A1 last weekend and shell fuel

[alistair_learmonth]

Was going down to Gateshead to pick up some alloys last Saturday, to be

honest have not done the east coast route south for years always went

via Carlisle. I was surprised how many speed cameras they were, my road

angel was doing overtime, least it works and found interesting the sign

posts with how many victims in the last year, etc for what appears a

very straight road with dual carrageways.

It came home to me when over the border I was stopped for fully an hour

and no traffic movement both South or North. I was eventually

approached by a lone policeman who asked where I was going and then

redirected me west, it would not have been so bad but I had no road map

as I had printed off a auto route, I was well lost, he he. Anyway to do

this I passed the accident that caused the road blockage. The poor sod

needed cut from the vehicle and the roof was on the verge but the car

was nowhere to be seen and a Helicopter sitting in the field aside the

road,  paramedic/doctors and ambulences with fire brigade were all

in attendance.

One more for there sign posts as I did not see anything on sunday

papers but he/she was getting heart start as I passed. Oh for the grace

of god go thy.

Oh some other thoughts, Newcastle are crap for Optimax, went to the one

just west of Gateshead, no optimax at all dont they know they are going

to run out, had to go east and nearly to the tunnel to get fuel.

Geordies a would not accept such service. It was cheaper than in

Striling though.

I also see the Kincardine Bridge Shell garage is closing (March) as the

new bridge road or connection is going through it and the caravan sales

place. One less Shell garage in Central Belt.

[bigbadboab]

Use the A697 via Coldstream and Wooler.  It's a belter, but has 9 speed cameras with only one working at any one time up to the Geordie border then another 4 after that.  Once you get used to the road, you learn where the cameras are, plus the wife always reminds me[:S]