Single track roads and motorhomes...

[Van the Man]

I need to have a rant (apologies if it's been done but I couldn't find a similar thread with a quick search).
Touring north west Scotland recently in my Trafic-based camper van I followed several convoys of slow-moving motor homes on single-track roads. For 20 or 30 miles in some cases. Very slowly in most cases.
Despite regular police signs asking drivers to allow vehicles behind to pass on such roads, very few pulled over in a passing place to allow others to pass. Many of these vans were foreign-registered and may not have understood local etiquette but many were not. It must be very frustrating for local people on their way to work, tradesmen between jobs, medics on a call etc to have their journey delayed like this.
It's not just the slow pace. If a convoy does build up and meets one coming another way, getting past each other can be nightmare if there's too many vehicles for the passing place.
Why do people do this? Do they like causing anger and frustation and therefore increasing the chances of accidents? Do they like adding to the increasing animus against motorhomers as more and more people take to the lifestyle? I'm genuinely puzzled.
Rant ends.

 

[wildebus]

It's the 'I'm All Right Jack' and self-entitlement syndrome which seems so common in todays society - those people would be the same in any vehicle.

 

[tony_g]

The fundamental rule of all driving should apply. Read the road as far ahead as possible and decide upon the required action in good time. In this case, don't bunch up, so no more than one van per passing place and pull over regularly.

 

[Carrerasax]

Talking to The converted, we were there for first time this year and found procedure worked very well and we frequently pulled over even for one car on occasions.

 

[wakk44]

The principle of the single track road in Scotland is good,there is always a passing place sign in view so in theory there shouldn't be a problem.However after 3 weeks in NW Scotland during September this year I was surprised at how many motorhomes were on the road,probably doing the well publicised NC500 route.A large proportion of these were rental motorhomes driven by tourists who are only used to driving a car and don't have any understanding of road etiquette and courtesy.
There has been an explosion in the Scottish motorhome rental market in recent years and this was reflected in the amount of vehicles on the road.We even saw some rental motorhomes parked up in the passing places to take photos.

 

[roamingman]

The company's that rent the vans out should give instructions on have to drive on single roads with passing places, plus how to drive a moterhome, full stop.

 

[BOTCANU]

And down here in Cornwall cars (usually a brand new Range Rover!) will pass the widest bit of road then expect me to reverse 6 tonne of bus , they usually find reverse when I keep coming?How do these muppets always manage to reverse into the near side hedge in the space of 6 feet ??

 

[Molly 3]

Yes it is different ball game driving in Scotland ,you have to think you are playing ,they are probably working ,asap get out of the way and forget ,I've got the right of way mind set .

 

[Carrerasax]

And down here in Cornwall cars (usually a brand new Range Rover!) will pass the widest bit of road then expect me to reverse 6 tonne of bus , they usually find reverse when I keep coming?How do these muppets always manage to reverse into the near side hedge in the space of 6 feet ??

Even with their mirrors the size of a bus!!

 

[Ted]

After 10 years of motorhome driving in Scotland, we've never had a spot of bother. The locals have always reversed for us if necessary and we will always pull over to let people pass, not just on single track roads.

 

[Borders2]

Unfortunately the NC 500 is rapidly becoming a victim of its own success. A local garage was interviewed and stated that more than 40 punctures a week are happening due to the road edges being broken away by vehicles forcing past each other due to other vehicles in the passing places. Sadly many who attempt these single track roads which to be fair are sometimes confusingly listed as "A" roads are totally unfamiliar with the concept of "manners".

 

[Sambader]

I tend to pull over where possible but will say that the 'get out of MY WAY' mentality along with driving up people's a*se is every bit as annoying as those who drive slowly. Both are inconsiderate.

 

[trevskoda]

Every one down south of ireland drive like hell on small single roads,maybe thats why they pray so much.

 

[wildebus]

Reminds me of the roads in Kerry. Last time I was in Ireland I ripped off the undertray on the rented Stilo driving back from the Wake to the house.

 

[Nil]

Was in Scotland end of Oct and early Nov this year again, best yet I have seen a new English registered Hymer parked up on a Scottish single track A road, yes the actual road, oblivious to anything happening outside.
When he realised I was there ( I think) he drove on at a steady 20mph passed 10 to 12 passing places before stopping again on a muddy bit of ground.
I seriously considered stopping and speaking to him, but as I passed I looked at the driver, is it still possible to get a C1 when you are over 100, so decided to leave well alone and carried on.
Luckily in the 15 mins or so that this was going on no other traffic wanted to use the road.
Free advice NC500 in summer is a nightmare with groups of sports cars seeing just how fast they can drive the 500 miles, keeps the adrenaline running thought.