Living in Holland, we have an 80kph speed limit over here for trucks (90kph in Belgium), though most seem to ignore it and do 90kph if their limiter allows them to, so I’ve been doing the same. However, after getting my third speeding ticket of the summer left in my in tray, I have to finally admit defeat and will keep to the 80 limit from now on (84kph allowed with callibration differences).
The thing is, the Dutch are sneaky with their cameras and move them around in unmarked vans, or hide them behind gantries, or switch them on and off at will so you never know where you’re going to get nabbed. And they’re not obliged to put up any signs warning of cameras.
And now one driver has warned me about the wheelie bin cameras. Apparently, the police have installed cameras in wheelie bins to catch speeding in residential areas, and they put the camera out on the correct day when the bins should be left out for the dustmen.
Ahh well, if I stick to 84kph, at least I’ve got another 6kph in hand for overtakes.
While I’m on here, there is a Belgian driver that I run into most shifts who I reckon is the spitting image of Jim Royale from the Royale family. I’ve taught him to say “My arse” and " I’m going for a Tom ■■■" and “Put the kettle on Lurcio” though it doesn’t quite come out the same with his heavy French accent.
He’s definitely one of the ‘old school’ drivers. His company uniform is an old tee shirt, baggy shorts, and army boots, plus he always has a cigar in his mouth Clint Eastwood style. None of this no smoking in a company vehicle stuff for him. He could be the Belgian cousin of Toby1234abc as he wistfully tells me about his Saviem that he used to drive in the early days, various Routiers that he used to visit, and how he enjoyed the hospitality of various Mayors and their daughters over the years.
Belgian Jim Royale runs up from Ostende, and then continues into Holland after I’ve seen him at the rdc in Mechelen. I don’t know if his Renault is limited or not, but if I’m doing 90kph on the Belgian motorway, he’ll pass me like I’m standing still, puffing furiously on his cigar while he does so !
Perhaps mods could turn Jim the right way up when possible. Thanks.
