David's Daily Diversions

Gatsos and Potatoes

The 30-mile commute to and from work each day is fraught with obstacles. There are two ways for me to get to work.

The main road between these two cathedral cities has temporary traffic lights as they put in permanent traffic lights. At the same place the lights are going in, there is a notorious speed camera. I know, because I got caught there about a year and a half ago.

It is not the only speed camera. To get from home to work using the principal route, I have to pass by three of the hated Gatso cameras. Even though I realise that the cameras will not issue a citation without at least exceeding the speed limit by the barest of margins, there is always someone else using these stretches of highway comtemporaneously who is apparently of the sincere belief that the cameras somehow lower the speed limit from 30 to 20. Invariably, a long queue forms as a consequence.

I've taken to the alternative route. It is a bit more winding, but there has been no road construction until a couple of days ago. The big problem has been the tractors. This has always been a hazard, and not unknown on the main road as well. Unfortunately, it is now time for the potato harvest.

Every day, especially on the way home, I get stuck behind at least two trailers heaped high with spuds. Whilst I know this is important for Mrs H (who works them into every meal) and every chip shop in the land, it takes the average speed of my journey back under 20 mph and increases my commute time by as much as 20 minutes. I'll be glad when the land is once again tuber free.