Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Phil MN (18th Oct 2007 - 16:13:29) Sorry, but I need a mini-rant. Having spoken to others, I know they feel likewise about this subject. It appears that some of the Rules of the Road DON'T apply in Liphook. For instance, do not give way on roundabouts - instead drive through without regard for any other vehicles. When approaching pedestrian crossings, do not stop - especially if students are on the crossing. Generally, try to speed around the mini-roundabouts. What gives? I have never seen such a concentrated pocket of poor driving, and am amazed that there are not more collisions or injured pedestrians. I can't fathom why some driver's simply refuse to stop at the crossings. I don't wish to say which category I am referring to, but there is a particular age-group I have noticied as 'offending' more than others - yes, even more than the 4x4 brigade (not that I care what other people drive). Has anyone else noticed?!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - xyz (18th Oct 2007 - 18:56:46) Noticed how could you not notice DO cars in Liphook have indicators I followed a car from Lindford to Liphook a journey which included 6 roundabouts and not 1 signal Maybe this is now an optional accessory on new cars. Driving has become very agressive over the last few years I think it is more of a general state than just Liphook. Young and old are both guilty ( Just in case I upset some of the middle aged too ) Some people in cars think as the road belongs to just them and tough luck to the rest of us. Common courtesy has almost disapeared from todays society in every area. Not to point a finger but there is an older gentleman ? who use a flash silver sports car ( I will not say the make and the Portsmouth road as a race track SLOW DOWN the pinch points are not the start and finish points of a race !!!! Sorry I am ranting but it winds me up. I better sign off otherwise I going to upset everyone OOOPPS

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - sue (18th Oct 2007 - 20:49:09) I am glad someone else has raised this issue - it has always shocked me too, but failed to highlight it as some would take it as a personal judgement. For a long time I believed cars from Liphook only came with optional indicators, and the mobiles were surgically attached. I drive many places and Liphook roundabouts are the WORST. There is a great tendency for those going from Headley Road - to the square and vice versa, who constantly think it is a straight, and those wishing to turn in any direction need not indicate. The worse one (happened now about 6 times), is drivers approaching the roundabout in front of Lloyds, indicating left (down the old Portsmouth rd), and Going Round to the next roundabout. Absolutely crazy. I have to cross most days to the post box in Station Road, or the Cafe, a 30mph zone and on the return take my life in my hands going back, as it is a blind corner, and 30mph is far to fast, and many a near miss has happened when parked cars have moved off, and a mad one appears out of no where!!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - jo (18th Oct 2007 - 21:31:18) I have noticed this too. I try to be extra careful especially around the centre of Liphook. I am not a perfect driver by any means. I do sometimes forget to do something as simple as indicate especially when distracted by screaming or arguing kids in the back but I always try to be aware of my surroundings (near schools, crossings etc) The other day on my way home from work a driver behind me was agitated because i didn't jump onto the roundabout when he thought i should. I waited as you should do until i was sure that it was safe to go onto the roundabout. A driver that i had to give way to did not indicate so until I saw for definite which way he was turning I stayed put and when I had a clear gap I then went on my way. The driver behind me tooted at me waving his arms about and probably cursing me for delaying him another few seconds. Its scary that people are always in such a hurry to get from A to B these days.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Paul Robinson (18th Oct 2007 - 22:17:44) Living on the Headley Road we are used to traffic peaks especially mornings and late afternoons and we plan our journeys to avoid these peaks but, there are times, when we need to get out of the drive and join the rat race. Why is it that motorists seem to ignore the waiting vehicle. The driver, and I make no apology for saying that for the most part they are female, stare determinedly ahead between whitened knuckles bound on a mission oblivious to other road users waiting to join the flow. Perhaps they are fine tuning the Sainsbury's shopping list or rehearsing questions with which to quiz the children who are waiting for their lifts home from school, or, more often, deep into a conversation on their mobile telephone! Either way there is no way that they are going to let you out of your drive before them. Speed is a relative term on the Headley Road, as far as I am concerned the speed limit is something that we on the Headley road aspire to rather than adhere to. Paul Robinson

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - karen (18th Oct 2007 - 23:04:15) Oh thank God, I thought it was just me! I suspected that when you moved to Liphook you had your indicators removed.... Completely agree, why does no-one tell you where and when they are planning their next move??? As you say, age is not important, they all do it, young, old, in-between! How much time would we save if people used roundabouts properly? Another question I have: Why do people hoot their horns quite regularly when they drive past a parked car on the Portsmouth Road? (ps this is not a joke!!) Are they cross that we have had to park outside our houses and forced them to, oh my god, slow down.... Even my young son hears this hooting regularly and keeps telling me that 'somebody is horning outside.' well, you have to laugh don't you!!??

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Chris (19th Oct 2007 - 06:32:42) Traffic volumes have increased recently, swelled by a desire to use Liphook as a way of avoiding the mess on the A3. It will get worse before it gets better. Drivers using Liphook as a fast track away from the snarl ups at Hindhead are probably getting more and more frustrated that their alternative route is now almost as difficult and time-consuming to negotiate as the Hindhead bottleneck and this manifests itself in insane driving to compensate for time lost. A similar situation occured when the A23 was closed during bypass works and traffic was diverted via Handcross in West Sussex. Residents of this small village found themselves at the centre of a dangerous rat run so they collectively wrote to the Highways Agency requesting calming measures and speed restrictions. We've got another few years of this so perhaps action should be taken by us (and the Parish Council) to get safety measures introduced. It defies belief that whilst all of this is going on there are still requests being entertained to increase housebuilding in the area which will result in even more traffic.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Tom (19th Oct 2007 - 12:21:43) Agree - it's a real problem. I'm on both sides - I live in the village (so like everyone want it to be safe, child-friendly, etc.) but also regularly have to drive through on my way to/from work at busy times (so I do sometimes feel the need to get through the village quickly). But - the best way to do this is by everyone being curteous - both drivers AND pedestrians. - Not indicating is a classic example for drivers - every time someone doesn't indicate, it causes a hold-up (because people like the lady earlier have to wait until you're sure there's a gap). - Stopping to wait at crossings is obviously the right thing to do, but at the same for those using the crossing should try to get across as quickly as they reasonably can. Of course some people need longer than others (elderly, disabled, young children, etc.), but there's no need for fit active people to stop and wait for their friends or chat in the middle of the road (and I've seen it) - If you can't get across the roundabout - wait until you can and let people going in the other directions get through - If you try to get one car place ahead it might just save you 10 seconds today, but everyone else will start doing it and you'll lose out every day afterwards I think it all comes down to just having the slightest understanding that there are other people in the world, and that if everyone just tries to get ahead themselves, it's worse for everybody. One last thing - I think there are a number of repeat offenders - I certainly see the same cars behaving in the same intolerable ways every day. Can we make a list?

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - karen (19th Oct 2007 - 14:13:14) Ooh! Yes, let's. My pen is poised.......(better remember to indicate at every roundabout in the village now eh?)

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - xyz (19th Oct 2007 - 18:23:16) I am always being beeped at when I try and reverse in to my drive on the portsmouth road , hardly anybody bothers to indicate when they go around and the cars behind have make rapid moves ( maybe they should also slow down ) I have even had a police officer stop by the side of me and ask me to move, this when I am trying to get into MY house - Ruddy MADNESS !!!!! Maybe once a month some kind sole actually stops and lets me back in - thank you to those who have stopped.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Rhys G (19th Oct 2007 - 18:50:56) The driving in Liphook, in my experience isn't too bad, though I don't drive through The Square at rush hour so probably don't witness the worst offenders! XYZ, I thought you were not meant to indicate to go round parked cars. Your road position (ie. more to the middle of the road, as in to go around) gives it away. If you indicate people may think you are turning into a junction, if one is nearby, and pull out on you. Perhaps if I'm wrong, I'm one of the drivers everyone here is ranting about...

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - sue (20th Oct 2007 - 10:21:14) I dont know if any people reading this site were at the same roundabout as me yesterday, (the one by Anchor Garage), we were all indicating, all wishing to go in 3 different directions, and were all being polite and waiting for each other to move - it made for a second of 'nothing' happening, but it does prove that some drivers are considerate, and pleased to say they were all women!!.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - S (20th Oct 2007 - 10:32:18) I was under the impression that the Portsmouth Road was a main road? So why the heck do people park on it anyway? In my eyes it's extremely irresponsible and dangerous. All those houses up there have driveways so why use the road? I guess it's because it's easier to get in and drive off then spend the extra few mins reversing out safely? Sorry but I have no sympathy for the people that park there when they have driveways available. The years prior to the A3 bypass suprisingly noone parked there, so why now? BUT and it's a big but with the current speed people are driving at through the Liphook roads perhaps it slows them down just slightly. I'd welcome speed cameras on that straight so that the residents don't have to put up with high speed incidents. Infact as much as I hate them i'd welcome speed cameras all round Liphook and a 20mph limit around the centre. [editor - we already have a 20mph limit around the centre]

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Fozzie (20th Oct 2007 - 22:18:00) Yes, you are 100% correct, the Portsmouth Road WAS a main road, it was part of the national Trunk Road network until the village (together with Petersfield) was provided with the bypass several years ago. The Portsmouth Road has been reclassified as a 'B' road and there are no Traffic Reg Orders in place regarding on-street parking, waiting etc. In fact any Tom Dick or Harry can park on the road, and several often do, who are not residents or visitors or delivery vehicles, etc. it is one of the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. Perhaps you would have it that we do away with all yellow lines and say that all roads must be free of parked cars at all times, I don't think so. Fancy not knowing that the village centre already has a 20mph speed restriction, but then again from your message it is apparent that you cannot not live in the same village (or on the same planet) as the rest of us. Speed cameras are useful at accident black spots as they do provide an improvement in driving standards at locations where there is some inherrent danger; speed cameras in the village would only lead to more braking before and acceleration after the camera location. The best solution is for us all to take our responsibilities behind the wheel as seriously as we should when in charge of a potentially lethal weapon. If all the villagers took a lead and drove at sensible speeds (and used the roundabouts correctly!) perhaps it would rub off on the visitors. Come on all of you, lets have a go at it, all those in favour say "slow down and have consideration for your fellow human beings" As for people horning outside peoples houses, well I say...

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - MD (21st Oct 2007 - 08:31:42) Regarding Sues comments about 3 people all sitting at the roundabout, wanting to go in different directions and all being women, i'm sorry, this is not competent driving and happens alot in Liphook, you call it considerate, this is not considerate as it causes some of the delays that people mention earlier in this thread. All this is is yet another person who does not understand how roundabouts work, just a reminder for you:- http://url.co.uk/qe50a sorry i'm not getting at you my wife is the same when i am in the car she gets to a roundabout stops and asks me whose right of way it is, shes been driving 15 years, for gods sake what does she do when she just has the kids in the car?? I dont know why liphook is such a blackspot but i imagine because there are three mini roundabouts it is difficult for someone unsure of them to manipulate all 3 without messing up.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - mc (21st Oct 2007 - 11:33:48) I also live on Portsmouth Road and would point out that I do usually try to reverse into my drive so as not to create obstruction by parking on the road. However, this can be difficult when most drivers aren't prepared to wait while I do that and toot angrily at having to wait about 10 seconds before pulling out aggressively and waving their fists. I end up waiting about five minutes before I can safely reverse into the drive. The alternative is to pull into the drive forward but due to the speed of traffic on the road reversing out is not recommended. Also most of the cars that I have noticed parking on Portsmouth Road are commuters who when challenged about leaving their car all day on the road claim they can't afford the parking fees for the station! I agree with the person who said rather than criticise everybody else isn't it time we looked at our own behaviour and led by example!!!!!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Dave L (21st Oct 2007 - 22:54:58) Whilst I am driving, observing the correct speed limits in my car through the centre of the village signalling when required and minding my own business and have yet one more prune with his, or her, definition of ownership of the road expressed by either a) blowing the horn b)flashing the lights or c) showing the 'finger', I recall an occasion in Farnborough when one of these expert drivers hit a 4 year old child and left him lying in the road, my sister sat in the road and chatted to him about christmas while he died with most of the back of his skull was missing. The ultimate result of selfish driving isn't always time but perhaps the deprivation of such.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - liz (22nd Oct 2007 - 08:23:59) MD I looked at your link and the one thing it doesn't mention is that the person on the roundabout has right of way. Not ususally a problem as its pretty obvious - except in Liphook where drivers coming out of the Headley road will try to 'carve up', those driving into the village from the 'Green Dragon' direction - even thought those drivers are already well over the white line. (I'm not talking about when its very busy and the only option is to filter through.)

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - sue (22nd Oct 2007 - 13:46:06) MD Sorry, I do know how to drive and approach a roundabout, but in this case I too would say that the lady on my right, who had priority over me should have moved first, but she was looking ahead of her and the driver aproaching her (on her right), was indicating to turn in front, so she waited, that driver saw my indicator to go round - which I was on her right, with priority and waited for me. I think we all new the rules, and it was a case of first at the junction had priority. In the end I moved - just to get traffic flowing again!!. (It did give me a tutter, as everyone was doing what was asked of them, and to find every one indicating their wishes, was refershing to see) At least no one got 'stressed' about it, and blasted their horn.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - sue (22nd Oct 2007 - 14:00:10) Just a quick point - people are moaning about the Portsmouth road, with parked cars I personally don't find it a problem for the moment, until you try to go round them and some idiot comes up from the Links way at 60mph, and flashes you for moving into 'their' road. - what is going to happen when you have a building site there in a few weeks time, perhaps a good set of traffic lights will help, but when the housing has been completed, will we see more cars parked on the side of the road?

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Chris (22nd Oct 2007 - 15:59:44) Sue, what housing?

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - liz (22nd Oct 2007 - 16:24:58) Where the Jet Garage is I assume.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Jane G (22nd Oct 2007 - 22:52:09) If anyone would like to experience some spectacularly bad driving just come along to The Avenue on a school morning about 8.40am! Parents parking as near to the school gate as possible totally ignoring the cars queueing up behind them and the cars coming the other way who can't get past without mounting the pavement...very entertaining!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - sue (23rd Oct 2007 - 09:11:22) Jane No I dont want to visit the Avenue at drop off time thanks!! - I can guess what it is like. I caught a programme the other day, highlighting hampshires drive to reduce speeds by schools and playgrounds to 20. Good news. they did spot speed checks as they had reports of offenders - guess what, they were all either parents in a hurry, or local residents!!.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Phil MN (25th Oct 2007 - 16:29:56) About a year ago I came up with a brilliant solution for solving the traffic problems at Liphook Infant School. If you wish to drop your child off at the door, under a canopy if it's raining or escorted by a butler under umbrella in a downpour, then a charge of £400 per annum should apply with funds going to the school and towards upkeep of the immediate local footpaths / greenery. For £200, a permit would get you onto The Avenue, you walk your own child, no butler. For £50, you get to drive within 0.5 miles of the school, long walk, BYO rain-gear and no hope of an umbrella. I did mention it to the school. I was surprised they didn't take me up!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Mary W (29th Oct 2007 - 10:33:46) I don't think that the driving is particularly bad in Liphook. There is always a problem with mini roundabouts, they are notoriously difficult to negotiate and, when there is a lot of traffic, to establish who has right of way. Even if there is no-one waiting in the righthand road, if there is already someone on the roundabout from the next entry point, then they have right of way because they precede you - but of course, you precede them. Something that only the lawyers would make money from in a court case. I think people are beginning to ignore the fact that you should go round the minis and not cross them - maybe ours should have a small hump on them? The following might interest some people, those who are prepared to learn: "Approach these (mini-roundabouts) in the same way as a normal roundabout, but remember there is less space and time to signal and manoeuvre. Vehicles coming towards you, they may want to turn right. Be sure any vehicle on the roundabout is going to leave before you join the roundabout yourself. Be aware of drivers that are using it for a 'U turn' All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. When turning right at a mini roundabout, you don't always have time to signal, but remember to check left mirror "

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Chris (29th Oct 2007 - 14:58:12) Mary, you must have just returned from a 2 week driving tour of Delhi if you think the driving in Liphook is not too bad. What annoys me is the idiots driving lorries and buses who straddle both carriageways of our narrow main roads as they hurtle along at way above the speed limit. Get 'em off the road!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - liz (29th Oct 2007 - 15:25:43) No point on commenting on the driving in Liphook as this post won't be accepted (under your new rules) as I am not prepared to have my surname published - although it is perfectly clear to the moderator who I am. Hope you weren't bullied into this. Bye (sadly). [editor - as long as you are not making any contentious comments or saying anything that could be considered libelious I'm happy to post with real first names only - but not initials]

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Mary W (29th Oct 2007 - 18:31:35) We come back to speed limits, such a pity they don't make much attempt to enforce them in the centre. I try to keep my speed down, but have to suffer horrendous tailgating sometimes. Can be quite scary when the vehicles are large and only a few inches from one's rear bumper. I drive abroad a fair bit, so have learned patience - in Spain people stop in the middle of a one-way section to drop off passengers and nobody minds at all. Takes a bit of getting used to, but it's quite therapeutic after all the bad-tempered driving here! It really only adds a few minutes to a journey - maybe we should make a New Year's resolution to set out on journeys 10 minutes earlier.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - helen M (1st Nov 2007 - 07:39:42) my major problem with driving in Liphook is the mini-roundabout problem. I adhere to the speed limit, i give plenty of mirror, signal, manouvere. So, I am coming down Headley Road indicating to go right down to Griggs Green, i clearly indicate right, wait for my right side to be clear to enter the roundabout, i drive around the mini roundabout (as you should do according to the HIGHWAY CODE!) and not over it! and lo and behold some wally comes onto the roundabout from portsmouth road and i nearly hit them - EVERYTIME!!! I AM INDICATING RIGHT!!! tutting at me and making rude hand signals does not mean that you are in the right! you are wrong to drive onto the roundabout if i am on it indicating right! oh and waving and saying sorry is not a valid form of indication either. wait your turn! rant over. sorry.

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Frank Baldry (1st Nov 2007 - 21:36:59) Totally agree about that particular roundabout but to be fair I think the problem is that it is very difficult to see traffic approaching from the Headley Road because the view is obscured by the Chondona. You have to be on the roundabout before you can see properly and by then you are committed. Not a problem when the school run is on because nobody can move anyway. My personal gripe about it is that when approaching from Longmoor Road and trying to turn right, that as soon as a rare gap appears, White Van Man floorss it and tries to knock you off the roundabout. It is very scary especially when you are the passenger of a learner driver!

Re: Standards of Driving in Liphook 'Centre' - Sue W (1st Nov 2007 - 22:18:56) The Longmoor Road side is very dangerous. Many, Many times I have made a move and had to stop quickly as those from 'the square' treat it as a straight road. The problem there is that the road is lower and appears lesser. Its not just white van man either - parents rushing to collect/drop off are also serious contenders. I was travelling along the Portsmouth Road towards the square with someone in a BMW 4x4, who was trying to hitch a ride in my boot, pushing me to go faster. Looked at the time, and silly me was on the road at chuck out time for the darlings to be collected.! Another issue is parking - or lack of parking skills. I know this is not just unique to Liphook, but just recently we have seen a number of drivers 'hit' other cars and just drive off without a care in the world. It is so sad, as they can't judge what the situation with the other car owner is and hope to 'get away with it'. Needless to say where ever possible details are taken, and very thankful those damaged car owners are!!

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home