I know I'll be shot down on this but it's really a heads up as we have been having a pretty active policing time on speeding etc. for the last few months and it'll continue.
At a recent Community Council meeting, the Police Sergeant was reported as saying that the majority of visitors do not understand how to drive on single track roads. This is going to be high priority over coming months.
How to use STRs is in the Highway Code and any drivers heading this way (and to the many other parts of the UK that have STRs) should know the rules.
The basics (and this is a major problem causing accidents) are:
If the passing place is on your left, move into it.
If the passing place is on your right, stop opposite it.
CONTINUALLY CHECK YOUR REAR VIEW MIRRORS - not kidding, we've had Doctors, fire engines and ambulances held up on emergencies by people oblivious to what's behind them. If you see them coming towards you, pull in early and indicate left;flash your lights if you think vegetation might obscure your indicator.
If you've got a queue behind you, allow them to pass by pulling in - that applies regardless of where you are in the queue.
Please don't drive off the road shoulder - we've had a lot of work done here and there's some sharp drop-offs, plus it also damages the road as well as your car. If you're nearest the passing place, be prepared to reverse.
BEFORE you leave a passing place - check rear view mirror - someone who has pulled in behind you because of traffic flow may pull out before you.
In general give way to uphill traffic and the inevitable ferry queues, even if you're going up hill - easier to wait and chill out!!
Don't park in passing places - the island is trying to create extra viewing points for people to stop and look at views and wildlife without impeding traffic. However, you're not likely to get crucified for pulling over briefly to phone an urgent message, as mobile coverage ain't the best!
Always give way to forestry lorries and - particularly - refuse wagons and don't be offended if you see just one finger raised in acknowledgement of your courtesy - when you live with STRs, you get a bit lazy!!!
I realize this has inadvertently turned into a bit of a rant. Not intended.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
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Useful advice there as single track driving is not part of most people's everyday experience, so good to be reminded. I know it takes me a bit of readjustment when driving on single track roads. It's easy to forget - especially when distracted by beautiful scenery!
Good advice, and not just for Mull but any single track road.
I was on Skye last year and a tourist was about 30 feet infront of a passing place (they were nearest) having failed to stop despite seeing me and they tried to go off the road instead of reversing, there was no verge and their front wheel wasn't touching anything. I go every year and there is always an incident, not serious but just plain stupid. Half the people park in the passing places and take pictures of the highland cows so you're a bit stuffed if you meet another car. :)
Quote: Originally posted by gil16e on 30/4/2013
Good advice ficklejade. I was around the island today and as it was so nice the traffic was err slow, plus with the tarring going on...argh! Ha..
Simply unbeatable scenery this am though.. :-D
Sorry, were you down the bottom end or up Calliach? Ironically we don't always get told. Don't you just love community consultation/information!
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I got caught in the works just after Salen, 25 min's of waiting after being held up all day was just what I wanted.. Ha.
To add to the above post re reversing, it's the look of utter fear when some folk have to reverse any distance at all..they must give away licences in some areas!
------------- October '12 - La Croix and Disneyland Paris..
gil16e,thank heavens you reminded me - must phone friend who works on roads and find out how much extra time I need to allow on Friday to ensure I get the ferry! The max they're really allowed is 20 minutes of closure.
daisydog, we'll be passing each other - enjoy yourself on Mull.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Visiting Mull?
