So, driving down the A5 today and a couple of wagons go past, flashing their lights but the drivers also giving me the thumbs down. So I began to think something was up with the front of my wagon. Looking for some where to stop I noticed a camera on one of the fly overs. I was under the speed limit so I was OK.
Of course I pass on the message to other drivers heading towards flashing and giving the thumbs down. Most of the drivers who responded where by gentlemen who had seen many winters. Those that didn’t had seen to few.
So , I was wondering, as a young driver, is this thumbs down signal a thing of back when or just something that happened between some wagons on the A5 today?
leo.saphira:
yes the thumbs down and a flash before is the signal for a mobile cash machine ahead.
Or in fact anything of a similar intent; jam sandwich, Vostapo, or even an RTA. Basically it’s a hint to take more care than usual for the next couple of miles.
I think that warning was in use for police ahead when I started driving in the sixties. Drivers then would also flash and wave thier log book at you if the ministry was up the road . Hopefuly you then had time to pull in and have a quick scribble before you got to them.
sinclair89:
So, driving down the A5 today and a couple of wagons go past, flashing their lights but the drivers also giving me the thumbs down. So I began to think something was up with the front of my wagon. Looking for some where to stop I noticed a camera on one of the fly overs. I was under the speed limit so I was OK.
Of course I pass on the message to other drivers heading towards flashing and giving the thumbs down. Most of the drivers who responded where by gentlemen who had seen many winters. Those that didn’t had seen to few.
So , I was wondering, as a young driver, is this thumbs down signal a thing of back when or just something that happened between some wagons on the A5 today?
As a ‘young driver’ be aware that’s a warning (globally) from some road users that the old bill have a camera in your path… I’ve been to NZ where I’ve never seen more people try and warn you of a speed camera in the same way.
Numbum:
I think that warning was in use for police ahead when I started driving in the sixties. Drivers then would also flash and wave thier log book at you if the ministry was up the road . Hopefuly you then had time to pull in and have a quick scribble before you got to them.
Can remember many a time in the 70s, out with Dad and we would get the logbook signal.
I’d then have to fill it in while he carried on driving. I must’ve been about 10 at the time but knew what to do.
Numbum:
I think that warning was in use for police ahead when I started driving in the sixties. Drivers then would also flash and wave thier log book at you if the ministry was up the road . Hopefuly you then had time to pull in and have a quick scribble before you got to them.
Can remember many a time in the 70s, out with Dad and we would get the logbook signal.
I’d then have to fill it in while he carried on driving. I must’ve been about 10 at the time but knew what to do.
I’d forgotten about the log book signal - pretty much how I learned to write, filling in my Dad’s logbook.
I remember reading in the paper a few years ago about a motorist being taken to court by the police for flashing his lights to warn of a speed trap, first nicking of it’s kind.
He ended up getting off with it because the court insisted the police must prove that somebody actually slowed down as a result, which they couldn’t.
GORDON 50:
I remember reading in the paper a few years ago about a motorist being taken to court by the police for flashing his lights to warn of a speed trap, first nicking of it’s kind.
He ended up getting off with it because the court insisted the police must prove that somebody actually slowed down as a result, which they couldn’t.
Yes i was going to say don’t get caught doing it lol not wanting to sound like a killjoy lol
I do it, if it helps one
They do this in France and other parts of Europe too , and no doubt worldwide.
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3 flashes of the headlamps including a thumbs down ----
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40+ years of driving has led me to believe this type of signalling means a Hazard Ahead - proceed with due caution, and prepare to slow down or stop.
,
Beit mobile speed camera / vestapo/ traffic collision / broken down vehicle blocking your path ahead / loose animals wandering /
horse riders <(dont get me started on this last one ggrrrrrr). .
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Basically , Something ahead is not situation normal - back off the loud pedal .
GORDON 50:
I remember reading in the paper a few years ago about a motorist being taken to court by the police for flashing his lights to warn of a speed trap, first nicking of it’s kind.
He ended up getting off with it because the court insisted the police must prove that somebody actually slowed down as a result, which they couldn’t.
So where does that differ from signs warning that speed cameras operate on this road, or as used to happen in Norfolk, they would advertise the upcoming speed camera van locations in the EDP. Surely this .motorist was doing no different.
As to the OP, used to get a Tacho waved at you from oncoming trucks, if the Ministry was ahead in the 80’s and 90’s, the equivelant of the Log Book signal, though being young and stupid, I’m not old enough to remember log books
I suppose these days you’d have to wave a credit card now, could be a representation of a digi card, or that you’re about to get financially challenged
On the A75 at night, a flash of the headlights and the left hand indicator used to mean the same thing, a return flash of the right hand indicator meant you are clear ahead.
I would say that flashing and giving the thumbs down is to mean that some kind of law enforcement is ahead; police car, camera van, DVSA etc.
Flashing with a slow down arm waving signal (to all approaching traffic) means that there is some kind of hazard in the road ahead; accident, broken down vehicle etc.
Glen A9:
I would say that flashing and giving the thumbs down is to mean that some kind of law enforcement is ahead; police car, camera van, DVSA etc.
Flashing with a slow down arm waving signal (to all approaching traffic) means that there is some kind of hazard in the road ahead; accident, broken down vehicle etc.
This +1
also I think its strange how different road uses use different hand/body signals to say different things, I also ride a motorbike and someone on a motorbike using there hand to tap the top of there helmet means there is a cop/camera ahead. waving your arm down to the side of the bike means there is something on the road that could cause danger. the last one is a hand waved up and down to slow down/traffic ahead.
Not familiar with the thumbs down signal. Maybe never noticed it. I DO flash the bellends that have forgotton to put their lights on when nearly dark and dark. That’s because they are a danger to others and not cos they are just tools.
They do this in France and other parts of Europe too 
