I feel the need....the need for speed

[flappist]

One of my favorite subjects, speed limits and open zones, has become topical lately with a quite varied range of opinions some of which are quite strong.

I thought I would investigate as to who on here has actually driven in open zones and/or legally at speeds greater than 110km/h in Australia.

I would like to keep experiences in other countries out of this as the "they are better drivers than Australians" is then moot.

So......

Have you any personal experience in Australia on public roads legally driving at speeds above 110km/h?

[Romulus]

90-100 in the old language is my preferred speed when travellling in the Pilbara and Kimberley region. Having driven there a lot I choose the locations to do so and never travel at night.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by F6 Concorde

90-100 in the old language is my preferred speed when travellling in the Pilbara and Kimberley region. Having driven there a lot I choose the locations to do so and never travel at night.

Agree, some of the roads up there are fantastic and can easily support that speed in a capable and well maintained car (not at night though, lots of giant furry, long tailed grass hoppers).

[geckoGT]

As you know I drove the XR8 across from Karratha WA to Brisbane through the NT in the good old days of open speed limits.

Lets just say that on the stretches it was safe to do so it was nice sitting at a speed that allowed the roughly 200 km between towns to be covered in an hour, then have a half hour break and still make better time than sitting on 100 km/h. My fatigue levels traveling like that were much less, felt fresh as a daisy a the end of the day with just under 1500 km covered.

I felt guilty at first traveling at about 160 km/h until I got passed by a NT government Toyota Avolon that was doing 200 km/h. After that I pretty much just kept them in the distance (with lots of braking room) and cruised.

A seriously good way to travel with the quality of roads they had up there at the time. I have heard the roads have gone to the crapper since the 130 limit came in.

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I have heard the roads have gone to the crapper since the 130 limit came in.

Probably the REAL reason for introducing the new limit. don't have to maintain a high quality road.

[GreenMachine]

I've been working in the NT since a few months before the 130k/hr limit came in. My job involved travelling from Darwin to Katherine/Daly River etc fairly regularly and the open speed limit was useful - the roads are wide, straight and well surfaced and travelling at 150 versus travelling at 100 (limit everywhere else) meant I could get to and from meetings out of town without travelling at dusk or night and spending 3+ hours on the road after an already long day.

I'm now working in Alice Springs for a week or so each month, and regularly travel west to Yulara (Ayers Rock) and as far out as Docker River on the WA border. I'll admit that I regularly exceed the speed limit out in the back blocks (there's only a limit if it's enforced). Even an hour saved travelling a few clicks faster gets me back to Alice before fatigue really sets in or the roos/camels/emus come out.

That said, when I'm in Brisbane (home), I travel to the Sunshine Coast for work and also to visit the property, and you do NOT want a 130+k/hr limit on the Bruce Highway - The road is too bad and there is too much traffic. This could be fixed with a better, wider, better maintained road though.

[XR6_661]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

That said, when I'm in Brisbane (home), I travel to the Sunshine Coast for work and also to visit the property, and you do NOT want a 130+k/hr limit on the Bruce Highway - The road is too bad and there is too much traffic. This could be fixed with a better, wider, better maintained road though.

I agree, 130 on the Bruce Highway would be stupid...

I may or may not have done Cairns to T'ville at speeds over 130kph and it is pretty sketchy.

[castellan]

I lived in Darwin but i only usually drove at 100 KM/H in the summer because of the temp gauge. distance and fuel econ and tyres blowing out.

I would support 130 KM/H in the right hand lane on the Bruce Highway and on the Gold coast it should be mandatory.
It may eventually wake up all the dills that plod around wondering all over the place like Browns cows.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

I've been working in the NT since a few months before the 130k/hr limit came in. My job involved travelling from Darwin to Katherine/Daly River etc fairly regularly and the open speed limit was useful - the roads are wide, straight and well surfaced and travelling at 150 versus travelling at 100 (limit everywhere else) meant I could get to and from meetings out of town without travelling at dusk or night and spending 3+ hours on the road after an already long day.

I'm now working in Alice Springs for a week or so each month, and regularly travel west to Yulara (Ayers Rock) and as far out as Docker River on the WA border. I'll admit that I regularly exceed the speed limit out in the back blocks (there's only a limit if it's enforced). Even an hour saved travelling a few clicks faster gets me back to Alice before fatigue really sets in or the roos/camels/emus come out.

That said, when I'm in Brisbane (home), I travel to the Sunshine Coast for work and also to visit the property, and you do NOT want a 130+k/hr limit on the Bruce Highway - The road is too bad and there is too much traffic. This could be fixed with a better, wider, better maintained road though.

Some days the Bruce north of Brisbane struggles to reach speeds 60-70kph~ that said you do see some idiots around the 130kph mark

[flappist]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Some days the Bruce north of Brisbane struggles to reach speeds 60-70kph~ that said you do see some idiots around the 130kph mark

Nambour to Cooroy is the go-fast bit, I used to do it regularly and have seen more than a few "111 and a bit".
Once you get to Nambour going south you get to the "loony zone" with all the stupid intersections where all the accidents happen and from Caboolture south you get the "Bribie turnoff slightly mobile parking lot".

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by flappist

Nambour to Cooroy is the go-fast bit, I used to do it regularly and have seen more than a few "111 and a bit".
Once you get to Nambour going south you get to the "loony zone" with all the stupid intersections where all the accidents happen and from Caboolture south you get the "Bribie turnoff slightly mobile parking lot."

shouldnt laugh its true

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by flappist

and have seen more than a few "111 and a bit".

PM Flappy.

[kinksta]

Dad pulled out a good one yesterday, in his day it was popular to "do the ton" which he did in a Hemi Pacer hahaha

(That is to hit 100MPH)

[grandpa_spec_F6]

I think 110k's is enough for the Bruce, was coming back just before Wild Horse Mountain (where the two Mobile's are either side of the highway) and in the left lane the road was so deformed I thought my wheel was going to fall off.

Never been to the NT however would have loved to just to experience what it was like.

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by grandpa_spec_au

I think 110k's is enough for the Bruce, was coming back just before Wild Horse Mountain (where the two Mobile's are either side of the highway) and in the left lane the road was so deformed I thought my wheel was going to fall off.

Never been to the NT however would have loved to just to experience what it was like.

Must be why there is a speed camera the other side of the bridge then .. Its all about Safety ya know ..

[frd906]

Then they get lovely photos of there cars in the mail with a nice fine

[ltd]

Nope, haven't driven to NT.
That said, I have driven many a time in the USA to cover great distances in a short amount of time. Concentration wise it is the safest way to travel. I remember a very straight and long back highway in texas where I set the cruise control on a heavily laden towncar to 117mph. Had 280 miles to cover and did it in around 2 and a half hours. It was a fantastic experience, you literally get into another level of concentration, similar to your "game face" when on approach and landing. Your mental faculties are all working together in harmony, and the niggly little issues of day to day life are melted away. Unfortunately though, many people aren't well trained and don't appreciate the gravity of travelling at such speeds and the resultant injuries/death should they come to grief at such a speed. It's these people we're forced to make allowances for.
Further, any number of mitigating factors prevent many drivers from doing such speeds such as eyesight, fatigue, spatial awareness, vehicle condition, tyre condition, etc. Unfortunately we will never have open speed limits again whilst Nanny governments are in power.

[Matty4]

I didn't vote as there wasn't a catagory for me.
Yes I've been there (a couple of months ago) and the car I was driving at the time wouldn't even get to 110km/h, let alone 130km/h+ (V6 petrol Pajero towing a 2.3T van. Struggled to hold 100...)

Having said that, I've never travelled legally above the posted limit so can't really comment but I do regret not heading there before the new limit was imposed.

[Brazen]

Yeah did a lot of work in the late 90s on a road upgrade 300km south of Darwin, used to fly from Brisbane to Darwin jump in a rental car and get to the job incredibly fresh and focused.

Usually sat on 180 to 200kmh in a Magna or Camry V6, slowed down when I could see oncoming cars on the horizon and just was on another level of concentration, the safest driving I ever did was on those trips. You just become so mentally aware and focused at those speeds.

I pity a lot of people who never experienced those legal open limits, I dont think they realise how much of a different level of driving it is. Not saying you have to do a million miles an hour, but just at a speed consumate to the driving and vehicle conditions rather than some number painted on a sign.

[Auslandau]

Have been up there a few times with the last time just before the change. I know that some people do not believe in that higher speeds keeps you alert but this last time was absolutely noticeable.

Driving from Alice Springs to the SA boarder I sat comfortably around the 140-160 in the AU, everyone in the car was awake, (not through worry) and I was sitting up, 2 hands on the wheel, alert and very attentive. Hit the SA boarder, with in 5 minutes everyone had gone to sleep, I relaxed, window up and down, playing with the radio, moving around to keep from getting bored and felt myself wandering. I had to pull over twice before we hit Maria. Haven't been back since and really not planning to either. On the way up you are looking forward to hitting NT and having a good run but now the drive would be unbearable.

Still remember that Black Merc overtake me .... I am sure I was doing around the 170 mark ..... looking in my mirror, no one, then 2 seconds later ....... woosh and he was gone. Didn't even see what type it was but only managed to see it was a Merc of some sorts. Made me smile

[NAK302]

i lived there when i gained my licence (1982) and trips from Darwin to the Alice in 10 hours were common and legal.
coming to live in rural QLD in 1994 was quite a culture shock to me, not to mention expensive from police "enforcing" the speed laws 50km out of town. i'm proud to say i have never, ever been booked for speeding in any town/city limit after 28 years of driving.

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Even at 110kms, when you slow down to 60, everything seems to move slowly, you can spot and predict things far better (or at least it feels as if you can), so I defiantly have to say that's a valid point you have Auslandau.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Have been to the NT but haven't driven in the NT. I will be back there for a road trip some time in the near future, but not bothered that I didn't go while the limits were open.

I did get a taxi back to the caravan park we were staying at (from the Alice I think????) prior to the limits and he was doing 160-170ish.

[StarDeala]

After having been to Germany, Austria and Italy, and driving on the roads over there, I don't think most Australian drivers should be able to go over the 100-110 limits we have.

Cars over 10 years old may not be serviced/maintained properly, with original brakes, pads, and as such its stopping power is greatly decreased.

Our attitude to driving, and others driving around us is pathetic. Driving on multiple lane freeways/motorways we love to drive in the fast lane at less than the limit, and when a faster car is coming up behind, the majority of motorists here do not care and will not move over into the left hand lanes. Police are as bad, as they are only interested in the revenue raising aspects of driving (speeding and drink driving) instead of enforcing the laws.

Last week I drove approx 5 km's of the M7 in Sydney behind 2 cars, one in each lane doing less than 90k's in clear, dry weather, when the limit is 100. Cop car behind me chose to do nothing to make the driver in the right hand lane move out of the way to let me/him past.
In Germany, on the Autobahns, slower drivers stay in the slower lanes, and when venturing into the faster overtaking lanes, actually use the accelerator and pass in the shortest amount of time, then pull back into slower lanes. The faster drivers use headlights, and flash them when approaching, to let people know they are approaching at higher speeds, and people happily get out of the way, as they are raised to appreciate fast cars, and drivers, AND THE POLICE will pull you over and book you for impeding faster traffic.

Road Rules in Australia are to blame aswell. Here it is perfectly fine for a truck to be travelling in the fast lane (ie Right Lane) on a 3 lane highway/freeway. In Europe, most countries limit trucks / buses / cars towing to the slower lanes. 3 lanes - must use 2 right hand lanes (or left hand if in Australia). Also, most truck drivers in europe are amazing because when one in passing the other, as soon as the rear of faster truck is clear of front, the slower truck will flash lights letting the faster truck know that he is able to move into slower lanes.

If only we were able to have these values here, then it might be possible to increase the speed, until then, I think not.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by StarDeala

Also, most truck drivers in europe are amazing because when one in passing the other, as soon as the rear of faster truck is clear of front, the slower truck will flash lights letting the faster truck know that he is able to move into slower lanes.

You need to get out more. On open highways this is done all the time, and more and more caravan drivers are doing it (flashing headlights for trucks) as well.

[WMD351]

Ah crap, I meant to vote "never been but wish I had in the day"
Sadly just as I'm poorly trained at using a keyboard, as I concluded in an earlier thread of mine the worst thing about driving in Australia is the training (or complete lack thereof) we're subjected to before being licensed, and unfortunately I think we've been legislated down to the lowest common denominator once again.
I wish I'd souvenired an unrestricted sign.

[dylancox]

Originally Posted by WMD351

Ah crap, I meant to vote "never been but wish I had in the day"
Sadly just as I'm poorly trained at using a keyboard, as I concluded in an earlier thread of mine the worst thing about driving in Australia is the training (or complete lack thereof) we're subjected to before being licensed, and unfortunately I think we've been legislated down to the lowest common denominator once again.
I wish I'd souvenired an unrestricted sign.

There are still a few unrestricted signs around NSW. Still have a chance to souvenir one

[casabonka]

Originally Posted by dylancox

There are still a few unrestricted signs around NSW. Still have a chance to souvenir one

I was at Murwilumbah (sp?) back in July and about 10kms north there are a few un-restricted roads towards Urliup. Had some great fun at about 150-160 for a few metres before slowing to 120... Unrestricted in NSW is still 130 though isnt it?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by casabonka

Unrestricted in NSW is still 130 though isnt it?

[Burnout]

Lived in the NT in the early 70's, didn't try the limit out in those days as a B-61 all trailered up took 5 miles to get to 45mph &.... sometimes a similar distance to stop.
I did get a chance to drive an early 4 speed Tojo down the Barkley Beef Road and as I was gathering some pace the near side rear wheel came passed us and took off across the table drain.

Was back up there in the early 80's for a few years and found 140kph to 150kph to my liking......... Had a purpose built Ute though!

Saw (and heard) of some spectacular stacks, not just the usual caravans being blown off the tar by the triples either.
One bloke I knew rolled his cruiser down the side on the Stuart near the "Beetaloo" boundary, he got tossed out on the last roll he said and the vehicle came to rest across his right leg. Luckily the ground was soft due to the 'wet',, he had to drink his own urine for three days till some bloke who stopped for a 'leak' spotted his overturned vehicle across the flat.

That was the same week our young Pilot stacked the Cessna 179 Skylane into the Blacksoil swamp beside the Borraloola airstrip. He lived as well.