Mentioned elsewhere about something that happened while driving South on the NT's derestricted zone. I was just South of the start of the zone and was coming up behind 2 caravans. Back one seemed to want to pass but kept ducking back behind. Eventually he did pass and then I was about to but saw someone that I thought was coming towards me. I waited but they didn't arrive so moved over to have another look. There was no one coming my way so passed both vans in one go. Then noticed that there was a small Hiace style camper van ahead that was also headed South but was wandering all over the place. They were using both lanes but mostly straddling the white line. It then dawned on me as to why the caravaner was dubious about passing earlier. Gave them a blast with the horns and when they moved over I shot past as quick as possible. Really wanted to pull it over, take the keys and tell them to walk. There was a bit of a cross wind but not enough to blow them about like that. Drunk, going to sleep, foreigner not knowing which side to be on or what ever is unknown.
Anyway, started to keep a look out for Highway Patrol if they were about and was contemplating using UHF to warn anybody but traffic near nonexistant so continued on. Was approaching one community and slowed a bit and there they were, the Highway Patrol parked and chatting (friendly) to locals. Had a word to them and we both started to head out and the camper came by. HP followed him for a few minutes with me further back then all the Police lights came on and pulled it over. I continued and a little while later the HP passed me and headed further South. Saw them again further down with two other vehicles they were chatting to (didn't look so friendly).
A few points:
1. Some idiots need dobbing in.
2. For all the negative comments that the NT is getting over that derestriction zone there has been considerable improvements done to signage, road surface and verge clearing that I have no problem with and hope it is allowed to continue.
3. It's great to not have to keep watching a speedo and concentrate on driving.
4. It's a real pleasure to be sitting on 120+ and be passed by the Highway Patrol without any concern from them.
Lastly, if you come up there be warned that derestricted doesn't mean a free for all, it is being policed and bad behaviour can result in unwanted attention at any speed. We don't want hoons and idiots buggering it up for us. I so hope Labor doesn't get back again in the NT as they have already promised to turn us back into a Nanny State. Woops, I don't think politics is an allowed subject.
Anyway, started to keep a look out for Highway Patrol if they were about and was contemplating using UHF to warn anybody but traffic near nonexistant so continued on. Was approaching one community and slowed a bit and there they were, the Highway Patrol parked and chatting (friendly) to locals. Had a word to them and we both started to head out and the camper came by. HP followed him for a few minutes with me further back then all the Police lights came on and pulled it over. I continued and a little while later the HP passed me and headed further South. Saw them again further down with two other vehicles they were chatting to (didn't look so friendly).
A few points:
1. Some idiots need dobbing in.
2. For all the negative comments that the NT is getting over that derestriction zone there has been considerable improvements done to signage, road surface and verge clearing that I have no problem with and hope it is allowed to continue.
3. It's great to not have to keep watching a speedo and concentrate on driving.
4. It's a real pleasure to be sitting on 120+ and be passed by the Highway Patrol without any concern from them.
Lastly, if you come up there be warned that derestricted doesn't mean a free for all, it is being policed and bad behaviour can result in unwanted attention at any speed. We don't want hoons and idiots buggering it up for us. I so hope Labor doesn't get back again in the NT as they have already promised to turn us back into a Nanny State. Woops, I don't think politics is an allowed subject.
