Early traffic delay warnings

[Jhadur]

Was just wondering what people would normally consider a fair distance for info before you encounter traffic problems.

I was thinking this as I came along the motorway today and saw a sign telling me that there were delays on M25 between J8-J5. At first I thought this was strange as I was already past J8 and heading to J9. Then on the next display I read it properly and wondered why I wanted to know this info as I was just coming up to J9 on the M27!! Just north of Southampton on the south coast.

So I was being told that there were delays on a motorway about 50-60 miles away. :shocked: I saw something similar about a week ago but thought I'd read it wrong, but obviously not. :)

Hope this sort of makes sense as I've only dozed for an hour or 2 in the last 30 hours :)

[Desmo]

Some of these signs are plain daft. Most give you warnings of problems that don't seem to exist so you're never sure wether to trust the information or not. Do you re-route then find out it was a waste of time or do you drive on and risk hitting the traffic jam?

[leowyatt]

The problem with the early warnings are that people slow down which causes more congestion. Whilst travelling up and down the M6 I always experience the "delays after next junction" only to find there was no delay at all just people slowing down.

[Tak]

But giving a warning about a motorway that is 60 miles away seems a little bit over the top

[Treefrog]

But giving a warning about a motorway that is 60 miles away seems a little bit over the top
Agreed. It would also be nice if they turned the message off when the situation improves, rather than waiting 6+ hours.