

People blocking box junctions annoys me. A bus did this yesterday by the Wicker arches, so I took the registration number and reported it to First. They have bus lanes around that area anyway, what more do they want?!!?

The lack of box junctions is also annoying. There are places in the city centre that could certainly do with them. They have just painted one by the new Train Station entrance though, which is a start I suppose.

Idiots who cant park or intentionally take two spaces in a car park make me mad. If its pay and display, they should pay double!

Hesitant drivers also annoy me. They can be more dangerous than boy racers as they do not flow with the traffic.

Lane drifters on roundabouts also annoy (and sometimes scare) me. Park Square is a prime example - I have nearly been bashed into several times by dopey drivers not checking around them and trying to take me out of my lane. One day I wont have the space to move and your precious metal will be embedded into mine!

Tis all for now, dont want to start on Bus Drivers again or I wont stop :D

Oh go on I am missing these bus driver threads and all these travellers tales.

who keeps deleting my replys:(

What really annoys me is people parking on the zigzag lines near a zebra crossing, take a trip down past first park going into fir vale and you will always find one each and every time. Many times I have seen a police patrol car drive by and they dont batter an eye lid, I think the penalty for this is 3 points and a £60 fine.

I also hate people deliberately in the wrong lane on approach to a roundabout, come down in the quiet left hand lane, signal (if your lucky) to move over into middle lane, then still moving further over to leave on the third exit!

Tailgaters also annoy me. People who drive with full beams or fog lights on in fine conditions too.

People who don't indicate!!

Originally posted by andywatton
People who don't indicate!!

Or that do and leave it on.

Another thing which annoys me, is cars waiting on cycle waiting areas in front of the motor vehicle stop lines at traffic lights. I realise that we've only had these in Sheffield fairly recently, I first came across this about 14 years ago in Bristol. In this cycle area there are no sensors under the road visible, so any car driver will be waiting there a long time until another vehicle comes behind and waits in the possible place. I understand that it is a road traffic offence waiting in the red area too liable to 3 points?

No not at all - roads are for cars - NOT push bikes

1) PEOPLE WHO DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE MOTORWAY!!!! its for overtaking only you pr@tts!!!!!!!!

Yep with you there dude

its not really driving but...........

those stupid stickers that people inist on putting in their cars - "my other cars a Porche", "Dads Taxi" and WORST of all "Baby on Board" - it just makes me want to tailgate them.



Mat :D

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Why is it that 75% of the drivers in the south of Sheffield are incapabile of reading the large blue signs which go with the part time bus/taxi/cycle/motorcycle lanes on the main arterial roads :- Ecclesall, Abbeydale, London and Chesterfield Roads

These bus lanes, as clearly stated on the blue signs, are only in operation in the rush hours. The highway code insructs drivers to drive in the left hand lane unless overtaking or passing stationary vehicles. At lunchtimes, on sundays especially, and any night that I'm out in my car I get the impression that people either can't read the signs, as they've got bad eyesight, or they think that these are permanent bus lanes, and it's never occured to them to look at the signs.

Another thing which annoys me, is cars waiting on cycle waiting areas in front of the motor vehicle stop lines at traffic lights. I realise that we've only had these in Sheffield fairly recently, I first came across this about 14 years ago in Bristol. In this cycle area there are no sensors under the road visible, so any car driver will be waiting there a long time until another vehicle comes behind and waits in the possible place. I understand that it is a road traffic offence waiting in the red area too liable to 3 points?



The part time bus lanes - I blame both the drivers who don't notice they are part time but moreso I blame the idiots at the council. You shouldn't have to read the small print to be able to navigate our roads. I've learned to just sail past in the 'out of hours' bus lane. The part time bus lanes actually slow up the bus service anyway. Because there are now big tailbacks before the bus lane starts then guess who's also stuck in that traffic - the buses.

Bike boxes at lights - who are they for - oh yes the cyclists of Sheffield. Both of them? There aren't that many - they just have loud voices on this site. The council say that they are there so that loads of cyslicts can fan out at the head of the line of traffic and then 'safely cross the junction when the lights change'. Why do they think I want 25 bikes spreading in front of me to then set off when the lights change - holding up the traffic behind. Of course, it's the councils preferred design option of disrupting traffic at all chances. If we need a bike lane, just leave it as a bike lane at the side of the carriageway and if there's 2 or 3 bikes they can set of line astern in the normal way they'd ride in the bike lane. The council are just being impudent, stupid and dangerous again, as always.

Other gripes:-
Parking at night on the wrong side of the road with driving lights on - dazzling and causes confusion.
Driving in the middle lane on motorways when left lane is clear - you are just showing how unaware you are.
Failing to look ahead and blocking junctions for crossing traffic.
Night driving with fog lamps at the front at back when there are no adverse weather conditions - they are used as a fashion accessory nowadays.
Lane discipline including failing to signal your 'intention' to change lanes - not as we often see a signal which only means I am already changing lanes.
Mobile phones being used and not even hidden - in right hand next to the window - blatant.
Lane discipline on roundabouts - but I can't only blame the drivers - the useless council have got to learn how to paint lane markers. Look at Ecclesall Road (bottom) for instance.
Blatant dick heads who sail up a quiet lane and then suddenly realise they need to change - see roundabout as above, and do this every day - taxis for instance.
People who block my drive.
That's enough for now........

You should include an other option in the poll... taxi drivers who think all of Ecclesall Road is one huge taxi rank, and who have no consideration for other car drivers or pedestrians! :rant:

Hi patchy, Have just tried but I can't Exit my pole to add taxi drivers who think all of Ecclesall Road is one huge taxi rank.

Well Done Some Great Point Made So Far

nuf_said YES

Fog lights- that one really, really revs me off the clock
To use foglights, visability needs to be less than 100 meteres. That is a very thick pea soup. In the last ten years, I'd be surprised if the we've had weather as bad as this 3 times. I want these people prosecuting. This is so dangerous. I was once enraged to hear a woman on the local radio say it's a bit foggy this morning so everybody pop your fog lights on.
Inevitably you get lots of little shopping cars with these rear foglights left on for a week after. Try following one in early dusk, it's like having your retinas lazered

Originally posted by mat1978
No not at all - roads are for cars - NOT push bikes

No Mat Roads are for Horse and carts, and looking at local ones, that's all some are fit for.

Originally posted by mat1978

those stupid stickers that people inist on putting in their cars - WORST of all "Baby on Board" - it just makes me want to tailgate them.


It makes you want to tailgate? It makes me want to ram in the back of them.

The writing is so small, that you have to touch bumpers to read it. These people are so stupid. What do they expect anyone else to do about it, shout "should have used a condom"

I'm so angry now I'm seeing spots before my eyes, where's the car keys......

Originally posted by muddycoffee
No Mat Roads are for Horse and carts, and looking at local ones, that's all some are fit for.




It makes you want to tailgate? It makes me want to ram in the back of them.

The writing is so small, that you have to touch bumpers to read it. These people are so stupid. What do they expect anyone else to do about it, shout "should have used a condom"

I'm so angry now I'm seeing spots before my eyes, where's the car keys......

Hehe isn't road rage a lovely thing.

And I've just got insured for driving in my mum's car as a learner :o

[i]

The writing is so small, that you have to touch bumpers to read it. These people are so stupid. What do they expect anyone else to do about it, shout "should have used a condom"

I'm so angry now I'm seeing spots before my eyes, where's the car keys...... [/B]

Not a gripe but I saw a rear window sticker that said, "If you can read this - you are too close." Subtle

Also on a Ferrari "My other car's a shagged out rusty mini."

Originally posted by ianmitchell
And I've just got insured for driving in my mum's car as a learner

And there goes your mums No Claims Discount :hihi:

Sunday drivers, drivers who hesitate and people who dawdle at lights.

People who drive down the slip road onto a motorway at 45 mph.

people who stop at a roundabout even when it's clear.

People who can't park there car in a straight line in a car park

Originally posted by unners
People who can't park there car in a straight line in a car park

That's a lot of people that annoy you then.

You can hardley expect people to park in an exact straight line every time

unners (is it any worse than someone who uses "there" instead of "their"?)

I was once taught a very valuable lesson by a former Boss about car parks. If you usually park right in the bay in the most popular part of a car park. Then it won't be long before you get the side of your car peppered with little dents where, people who don't have very good coordination have opened their door and bashed it. Whereas if you deliberately stray into the next space, then at both sides you always get left with a door's width at both sides.

Now I consider this attitude excesively arrogant so I park in a less popular place, but nowhare near any cars which have kiddy seats

One huge problem is that everyone drives up each other's ar*ehole not giving any time to allow for any arising problems. Everyone is in such a rush and this causes a huge amount of problems.

Take the cycle box. In an effort to squeeze through traffic lights, the car behind subsequently ends up in a cyvle box when the lights change. Same applies to yellow zig-zag boxes, but the fact is these boxes wouldn't be necessary if everyone calmed down a bit and held back to see what happened.

Most bus drivers couldn't care a tuppence if their arse-end is blocking a major junction, but the same rules apply to all. The standard of driving in general is very poor:

* drivers not using bus lanes when it is clearly signposted that they can (and therefore should according to the Highway Code);

* drivers using bus lanes when they shouldn't;

* failing to indicate at junctions; indicating at junctions when they shouldn't (Lydgate Lane turn off at Crookes. How many drivers indicate when they are continuing on the main road up to Crookes? How many don't when turning off onto Lydgate Lane?

* drivers using mobiles. Fine them heavily, confiscate their phones and put points on their licenses;

I could go on and on. But if everyone just slowed down a little it would help us all.

Finally, a good adage when stuck in traffic: 'Tarmac and Tyres'. If you can't see the tyres of the car infront along with some of the tarmac when at a standstill, then you are too close. Use your handbreak. If a car bumps into you it might prevent a knock-on effect. Above all, relax!

I'm surprised how few people have mentioned tailgating, considering how common it is in Sheffield. I find it hard to believe these people are so entranced by my old punto that they must get as close as possible to admire it. I'm not a slow driver, have no objectionable stickers in my rear windshield (as if that's an excuse!) so GET OFF MY A*SE!!!!!!!
I was nearly smacked into the other day by an idiot driving so close he simply couldn't see my indicators when I slowed down to turn right. Had he succeeded he would have found out without benefit of a 'Mum-To-Be On Board' sign just exactly how hard a pregnant woman can smack someone when she's just had a scare like that. We ARE more vulnerable. I don't have a sign announcing my condition to the world - I'd prefer that we all drove as if the person in the next car was a fragile, important human being. But I can see why some people hope the signs will work.

On Chesterfield Road: If you know your lane is only for turning right (e.g. by the bridge) or left (e.g. into Heeley Retail Park) please don't expect me or anyone else to let you back into the flow of traffic, you impatient, not very bright, bully. I don't stand for bullying outside my car, and I won't stand for it inside my car, either.

Most of all, as someone else said, RELAX! Driving doesn't have to be such a constant matter of life and death, if you can practise a little patience and courtesy, and actually pay attention to what other people are doing. I try hard to keep my sense of humour and be as pleasant to other drivers as I would be face to face. Saves me giving myself a heart attack freaking out about other people's stupidity, which I can't do anything about. Forgiveness is a big thing too - I won't believe anyone who says they've never made a mistake while driving. So give the next person a little bit of slack.

Cosy:D
(Oh, I know why people tailgate me...to bask in the shining light of my glorious beauty, as seen through the rearview mirror. Bless.
:gag:

Dear Cosywolf,

yes tailgating is extremely annoying. and as someone said earlier You should wait in traffic far enough behind so that you can see the road and the bottom of the tyres of the vehicle in front. (It says this in roadcraft by the way!)

But honestly if you've ever driven in london or on the M25, the kind of tailgating we have to put up with in sheffield is a pale and timid version. If you leave half a gap in front when you're south of the watford gap, some nutter will barge into it!

Drivers that park on the pavement get me mad...especially when its on a busy road. The number of times I have had to drag my children on to a main road because of a car or van parked across the pavement. its especially bad up here at crookes

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Dear Cosywolf,

yes tailgating is extremely annoying. and as someone said earlier You should wait in traffic far enough behind so that you can see the road and the bottom of the tyres of the vehicle in front. (It says this in roadcraft by the way!)

But honestly if you've ever driven in london or on the M25, the kind of tailgating we have to put up with in sheffield is a pale and timid version. If you leave half a gap in front when you're south of the watford gap, some nutter will barge into it!

I'm not sure I agree, muddycoffee. I do the M1, M25 route to Staines (please no Ali G comments, it's just sad, lol) regularly. And I still think Sheffield is just as bad for it. Particularly on the smaller, curving, or tram tracked roads, where it's even more dangerous.

Cosy:P

Fair enough Cosywolf point taken.

Originally posted by honeyplanet
Drivers that park on the pavement get me mad...especially when its on a busy road. The number of times I have had to drag my children on to a main road because of a car or van parked across the pavement. its especially bad up here at crookes

You ought to watch your kids outside the co-op at Southey Green. Walking on the footpath there is like dodgems as cars go zooming past you vying to park in front of the cash machine and others. You see cars pulling up off the car parking area on to the footpath just so they dont have to walk 15 yards to the cash machine.

No doubt when a kid gets killed they will put bollards up.

What makes me mad in Sheffield is at traffic lights and, Sheffield has plenty of em is when at traffic lights when they change to green some people think ah better put car in gear now by the time they drive off lights have changed back to red further lengthening the queue do this in the London area and the car body builders would be doing a roaring trade.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by muddycoffee
[B]unners (is it any worse than someone who uses "there" instead of "their"?)

Well I stand corrected on my spelling,but it is worse if they are using two parking spaces.Where as my spelling will not effect the number of parking spaces available.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by unners
[QUOTE]Originally posted by muddycoffee
[B]unners (is it any worse than someone who uses "there" instead of "their"?)

Well I stand corrected on my spelling,but it is worse if they are using two parking spaces.Where as my spelling will not effect the number of parking spaces available. [/QUOTE

Perfectly True Unners

Alright my fellow Bus Driver!!Dont you just love the people on here and all their pointless views on us Bus Drivers!

At least we get lots of mentions,unlike the drones who work in their little offices.Input,input,input.!







Computer says no!

For anyone who is really upset about tailgaters. I have an excelent solution which is foolproof. It works every time too.

Get a Tow Hook on the back of your car

Now you can allow cars to run in to the back of you and shatter their plastic front bumpers, while you remain unscathed!

:thumbsup:

No one has mentioned the ignorant gits who fail to say thank you when you let them out/through/whatever. It always pees me off because it's just common courtesy.

BTW, the most effective thing I can think of to prevent stupid driving would be a 12" spike sticking out of the middle of the steering wheel :D

My particular bug bear is drivers who avoid parking on double yellow lines by parking on the pavement.

One particularly annoying example is on Fulwood Road opposite The Bull's Head on a Friday evening when you get a string of up to 10 cars doing this.

As a pedestrian you have two choices, either bend double and crawl under usually wet overhanging bushes or walk in a very busy, narrow road.

One occasion springs to mind when I chose the crawl option and a BMW I was squeezing passed told me to 'move away from the vehicle immediately' in a very loud American voice. You can't believe the amount of restraint it took not to put the windscreen through...

Originally posted by rinty
No one has mentioned the ignorant gits who fail to say thank you when you let them out/through/whatever. It always pees me off because it's just common courtesy.

BTW, the most effective thing I can think of to prevent stupid driving would be a 12" spike sticking out of the middle of the steering wheel :D

Lol, rinty. I agree about people not saying thank you -
however, I object to being kebabed by a 12" spike because someone else has done something to make me slam the anchors on! ;) Case in point: if not for standing on my brakes the other day, I would have been squashed beyond redemption :gag: by joyriders swinging out of a junction directly in front of me at top speed without looking. I don't think I deserve skewering for that, lol!

Cosy:D

Most recent annoyance:
People who insist on driving at 25-30mph on de-restricted roads!! I know its legal and the speed limit is only a maximum, but where a road allows for 50/60mph 25mph is just taking the P***

rant over :D

Originally posted by Vanbast
My particular bug bear is drivers who avoid parking on double yellow lines by parking on the pavement.


I thought it was now illegal to park on a footpath/pavement ?

I have to wonder because whenever I pass along Bridge Street there are invariably two or three police cars parked on the pavement outside the rear entrance to the South Yorks Police HQ.

The blockbuster video at woodseats has a Bus stop in the road, and at night the bus stop area is constantly full of cars parking there. When the bus comes, it has to let passengers on/off while blocking the road. These people really P*ss me off. I'd like them all to have an instant fine, licence endorsement and a right talking to by a copper.

The main thing that annoys me is people using their front fog lights as normal lights, or having them on at the same time.

They get my full beam.

Things that annoy me about driving in sheffield:

1. Drivers jump the lights here more that anywhere i'v ever driven. A couple of times i have slightly jumped (ie its on amber) and 3 cars have followed.

2. the opposite of the bus lane problem. This happens on the chesterfield road a lot. In the morning when the bus lane is active and cars are queing up you get someone flying past in the bus lane. thing is i know the bus lanes on that road are badly designed but i think it's just rude (and illegal) when evryone else is queing up.

3. The lane markings on the ecclesall road /waitrose roundabout they just confuse me.

feeel mush better now i've got that off my chest!

people who decide to drive right behind you when youve got L plates on cant people leave a little bit of room for error

People who drive with no lights on at all.

people who do not feel the need to indicate

Originally posted by Nathen
The main thing that annoys me is people using their front fog lights as normal lights, or having them on at the same time.

They get my full beam.

Well they often call them driving lights on the front instead of foglights Nathan, and the stupid tossers think they are supposed to switch them on before they can drive :loopy:

Why do drivers of oldfashioned square fronted cars like Mercedes + Volvo think they have to pull up behind the car in front so close that they fit the traffic jam together like a jigsaw?

I think it's something to do with rear wheel drive and difficult to press break peddle :mad: :huh:

I drove home from the petrol station/garage in Wisewood/Malin Bridge area today with my mum and sister.

First time driving as a learner in a normal car on the road :D

Was great :D


If you see a red corsa with L plates on around the s6 area then be patient with me :P

The main thing that gets me mad is motorists who go through tram and bus gates. Living at hillsbro', my bugbear is having to wait to get back in the traffic, having gone the right way (ie left at traffic lights at barracks, then right, back down to holme lane) when drivers have gone straight down, and then turned left onto holme lane. Also drivers who ignore road signs like right turn only, and turn left into pedestrians crossing with the green man!!(also in hillsbro').

On a motorway, when 3 lanes becomes 2, the driver who refuses to slow down a bit and get in the right lane early enough, but thinks they have the god given right to go to the head of the queue and push in, slowing the rest of us down even more.

People who put their fog lights on the instant there's a tiny hint of fog or spray on the road. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it's against the law to use fog lights when there is decent visibility.

And people who don't move to the right hand side of the lane when they're waiting to turn right. Holding up a dozen or so cars behind them who could have got past to their left if they'd obeyed the Highway Code.

Yeah, When I'm waiting to turn right at some traffic lights on a narrow junction, I always get far enough forward to allow cars behind to get past me. Why is it hardly anyone else does this? Surely I'm not the first driver to think of doing this. It's just good common sense and courtesy.

What annoys me at the moment is people that CONSTANTLY drive down the one way in Oughtibridge THE WRONG bloomin way, are they blind or just thick?

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Why is it that 75% of the drivers in the south of Sheffield are incapabile of reading the large blue signs which go with the part time bus/taxi/cycle/motorcycle lanes on the main arterial roads :- Ecclesall, Abbeydale, London and Chesterfield Roads .....


My reason for not driving in Bus lanes when you are allowed to is simply because people park in them, especially around that Tennis / Squash centre near hunters bar roundabout. If you venture into the bus lane, you get stuck behind a parked car because no one will let you back into the flow of traffic.

Originally posted by serapis
My reason for not driving in Bus lanes when you are allowed to is simply because people park in them, especially around that Tennis / Squash centre near hunters bar roundabout. If you venture into the bus lane, you get stuck behind a parked car because no one will let you back into the flow of traffic.

While there are cars parked in the bus lane then yes - don't drive down it!!!!

But the real point is at the roundabout no-one uses the centre lane (marked 'bus lane' and painted green) because it looks like a permanent bus lane. This causes the roundabout to work at half capacity, which in turn causes traffic build up. However, I don't totally blame the motorist. I blame the daft council who make it look like a permanent bus lane and expect you the motorist to 'read the small print' on the signs. It is the council's intention to disrupt traffic at all opportunities - and its working.

On the other hand stay in the other lane and let me slip down the 'out of hours' bus lane to the roundabout ahead of you. Thanks.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
For anyone who is really upset about tailgaters. I have an excelent solution which is foolproof. It works every time too.

Get a Tow Hook on the back of your car

Now you can allow cars to run in to the back of you and shatter their plastic front bumpers, while you remain unscathed!

:thumbsup:

Also, remember to inform your insurance company of this modification. Otherwise (if someone does "run in to the back of you and shatter their plastic front bumpers, while you remain unscathed") you could find yourself without insurance & personally responsible for the damage (plus you could also end up in court as you were driving without valid insurance).

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Yeah, When I'm waiting to turn right at some traffic lights on a narrow junction, I always get far enough forward to allow cars behind to get past me. Why is it hardly anyone else does this? Surely I'm not the first driver to think of doing this. It's just good common sense and courtesy.

Yep, I hate this also. Most drivers instead of been on the line in position to turn right are in the middle of the road not allowing any traffic behind them to pass.

Originally posted by sccsux
Also, remember to inform your insurance company of this modification. Otherwise (if someone does "run in to the back of you and shatter their plastic front bumpers, while you remain unscathed") you could find yourself without insurance & personally responsible for the damage (plus you could also end up in court as you were driving without valid insurance).

i can't be sure, but i don't think that this is the sort of modification that insurance companies are too bothered about.

If it had been "lower your suspension by 40 mm and put huge alloys on your car" then they would be interested.

The council really are working overtime to bring the city to a halt. Their latest brainbox of an idea? To have pedestrian crossings at major junctions along with the usual traffic lights. (Viz Glossop Road/Newbould Lane; Oakbrook Road/Hangingwater Rd.)

This way, when someone wants to cross the road, all traffic comes to a halt. Then one set of lights change leaving the other motorists waiting longer. Spewing out their exhaust fumes. Sometimes, all the lights change to red for a non-existant pedestrian to cross. (Where's that thread about Sheffield ghosts).

But as I've mentioned before, the sheer number of traffic lights/pedestrian crossings atop Upper Hanover Street really takes the biscuit. Coming up toward University Roundabout, there are four sets, all in the space of what? 200 yards?

Result: Traffic queing all the way down to Ecclesall Roundabout.

And finally, all it takes is one car to break down, anywhere in Sheffield during rush-hour (sic) to bring the city to a halt. Or for a white van man numpty to park illegally whilst delivering (or fetching a packet of fags) to cause gridlock.

Get the motorists to where they want to go. Funny how smooth traffic flows when traffic lights are out!!

Why do all the brainless looking young kids drive about with a bit of padded cloth on their seatbelts?
I know a lady who had breast cancer about 8 years ago and the hospital gave her one of these to pad the seatbelt a bit. This was before these silly little things became so popular.

Has anyone been to Halfords recently? It used to be a decent store full of spare parts and car accessories. Now it's a hang out for Ali G and his chav mates...! Racks of Breast Cancer Seatbelt covers, stupid exhaust pipes, extemely sad aluminium effect fuel filler cap stickers and lots of other completetly pointless tat to decorate and mark out all the sad losers, so that the cops can pull them up easier. The place is so camp I half expect to hear YMCA by the village people on the tannoy.

Originally posted by Ousetunes
The council really are working overtime to bring the city to a halt.
You've caught on - that really is their intention. However, they have to dress everything up in the guise of 'road safety', 'traffic calming', 'improving access to public transport'.
In fact they are really making road hazards everywhere. See the stupid bits of kerb which now stick out anywhere you look - see Arundel Gate for the latest, a chicane at the end of Charter Row etc., increasing the kerb radius at many junctions, stick - out bus stops each side of the road and so on.
Let's turn to pedestrians now. Why does the council want to block my pavement with nonsense double post supported signs saying 'Welcome to XYZ Road - sign sponsored by ABC Ltd'. I recall a butcher being reprimanded for leaving an advert sign on the path, and he took his sign away every evening. These council signs are an eysore, a danger and give no useful information. Get them removed.

Originally posted by Ousetunes

Funny how smooth traffic flows when traffic lights are out!!

How true, when the lights go out by the wicker arches there are no queues (although it is a little more dangerous). Surely they could be timed better to aloow the traffic to flow.

what really does annoy me are people who drive completely insanely and have a "baby on board" sticker in their back window, in particuler the woman who nearly killed me, herself and her "babes" when she cut across my lane at the roundabout at the bottom of ecclesall road (granted they have recently changed the road markings), but my feelings are, why should i be careful and take notice of the warning that they have children in the car when they drive like an idiot themselves and have total disregard for their own childrens safety.

Originally posted by Cyclone
i can't be sure, but i don't think that this is the sort of modification that insurance companies are too bothered about.


My driving instructor informed me of this information when I took my lessons/test in '98.

Having a tow-bar fitted infers you would be towing something, which directly affects the handling of the vehicle, I think you'll find the insurance companys would have valid reason for including this (or simular) clause.

Any modification must be reported to your insurance company (read the insurance company's schedule of limitations)!

Believe me, if an insurance company can find a way out of paying they will!

Originally posted by Ousetunes

And finally, all it takes is one car to break down, anywhere in Sheffield during rush-hour (sic) to bring the city to a halt. Or for a white van man numpty to park illegally whilst delivering (or fetching a packet of fags) to cause gridlock.

I totally agree with you here, this seams to happen alot outside the Train Station and the Spar around the corner forcing you into the 2nd lane and they think it makes it better if they put their Hazards on!

When these cars break down, it would be nice if, for a change, the owner actually attempted to push the vehicle off the road, or as close to the side as possible.

Far too often, I see cars broken down by the Spar on Sheaf St/Suffolk Road and they just block the road, rather than pushing them onto the pavement. The kerb there is low enough to do this.

Originally posted by Ousetunes
The council really are working overtime to bring the city to a halt. Their latest brainbox of an idea? To have pedestrian crossings at major junctions along with the usual traffic lights. (Viz Glossop Road/Newbould Lane; Oakbrook Road/Hangingwater Rd.)

This way, when someone wants to cross the road, all traffic comes to a halt. Then one set of lights change leaving the other motorists waiting longer. Spewing out their exhaust fumes. Sometimes, all the lights change to red for a non-existant pedestrian to cross. (Where's that thread about Sheffield ghosts).


Well, the pedestrian crossing on the Hangingwater junction is next a fairly large old persons residence and now my 92 year old grandmother can get to the shops without being scared to death of being run over by some dozy git running the lights (which were never timed to allow pedestrians to cross). If you think that's insufficient reason to slightly delay the traffic through that junction then what I think of you cannot be repeated.

Originally posted by dinp
When these cars break down, it would be nice if, for a change, the owner actually attempted to push the vehicle off the road, or as close to the side as possible.

Far too often, I see cars broken down by the Spar on Sheaf St/Suffolk Road and they just block the road, rather than pushing them onto the pavement. The kerb there is low enough to do this.

So that's why this mad council are replacing miles of existing low kerbs (with nothing wrong with them) with new kerbs that are really high. More chance to disrupt traffic eh!!

For the daftest kerbs see the new ones at the Beauchief Hotel crossroads ( the Ecclesall Woods side) where they've put 2 kerbs one on top of the other. They even had to realign the pavement to achieve this. Look carefully and you'll see they even had to make a ramp up in the path to get to this new pavement level. Imagine trying to cross the road and falling down a suprisingly 300mm high kerb. What's all that about then you idiots? You aren't even clever enough to be called incompetent.

Sorry to deviate from the thread. So - parking with headlights on (against the rules and against common sense) especially parked on the wrong side facing oncoming traffic.

Were Do You Think All The Money Comes From. To Keep The Busses On The Roads.? Not From The Sale Of The Tickets. Us Car Drivers. We Get Taxed To Hell On Every Thing. Then They Spend Loads Of That Money To Prop Up The Bus Services. Becouse They Cannot Make It Pay. I Think If A Business Cannot Make It Pay. Then It Should Not Be In Business....
Thats My Grumping Out Of The Way :-)

Originally posted by gazza123
Were Do You Think All The Money Comes From. To Keep The Busses On The Roads.? Not From The Sale Of The Tickets. Us Car Drivers. We Get Taxed To Hell On Every Thing. Then They Spend Loads Of That Money To Prop Up The Bus Services. Becouse They Cannot Make It Pay. I Think If A Business Cannot Make It Pay. Then It Should Not Be In Business....
Thats My Grumping Out Of The Way :-)

For Gods sake please learn to stop putting capital letters at the start of every word.
Most bus routres are not subsidised, Mainline is run as a business not a charity.

Originally posted by FatFreddie
Well, the pedestrian crossing on the Hangingwater junction is next a fairly large old persons residence and now my 92 year old grandmother can get to the shops without being scared to death of being run over by some dozy git running the lights (which were never timed to allow pedestrians to cross). If you think that's insufficient reason to slightly delay the traffic through that junction then what I think of you cannot be repeated.

Now, now. I never intend to put the motorist over the pedestrian and the case you have described is obviously justified. I'm also aware that the lights are a Godsend for parents and schoolchildren (Nethergreen School being just up the road).

My point is not directed at them! Sunday morning, say, 9 o'clock and I'm sat at the red lights with no other motorist, never mind pedestrian in sight, whilst the green men are having a field day.

Think of me what you wish. We live in a free country. (okay, so we ONCE lived in a democracy....,)

One of the best suggestions I've read on here, is to allow cars carrying four people to use Bus Lanes during their operational hours.

Naturally, our anti-car Council would go red in the face at such a preposterous suggestion!! Moreover, as First is in itself an independant, private business, do they pay the council a fee for use of the (public sector) Bus Lanes? If not, why not?

And another pat on the back to our Council for the 'Junction Realignments' taking place nearby. Any vehicle wishing to turn right will now hold up traffic behind because this fantastic Junction Realignment now prevents motorists from passing nearside. (Sit and wait, contribute to the hole in the ozone you silly little motorist.)

What really annoys me as a pedestrian is when cars don't indicate, because they think there are no other cars around so they don't need to. There are some junctions that are a nightmare to cross (although in Sheffield there are a hell of a lot of crossings), and I end up standing there for about 10 mins...

On the other hand, I passed my driving test about 18 months ago, (but do not have a car) and I HATE it when people press the button to cross and then actually turn their heads and look and see thats it's clear so cross anyway, and a whole queue of traffic then has to stop for the green man with no-one crossing!

A great amount of congestion in Sheffield is caused either by the Highways Engineers complete incompetence at being able to phase traffic lights properly in the city correctly or it is being done deliberately to cause congestion.
This is most noticeable when having driven in other major UK cities then returning to Sheffield and having a taste of our system.

Where do i begin ?

People who double park so you cannot get to your own driveway and then give you verbal abuse cos you appear annoyed about it.

People who park so far away from a kerb they would have to call a taxi to get to the pavement.

People who do not give way when you have right of way.

generall driving manners, dont they teach that now in driving school.

Women who do their hair in the mirror while driving and men that pick their nose while driving they get so engrosed in it.

Originally posted by Wattsy
generall driving manners, dont they teach that now in driving school.

We certainly do but you can't hold us responsible for the actions of people once they've passed their driving tests.

New drivers will copy their peers so if they were to set a better example........................

I was driving with my mum down long lane in loxley today and a car full of chavs were driving behind me.

They saw my L-plate with glee and began to speed up behind me until they were so close that I could see their ugly faces in my mirror.

At the very bottom at the last possible moment, where any sensible driver wouldn't even think of overtaking, they dangerously overtook me :rant:

And they call me a learner driver. They need to learn some respect for other people and their safety.

Well there is no way I am reading all of that!

Simple question:
Ignorant Motorists :- What makes you mad

Simple answer:
people who do not indicate to show their intentions

people who leave a massive gap then shoot ahead cos they have a noisy exhaust grrrrr
people who overtake when everyone is queuing - they arent gonna get anywhere
people who never let you out of difficult roads, where you cant see properly
people who dont strap kids/animals in
people on the phone
people who argue or p*** about with their partners

wow - lots of things!!:hihi:

What makes you mad??
Answer - Women with cars!! :hihi: :heyhey:

men that pick their nose while driving they get so engrosed in it. [/B][/QUOTE]

Wattsy that made be laugh so much I nearly had an accident! But it's true, they then stare at the end of their finger and examine the pickings intently, all the while I'm just sitting behind them in traffic can't believe what I'm watching!!!!!!!

I'l have to say I've seen a couple of ladies driving while picking their noses, and one was as old as miss marple.

It's been low winter sun today and I've seen so many near misses, because of it, Why can't people wear sun glasses to help them see? I always have some in the car and almost always wear them in the day it makes everything clearer.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
It's been low winter sun today and I've seen so many near misses, because of it, Why can't people wear sun glasses to help them see? I always have some in the car and almost always wear them in the day it makes everything clearer.

Yeah I could have used some on my lesson today.

My driving instructor had some on, but I just thought he was trying to look cool lol!

Woodseats. Was it our present traffic czar (am I wrong or does he live in York?) that suggested that narrowing the road through woodseats will make the traffic flow better. I have to say, it aint working. So much so that all the National Express, city to city coaches divert round Blackstock Road, Norton Lane and Jordanthorpe.

Originally posted by Cyclone
For Gods sake please learn to stop putting capital letters at the start of every word.
Most bus routres are not subsidised, Mainline is run as a business not a charity.
No wonder we have so many complaints in the world with petty people like you.
Can we now get on with more important things in life then pulling down someones english.............

Originally posted by gazza123
No wonder we have so many complaints in the world with petty people like you.
Can we now get on with more important things in life then pulling down someones english.............

Well people do have to be able to read your post gazza.

He did say please could you not put capitol letters at the beginning of every word....

Originally posted by gazza123
No wonder we have so many complaints in the world with petty people like you.
Can we now get on with more important things in life then pulling down someones english.............

Your english appears to be fine, it's your shift finger that's got a problem, it's stuck on repeat.
Have you any idea of how hard it is to read a post with capitals at the start of every word. And it's not like it's easier to type, it's actually more work for you.

I was going through Leicester today and was just about to come onto the M1 at J21 to come back to Sheff. Some idiot on the roundabout was on his mobile in a brand new clio and nearly smashed into the side of me as he wasn't checking what lane he had to be in.

One of these days, i'm guna let someone hit me doing this and have them for it. I would understand if I had a black car or something, but the car is WHITE!!

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I'l have to say I've seen a couple of ladies driving while picking their noses, and one was as old as miss marple.

It's been low winter sun today and I've seen so many near misses, because of it, Why can't people wear sun glasses to help them see? I always have some in the car and almost always wear them in the day it makes everything clearer.

Sunglasses are also a must when driving up Crookesmoor Road (during the University term) on a hot, sunny day.

*ahem*

Cyclone
Sorry for been grumpy at you.
I was having a very bad day.
Now i am happy that they have give me full Planning Permission For The Conservatory / Decking / Fencing.
I feel on top of the world.

The problem I find is people who don't know how to use mini-roundabouts. Not only do they drive over them which is illegal. At the one near my home, they seem to think that because they are on the major road and I am entering on their right from a minor road that they have the right of way. The number of times this month when I have had to brake sharply when some moron casually drives onto the roundabout. Then they have the audacity to glare at me when I stop in the middle of the roundabout.

Originally posted by Hal9001
The problem I find is people who don't know how to use mini-roundabouts. Not only do they drive over them which is illegal. At the one near my home, they seem to think that because they are on the major road and I am entering on their right from a minor road that they have the right of way. The number of times this month when I have had to brake sharply when some moron casually drives onto the roundabout. Then they have the audacity to glare at me when I stop in the middle of the roundabout.

When I was learning to drive (some 4 years ago now), my instructor told me it was okay to have two wheels on the centre of a mini roundabout if it was a very tight one. Driving over them is illegal, but can be fun though ;)

Hal... I don't recall anything that enforces driving completely around the little white circle on a mini roundabout. My understanding is that they are there to create a junction entry / exit priority for exactly the sort of reason you cite

Originally posted by Tony
Hal... I don't recall anything that enforces driving completely around the little white circle on a mini roundabout. My understanding is that they are there to create a junction entry / exit priority for exactly the sort of reason you cite

Highway code Rule 164:


Mini-roundabouts Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Beware of vehicles making U-turns.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1), 16(1)

Doesn't that agree with what I said?

Originally posted by Tony
Doesn't that agree with what I said?

No. You said that it wasn't neccesary to go around the white marking on the centre of the roundabut and that you could drive over it.

The highway code says that you MUST go completely around the markings (and not drive over the white circle in the middle)

Yesterday evening I was driven to distraction with the stupidity of someone driving a white Citroen ZX on Sheldon road. I was heading toward Abbeydale road and the Citroen was the car ahead, and there was nothing in front of it. And the other lane was full of traffic coming towards N.Edge.

A fire engine approached behind me with sirens and lights on it's way to an incident. It couldn't overtake because of the traffic waiting in the other lane stuck at the lights, and there was no way for me to pull over because of parked cars. So the only sensible course of action is to press on in front of the Fire engine to where there is a junction and space to pass.

Well after the parked cars on the left, the road narrows, and the Citroen just stopped there and put it's LHS indicator. Leaving me behing blocking the lane for the engine. There was nothing I could have done apart from stand on my horn big style. And it seemed like half a minute before the car set off again, and after another 10 yards the fire engine swept past us as there was no more traffic in the other lane.
:loopy: :mad: :rant:

When I'm driving along at a sensible and appropriate speed, why do people seem to think that driving right up my backside is going to make me speed up for them? If I were to brake hard in that situation, they'd crash into me, guaranteed.

What I in fact do is I slow down so that I've dropped by 5mph over the course of the next 20 seconds. Then they usually get the message and back off, at which point I return to my normal speed. But if they didn't, the reduction in speed would at least mean that if there was an accident, my car would suffer less damage.

(I don't move out of their way, because if there is more than one lane, I keep left like I'm supposed to)

MY DRIVING SOLUTIONS:

Motorway middle lane blocked? Overtake on inside.

BUS cuts me up: Later on same day go through a bus gate.

(You cannot go right into Sheldon road from Abbeydale Rd - ER WHITE ARROW IN BLUE CIRCLE MEANS STRAIGHT ON DUH!)
Solution to car blocking road in above? overtake in usual fashion (she shouldn't be turning right).

Traffic Jam at usual places?
Anticipate it and do use the rat runs.

:thumbsup:My driving, not yours...and I have got advanced driver certificate! And I am a cyclist. It's anarchy out there, lets face it!

Originally posted by Deejay
I've forgot already :roll:

Year and 10 days since I passed.. 40% Insurance drop already :clap:

You've got all this to come by the way Ian.... Arrogant drivers who can't make their mind up where they are going & Boy Racers cutting you up..

Wow 40% drop? Thats really good... I passed my test on November 30th... Been shopping around for a few insurance quotes, cheapest I got is £1043 for 3rd party with Norwich Union (on an 04 Suzuki Alto) but its soooo expensive I just cant afford it.

By the way, does anyone know anything about 3rd party fire and theft insurance? I know if you cause the accident you've had it and you just have to whistle for your car, but what if someone damages it intentionally? Say if someone smashed your headlights up, you wouldn't be able to take it out on the roads, would you be covered?

you wouldn't claim for that anyway as you'd want to keep building up your no claims. And unless you live somewhere very rough I wouldn't think it'd happen in the normal run of things.

But at the end of the day, no you wouldn't be covered for it.

Does a white arrow in blue circle mean straight on only, what's wrong with a no right turn sign?

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/sign067.shtml

WHITE ARROW IN BLUE CIRCLE = AHEAD ONLY

Originally posted by Cyclone
Does a white arrow in blue circle mean straight on only, what's wrong with a no right turn sign?

Nothing if you can turn left. But if you are on abbeydale road heading out of town, past the Broadfield road/sheldon road junction, there's no right or left turn allowed. That's why it is straight on.

fair enough. you also often see a no left and no right turn sign stuck one above the other, not awfully consistent.

A bit of subject,but i have just found a link on the council website that shows you pictures from the councils network or road camera's in Sheffield.

http://sccplugins.sheffield.gov.uk/utc/cameralocs.htm

I wonder how some of you would have managed with the trams and buses in the old days. What is annoying about motorist, sorry in most cases car steerers is fog lights when the sun is shinning, what they do when it's foggy I hate to think, car phone use, radio on full blast and no seat belt then wonder why they get stopped by the police.

can anyone tell me why on a motorway traveling at 70mph threre is always the pratt that has to be 20 feet behind you.
then when there is traffic jam and traffic is moving at 5mph there are gaps of 100-200 yards behind some of the cars making the jam even longer

Originally posted by prioryx
can anyone tell me why on a motorway traveling at 70mph threre is always the pratt that has to be 20 feet behind you.
then when there is traffic jam and traffic is moving at 5mph there are gaps of 100-200 yards behind some of the cars making the jam even longer

I can think of a couple of reasons. The bad mess in a pile up is when stood cars are concertina - d together. when people plough into the back of stood vehicles. They showed an incident from start to finish on the tv and it was absolutely horrific.

People get a rush of blood when they are travelling and tend to drive too close. But when they have been rammed up the back and plough into the vehicle in front, they learn that lesson quick. I know a couple of people who have done this.

Another reason is reps. If you spend your working life hammering up and down the motorways in a vectra(or other rep car). When you spend time in traffic jams, your clutch knee gets very tired and painful. And you spend less time moving in and out of first gear if you can help it, and keep a greater distance and less catching up.

I would say that it is much safer to leave a gap between yourself and the car in front when stopped. And most people leave none. According to Roadcraft you should be able to see the tarmac under the wheels of the car in front when stood in traffic. I would suggest even that's a little close on a motorway.

Originally posted by prioryx
I wonder how some of you would have managed with the trams and buses in the old days. What is annoying about motorist, sorry in most cases car steerers is fog lights when the sun is shinning, what they do when it's foggy I hate to think, car phone use, radio on full blast and no seat belt then wonder why they get stopped by the police.

it could be because you're travelling at 70mph in the fast overtaking lane when in fact you are not overtaking anything.

I allow a large gap to develop in a traffic jam if it's very stop start at low speed. Keeping the large gap allows me to brake and accelerate less often, which actually smoothes out the flow of traffic behind me (and means i have to do less work). It might make the actuall length of the jam 50 m longer, but there's still exactly the same number of cars in it, so overall it has a positive effect.

The same applies when travelling quickly in heavy traffic.
The idiot who drives closely and is constantly on and off the brake contributes a lot to traffic problems behind them. When people see brake lights come on they often over react and brake more than required. This ripple effect spreads back down the traffic until at some point it causes someone to come to a complete stop.
If the person in front of me is braking a little and often, i leave a bigger gap and do not brake when they do (i cover the pedal of course).

Interesting as you've raised something that bothers me; drivers who, when pulling up behind cars which are waiting at lights etc., will stop about 10 / 15 yrds away then (while the queue is still stationery) creep forward at .01 mph as if to give themselves some false notion of 'well at least we're moving', because they can't face the fact they are queueing and are at the back!!:hihi: Which results (obviously) in a silly and unnecessary concertina effect, wasting fuel and causing noise and stink etc. at what should be a stationery queue. Having gone through various phases of how to deal with this I have more or less given up letting it bothering me and just join in!!. Does that make me a tolerant citizen or another mug in a line? :loopy: :loopy: :loopy: :loopy:

Originally posted by Aaarrrggghhh
Interesting as you've raised something that bothers me; drivers who, when pulling up behind cars which are waiting at lights etc., will stop about 10 / 15 yrds away then (while the queue is still stationery) creep forward at .01 mph as if to give themselves some false notion of 'well at least we're moving', because they can't face the fact they are queueing and are at the back!!:hihi: Which results (obviously) in a silly and unnecessary concertina effect, wasting fuel and causing noise and stink etc. at what should be a stationery queue. Having gone through various phases of how to deal with this I have more or less given up letting it bothering me and just join in!!. Does that make me a tolerant citizen or another mug in a line? :loopy: :loopy: :loopy: :loopy:

that achieves nothing. If they've effectively had to stop they may as well stop at the correct distance and put the handbrake on.

I tend to slow down in advance if i can see that i might have to stop, and might approach the queue at 10 mph with the car in 2nd idling in the hope that the light will change before i get there and the queue start to move (surprising how often I don't have to stop by doing this).
But if i do stop it's 1 or 2 m from the car infront and i stop fully.

Sounds like you're an aware sort of driver. Unfortunately the road is a place for all levels of awareness.

'Wow that's great! All those people all wanting to live together!' -
(Crocodile Dundee on seeing a city for the 1st time)

my pregnant sister-in-law was involved in a head on collision the other day.
she and the baby are fine fortunately.

An uninsured driver (now arrested) pulled out of a side road on the opposite side to her, drove 10 meters then turned straight across the front of her to turn into a side road on the opposite side.

I hope he does time, he deserves it.

thats disgusting, glad ur sis and babs ok. Hope he gets more than a smack on wrists. no insurance?? uncalled 4:(

Originally posted by Cyclone
my pregnant sister-in-law was involved in a head on collision the other day.
she and the baby are fine fortunately.

An uninsured driver (now arrested) pulled out of a side road on the opposite side to her, drove 10 meters then turned straight across the front of her to turn into a side road on the opposite side.

I hope he does time, he deserves it.

There is an organisation called the Motor Insurers Bureau (I think) that deals with claims involving uninsured drivers. Either CAB or her own insurance company should be able to help.

Glad everyone is OK

Unless things have changed dramatically in the last four years or so, an idiot without insurance (and in the case of what happened to me, without a licence) will get a slap on the wrists, they may be banned from driving (as if that will stop them!) and may be asked to pay a fine, which they will say they can only pay at £1 a week/month, and which they will soon stop paying, with no penalty at all.

And the victim? Will generally get sweet fa, with the added bonus of not even a bit of information, never mind compensation, unless they have been injured.

In my case, I was only 6 hours off my insurance turning from 3rd party to comprehensive, so I also got to pay out £500 out of my own pocket to repair the damage. Beatiful timing, lol.

Cosy

did you report it to your own insurance cosywolf, they should have given you this information;

In the case of a claim against an uninsured driver the claim is dealt with in almost exactly the same way as it would be if the claim was against another driver who was insured. Negotiations for settlement of the claim will be with the M.I.B. rather than an insurance company. The MIB imposes a nominal excess of £300 and compensation for injuries and other losses and legal fees are paid in full subject to the nominal excess being deducted. Losses that can be claimed include pain and suffering, loss of income, vehicle repair costs, replacement vehicle hire, medical expenses and prescriptions and loss of amenities of life. Claims against uninsured drivers inevitably take longer to resolve than if the driver was insured. It is usually necessary to instigate court proceedings and obtain judgement and the MIB usually settles any judgement obtained after the expiry of seven days if the judgement remains unsatisfied provided that they have been given proper procedural notice.

from here (http://www.accident999.co.uk/motor_insurers_bureau.html)

As of late dont ask me why... but several cars now have pulled straight out in front of me... Whether it's at a junction an they're driving straight across or just pulling out to drive in front of me...

Its almost caused a couple of accidents now... Its scary... why do people insist on doing it... Surely they care for their own safety if not for others :? or maybe not... :(

At times i feel like getting out of my car an checking that i dont have a sticker stuck across the front bumper saying 'Pull out in front of me... Its fun!' :nono:

Oh yes, I reported it. Did lots of phoning round for help, too. I was told no injury, no help. No comprehensive insurance, no help. Able to afford it or not, I have never ever ever been without comprehensive since. Third party is pointless.

I was unemployed at the time, just like the silly moo who crashed into my car...but I was bl**ding well paying my insurance, tax, MOT, etc. If I hadn't been able to, I would have sold the car. Then I got lumped with this huge payment. They, on the other hand, who didn't have tax, insurance, or even a licence, got off without any trouble at all.

And don't you know that if I was caught doing what they did now, as a working tax payer, they would fleece me to h*ll and back (deservedly) cos they know I'd pay it. Prob'ly give me community service, too. An odd spin on the 2 tiered system!

Cosy

it appears that my sister-in-law will be claiming on her own insurance as there's no excess as with the mib and it will be resolved a lot quicker without having to go to court.

The other driver was not only uninsured, but apparently also did a runner and was picked up by the police 4 hours later.
Several witnesses gave fairly good descriptions of him and he had an injury to his hand from the crash, so no chance that he can claim the car was stolen.

Don't know if he'd also been drinking, entirely possible as he apparently pulled out to overtake a parked car before turning right 10 to 15 metres later. He never made it the 10 to 15 metres as 5 metres later driving in the wrong carriageway he ran into my S.I.L.

So we've got, driving without insurance, dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, failure to report an accident, leaving the scene of an accident and maybe drink driving leading to an accident.

Hopefully it'll be more than a fine and community service.

Something drastic really has to be done about uninsured drivers, its a**eholes like them who make our premiums higher in the first place.

I think that if an uninsured driver is crashed into by an insured driver, they should get nothing, and a hefty fine for being uninsured. The insured driver (who caused the crash) should not be responsible for their negligence to insurance, only to their own vehicle.

Then, if an uninsured driver crashes into an insured driver, the uninsured driver should have their car impounded and the heavies sent round to their house to collect items to the value of the damage caused to the insured party. They should also be fined, arrested and charged and banned for driving - the ban would vary according to the length of non-insurance. So somebody who has not been insured for 5 years would be banned for 5 years, someone without insurance for 6 hours would get a week or so.

Originally posted by dinp
Something drastic really has to be done about uninsured drivers, its a**eholes like them who make our premiums higher in the first place.

I think that if an uninsured driver is crashed into by an insured driver, they should get nothing, and a hefty fine for being uninsured. The insured driver (who caused the crash) should not be responsible for their negligence to insurance, only to their own vehicle.

Then, if an uninsured driver crashes into an insured driver, the uninsured driver should have their car impounded and the heavies sent round to their house to collect items to the value of the damage caused to the insured party. They should also be fined, arrested and charged and banned for driving - the ban would vary according to the length of non-insurance. So somebody who has not been insured for 5 years would be banned for 5 years, someone without insurance for 6 hours would get a week or so.

I fully agree but the problem comes with your sentiments in the last paragraph.

If they can drive without insurance, they can drive without a licence and thats the big problem - ATTITUDE

Originally posted by Saxon
I fully agree but the problem comes with your sentiments in the last paragraph.

If they can drive without insurance, they can drive without a licence and thats the big problem - ATTITUDE

The problem is trying to distinguish whether or not someone is taking the complete p*ss or not.

Some middle aged guy with an unblemished license forgets to renew his insurance for a day shouldnt be treated with as much malice as a good-for-nothing yob who, like you rightly say, probably wont have a license either.

whilst i agree that they shouldn't be treat as harshly.
they should still have to pay up for the damage caused. That might help to jog their memory in the future. How the hell you forget something like car insurance is beyond me, you get plenty of reminders from your existing insurance and would generally have to actively cancel it, and then forget to take a policy out with another company.

Originally posted by Cyclone
whilst i agree that they shouldn't be treat as harshly.
they should still have to pay up for the damage caused. That might help to jog their memory in the future. How the hell you forget something like car insurance is beyond me, you get plenty of reminders from your existing insurance and would generally have to actively cancel it, and then forget to take a policy out with another company.

To be fair, I cant argue that point as this is my first year on my own insurance (drove under my parents policy beforehand).

Nobody's perfect though and i'm sure its possible, if the person has other, more pressing matters on their mind (family issues for example), they could forget.

My Auntie once forgot to renew her TV License, remembered after a week and rang them up to see if she was due a fine or anything (she's honest, see :D). They told her not to worry and just to be more careful in future.

Originally posted by Angel05
As of late dont ask me why... but several cars now have pulled straight out in front of me... Whether it's at a junction an they're driving straight across or just pulling out to drive in front of me...

Its almost caused a couple of accidents now... Its scary... why do people insist on doing it... Surely they care for their own safety if not for others :? or maybe not... :(

At times i feel like getting out of my car an checking that i dont have a sticker stuck across the front bumper saying 'Pull out in front of me... Its fun!' :nono:
be more assertive girly. i am woman - hear me roar etc etc..
or do what i do and start hand signals spanish style!

Originally posted by NatalieSheff
be more assertive girly. i am woman - hear me roar etc etc..
or do what i do and start hand signals spanish style!

I swear, by the time i'm finished here in Sheffield, my poor horn will be all worn out! And that's just from the nasty buses :hihi:

Originally posted by dinp
I swear, by the time i'm finished here in Sheffield, my poor horn will be all worn out! And that's just from the nasty buses :hihi:
horn - just laughed my head off at that!!

the one thing that annoys me whilst i'm driving is these people that don't know how long or wide thier cars are so they sit and wait for oncoming traffic to pass before they decide to procede the gap may be large enough for two cars or a bus and a car but they still wait

Originally posted by gillmarx
the one thing that annoys me whilst i'm driving is these people that don't know how long or wide thier cars are so they sit and wait for oncoming traffic to pass before they decide to procede the gap may be large enough for two cars or a bus and a car but they still wait


Yeah I do that, but I am a learner and I'm cautious.

And what does it matter??

You have to wait like 2 seconds for them decide?? Better safe than sorry

you have an L plate on then. So people should make exceptions.

It's annoying because it's one more unecessary hold-up on a journey that you'd rather was already over.

Originally posted by gillmarx
the one thing that annoys me whilst i'm driving is these people that don't know how long or wide thier cars are so they sit and wait for oncoming traffic to pass before they decide to procede the gap may be large enough for two cars or a bus and a car but they still wait
I sometimes wait for the oncoming vehicle(s) to pass before I proceed into a space I can actually fit through. There's a reason for this:

I have NO idea how good a driver the other party is, and I'd rather be delayed by 5-10 seconds than run the risk of someone taking my wing mirror off or scraping the side of my car. There are some incredibly bad drivers out there, who only avoid having terrible accidents because of better drivers being careful to minimise the risks.

Defensive driving. Assume that every other driver is potentially an idiot, and could do something stupid at any time. It's not enough to refrain from doing dangerous things yourself - if you anticipate other people's stupidity and make allowances for it, you'll be a lot safer.

I was driving around Parksquare last night and at the bottom of duke street there was five cars all park up next to the roundabout all being given tickets from a police officer for going through the bus gate. One of the drivers was in a School of motoring car,The learner was in tears as she got her £30.00 fine.Is is correct that she will have to pay it or would the instructor be responsible? I had to laugh though, made my day!

Makes you wonder what certain driving schools are teaching their pupils though.

In any situation like that, the driver is legally responsible for any motoring offence, even if still a learner. The driver in charge (in this case the driving instructor) might also face prosecution for 'aiding and abetting'. However I don't think what you describe is an endorseable offence so that might not happen.

I would never get a pupil to do something illegal like that but if it did happen, I would feel morally obliged to pay the fine

Originally posted by carcrash
I dont drive but if I did those idiots blocking yellow box junctions whould get on my nerves

Not to mention the a***holes - mainly bus drivers in has to be said - who park across pedestrian crossings at the top of Hanover Way so that when the Green Man puts in his all to rare appearance you have to weave round the b******s.

:rant:

Originally posted by limpetboy
Not to mention the a***holes - mainly bus drivers in has to be said - who park across pedestrian crossings at the top of Hanover Way so that when the Green Man puts in his all to rare appearance you have to weave round the b******s.

:rant:

Oh but the roads in Sheffield belong to the bus, don't they? We cars and pedestrians are just inconvenient obstacles :suspect:

Another thing that annoys me, and It has been mentioned before.

Tailgating.

More often than not, its either a Boy Racer in a GT-Idon'thinkso or a rep sat up your arse thinking they have a better car than you.

I like to wind up the Boy Racers most.

Gradually slow down, really annoys them. Then when they try and move out to overtake you, the size of the exhaust and the spoiler makes them slower than their car would be originally.

Time then to put your toe down and leave them stranded.

(occasionally the boy racer car is faster than what I drive and the whole excercise is pointless)

Originally posted by Nathen
Another thing that annoys me, and It has been mentioned before.

Tailgating.

More often than not, its either a Boy Racer in a GT-Idon'thinkso or a rep sat up your arse thinking they have a better car than you.

I like to wind up the Boy Racers most.

Gradually slow down, really annoys them. Then when they try and move out to overtake you, the size of the exhaust and the spoiler makes them slower than their car would be originally.

Time then to put your toe down and leave them stranded.

(occasionally the boy racer car is faster than what I drive and the whole excercise is pointless) in situations like this i usually put my lights on,the fool behind thinks ive hit my brakes and panicks by slamming his breaks on because he is so close,as we all know fools cant do two things at once so they usually brake hard or over compensate and end up hitting the kerb,i drive an 18 00 xri,so i just pull away and leave them to it

Parking at night with headlights on. This is much more annoying and dangerous when they are parked on the wrong side - facing traffic.
There was one (yes a 4x4 too) parked on the wrong side with headlights dazzling the oncoming traffic on Abbey Lane the other night - parked right next to one of the stupid obstructions just put in by the council.
Hidden behind the headlight dazzle, the car owner(?) had a door open and was standing in the highway loading the car. I'm sure he was oblivious of the danger he was causing to himself and others.
Don't park with headlights on and certainly don't park on the wrong side with headlights on. It seems to be an epidemic in this town.

I get a bit upset sometimes about those flashing LED back lights which cyclists use nowadays. At dusk and other times especially passing lots of trees, they are really hard to see unless you are too close. I always understood that you had to have proper torch based incandescent lights on the back of a bike, and you could have an LED one as well if you want. But no, they don't even sell old fashioned light any more. This is a real pity because a proper torch one you can see clearly from much farther away.

LED Lights are better as they last longer, smaller and brighter.
Although Flashing lights are actually illegal, most police turn a blind eye to it.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I get a bit upset sometimes about those flashing LED back lights which cyclists use nowadays. At dusk and other times especially passing lots of trees, they are really hard to see unless you are too close. I always understood that you had to have proper torch based incandescent lights on the back of a bike, and you could have an LED one as well if you want. But no, they don't even sell old fashioned light any more. This is a real pity because a proper torch one you can see clearly from much farther away.

Correct - there should be a steady light (torch) and the flashing ones can be additional - but not as the sole light. Unless the law has changed.

Originally posted by nuf_said
Correct - there should be a steady light (torch) and the flashing ones can be additional - but not as the sole light. Unless the law has changed.

Yeah thanks, I thought I was right about that one. Now I don't want anyone to think I'm having a go at cyclists because I'm not. I cycle myself occasionally.
The other one is people who drive with a bike rack on and no tail light/number plate board on the back.
It is definitely the law, that you must have no part of any lights or number plate covered up with a bike or any other obstruction. Reponsible people, many of my friends have the number plate board with the extra tail light on, which plug in like a trailer underneath, like you have on a tow hook.

I used to work with someone who was fined £300 for obscuring part of his number plate and £400 for obscuring one of his back light clusters. When he was irresponsibly carrying a bike on a rack on his hatchback car without extra lights/numberplate board.

Lorry drivers really get on my nerves. If you've ever been up the A1 then you'll know what i'm on about. They sit in the outside lane quite contempt and then they have this sudden urge to overtake the lorry in front which is going just as fast.

They pull out without lookin to see if any cars are there and then it takes them ten minutes to build up the extra 2mph to overtake the lorry.

Then probably to annoy the other lorry drive he pulls back in. And now this lorry driver will want to overtake the other lorry now..........great.

they don't get to where they're goin any faster so why the need?

Lorries should not be allowed to overtake on dual carriage ways because it slows everone else up

Use freight trains instead and save us the high blood pressure

I know exactly what you mean about lorry drivers on the A1. ***** the lot of em. What really gets me is when they pull out on you and you've nowhere to go. I know they're ten times bigger and heavier than the average car but what do they expect you to do when there are only two lanes on the motorway and they want to occupy both, even with you in it!! I've had many a scary incident on this stretch of road and think they should all be whipped!suspect: :rant:

motorists that dont indicate really do my head in

Why is it that some people don't think they have to stop at zebra crossings on Abbey lane anymore. When you put your foot on the crossing, vehicles have to stop. Now I'm not aggressive, irrisponsible or selfish about my regular use of these crossings, but some drivers just barge past, wether I'm halfway across or not.

Worse culprits are chain smoking mercedes driving middle/old aged women

Originally posted by Lickszz
drivers who hesitate

Daft thing to say. I've just passed my test and I do hesitate!
It's all part of learning!