Martin Cassini

As a species, are we naturally co-operative? If given the choice, do we show consideration for others? My view, expressed in a post on the 'all-way yield' thread, is that by depriving us of choice, the traffic control system brings out the worst in us.
The law of main road priority tells us to ignore people trying to get out of a "side road" even if they were there first.
F*** 'em, says the rule of the road. You're on the main road. You have priority.
But they were there first.
So what? The rules is the rules. Obey!
Oh, great, so side road traffic and pedestrians have inferior rights, do they? They are condemned to wait indefinitely or run the gauntlet. Does that make sense? Not in my world view it doesn't. I abominate the rules of the road that make us act against our better nature and better judgement. I condemn a system which places the onus on children - children for Pete's sake! - to beware drivers, when it could and should be the other way round.
The f*** us up, the engineers,
They may not mean to but they do.

East Hill

Ah, it's because it's meant to facilitate people with cars.

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

Martin Cassini

Yes, in a sense roads have been designed for vehicles, but priority disadvantages motorists too. They too are forced to fight for gaps and green time. Priority puts us at odds with our surroundings. It creates an alien environment in which we are required to leave civil manners behind and behave in ways that are against everything we've been taught. Push in. Ignore anyone who isn't on the main road and therefore doesn't have right of way. The DfT says conflict points should be minimised, but priority does the opposite. Trying to exit from a side road or B road we are faced with fast-moving traffic from both sides. It's a running scandal.

East Hill

What would you do to change that?

East Hill