No Brian, amber means stop, always has. You can only proceed if already committed as it simply gives you time to clear the junction before allowing contra-traffic to flow safely. However, I agree pretty much with Bill as my experience has been much the same (see elsewhere). I did my speed awareness course a week ago. That was run by an ex-police driver, who didn't like being challenged (which I did naturally 'cos that's the way I am when I think I am right ). Something I didn't realise is that if you are caught and allowed to attend a speed awareness course, there is no need to tell your insurer (this is official and agreed with the insurance industry regulator, I have a letter from the police to say this).
There were 24 people on our course, arranged 6 to a table. It surprised me that the group was made up of mature and elderly men and much younger women, about 50/50. I asked our lecturer about this and he said that this class was for those who had only exceeded the speed limit by a few mph and young men usually go much faster so go straight to 3 points and a fine. However we had a young woman of about 30 on our table, a teacher and she was quite unrepentant. She said she liked going fast and normally drove much faster than the 8mph she had been caught for. Furthermore she had no intention to change her ways. Mike.X
Mike, We had a young woman with exactly the same attitude as you describe on our course too. Since this event I now just shove the cruise controls on in my two cars in 30 limits and that's it. I find using the Smart engenders tailgating far more than when I use the Jag. I've had 3 Smarts since 2002, the first two were used throughout the years when I journeyed to Canary Wharf. I found then and now, on the deliberately rare occasions that I have driven in the City of London that tolerance for my small machine is far greater.
I think 'live and let live' exists in major conurbations to a higher degree, probably because of the manic congestion, there are exceptions of course! When we moved to Lincolnshire 3 years ago, I was shocked at the selfishness and yes, sheer madness of the average driver. They have big smashes up here as a consequence. The roads are far more open
(mainly three lane) and the Police scarce, so they seem to feel that
do as thou want shall be the law. Also there's very little giving way etc and generally
(always with women) there's little acknowledgement for allowing a car to pass at a road junction etc. I try now to avoid this lifetime habit of good manners, but struggle and feel frustrated at relenting to my subconscious proclivity when I do!
Like you I queried things, particularly statistics when being lectured over my 4mph excess. The response was pious to be polite. In fact since this event I am left feeling very ante to the Police in general. It seems to me they have created 'Speed Awareness Courses' as a nice little preambulation into retirement and whenever their 'audiences' are declining, they instruct the lads to grab a few more old mugs for financial preening, in the self interest of sustaining a nice little number! I now drive less than 2,500 miles a year, since the move thank goodness.