In England this week, the punishments were intensified for not driving under the speed limit. There are speed cameras galore where we live in Southport (the average speed limit around us for miles is 25 mph). But on three of the long stretches of road that Jackson and I travel on every day in order for us to get to school have a speed limit of 70 mph--which means that many people drive 80 or more--yet there are no speed cameras to be found in these areas.
One road had a speed limit of 70 until Friday when the new signs must have been installed over night. Either way, there were multiple signs warning drivers of the new speed limit and 'repeater signs' for the entire two-mile stretch. I had sixteen cars pass me and when the dust cleared, there was no one left behind me on the road. And, the people who overtook were nowhere to be seen after a minute or so. Maybe they didn't hear about the new sanctions for speeding?
Here is what will happen for drivers who are caught going at least one to ten mph over the speed limit: a Band A fine and 3 points on the driver's licence.
For those who are caught driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted speed limit: a Band B fine and either 7-28 days of disqualification or 4-6 points on the driver's licence.
And for drivers travelling 21+ mph above the speed limit, they will receive a Band C fine and either 7-56 days of disqualification or 6 points on their licence.
The maximum fine anyone can ever pay for one offence is £1,000, and it is £2,500 if on a motorway.
(Band A=25-75% of weekly income; Band B=75-125% of weekly income; and Band C=125-175%)*
I know that it can be annoying sometimes to drive right on the speed limit. For instance, we have a downhill drive leading to our village on the last stretch home and I have to brake the entire way down the hill to keep the speedometer on 20. The other annoying part of following the speed limits is having other drivers ride too closely behind in an attempt to make me speed. If they only knew me, then they'd know this is a lost cause.
Hopefully the majority of drivers will begin adhering to the speed limits for fear of the harsher fines. And hopefully the police will be firm in enforcing the law because although the changes are new, those sixteen cars that passed me and going at least 65 in a 50 didn't seem to have any respect for the rules of the road.
Doing his best Tom Hanks impression
"This town ain't big enough for the both of us."
"Draw!"
Dancing at the outdoor food fair in New Brighton and cheering at the end of every song. He brought a smile to all of the concert-goers' faces.
Developmental updates: Jackson can point to his eyes, ears, nose, mouth, toes, belly, belly button, and head accurately and is starting to pronounce all of these words, too. His other new words of the week are ball, door, more, and bowl. Jackson seems to have a close bond with the other little 'lads' at nursery because Jackson tripped and fell this week and all of the boys apparently huddled around him and took turns giving him hugs to make him feel better. (It's amazing to me how at such a young age these babies can be so sympathetic.) We have been noticing that Jackson likes to play while holding onto a toy or other object. For instance, today we went to New Brighton to an indoor play zone called Bubbles. Jackson was climbing up ramps, going down slides, and bouncing through the ball pit all the while holding onto a spongy ball that he found in the big kids' area. The other day, in the backyard, Jackson picked up a stone and carried it with him while he played on his climbing frame. Holding onto these things obviously made his play more difficult, but he insists on carrying something while exploring.
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
*Information gathered from www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk
