Editorial: A speedy way to confusions

Photo / Nigel Marple

A wonderful bonus of modern cars is the cruise control function.

Dial in the speed you want your car to stay at consistently, and simply concentrate on steering as a computer takes over.

Most people use this function not because they are too lazy to hold their foot on the accelerator, but because it is their guarantee the vehicle will not travel faster than it should.

Many people, for instance, set their car's speed at 108 or 109km/h, just under the self-confessed police speed tolerance level on the open road.

Any higher than 10km/h above the 100km/h limit and police will ticket them.

But police have been handing out tickets over Queen's Birthday Weekend for anyone doing 5km/h more than the limit.

They have reduced their tolerance in a bid to curb the road toll.

It is one of the most frustrating changes our enforcement officers can make and there will be some highly agitated drivers caught before the holiday period finishes on Tuesday morning.

Despite advertising and the media giving it coverage, there will be ignorant people and their anger at being fined will be directed at police.

If, for example, someone is caught at 106km/h completing a passing move in an overtaking lane, most drivers will have sympathy if a ticket is handed out. Some argue frustrated drivers unable to pass because of a rigid approach to the limit are as much a danger as speedsters.

Police say they are getting tough because of the 12 road deaths over Easter, the worst toll for a holiday period in 18 years, and the 10 fatalities last Queen's Birthday. A one-off three-day change is hardly a scientific way to test a theory though.

From Tuesday, what are drivers allowed to travel at? 100km/h, 104km/h or 109km/h? It's a confusion no one needs.