Driver Jatt

Oncoming Vehicle

You know it’s a proper circuit when you pay a premium just to turn straight back around. Picked up in Birmingham, dumped into London’s congestion zone, paid the charge (that was my lunch money for the day!) then picked up a consignment that needed to go… to Coventry. I’d essentially bought a very expensive permission slip to do a U-turn.

Mood thoroughly black, I got myself out and onto the M1 north, dreaming of a services coffee (Greggs to be precise). That’s when the signs decided to have their fun!

Oncoming Vehicle

Nothing really gets you more focused on the road ahead than the gantries flashing ‘oncoming vehicle’ and the speed suddenly dropping to 20mph on the M1 right where the cameras are.

At first it was the speed limit dropping all of a sudden. I guessed it’s the Highway Agency controllers having a giggle then the warning flashed up!

Cue a sea of red lights and lots of swerving whilst brakes are hit to lose them digits and hopefully save yourself from a fine and a few points.

In my SAS training I was taught that when there’s a threat of an oncoming vehicle you should shield yourself. In my case I chose two lorries who were engaging in the sport of elephant racing in front of me. They’ll act as a buffer between me and whoever is taking a stroll down the wrong side of the motorway.

Safety first.

I didn’t see anyone incoming but the next 30 odd miles worth of M1 was rather interesting. I saw the police lit up driving at possibly vmax on the other side though.

Perhaps the guys controlling the messages on the overhead gantries just fancied getting everyone on the M1 paying more attention.

Either way, It worked 😜.