Until something is done to address the arrogant attitudes of drivers then the "powers that be" will continue to attempt the reigning-in of all motorists.
I am on the road a bit these days, averaging around 1000km a week on some pretty tricky roads in the Eastern BOP. Every day I experience the same behaviour from different vehicles ie. tailgating me until the road is "just about" clear enough for the follower to pass, then maintain exactly the same speed I have been doing... What's the point except for the arrogance of refusing to be behind another vehicle?
When I maintain a safe following distance, drivers behind seem to consider that the space I have left between me and the vehicle in front "their" spot and make every effort to advance the 100-odd meters to then sit behind the car in front until they eventually reach the position described above...
Speed limits are just that, limits. If one chooses to drive above that then the chances of being ticketed are of course high.
I often tow a trailer on the open road, either a box trailer or boat and without exception have been passed on every journey by at least 1 other towing vehicle while I have been maintaining 90kmh. Followed a "train" of 3 trailer towing vehicles just last week (I wasn't towing that day), 2 box and 1 boat, who were all traveling above 100kmh as the distance between my car and them was increasing and I was doing 100 by my speedo - not confirmed to be 100% accurate by calibration but matches the gps readout.
Whatever has happened to the 90kmh limit for towing vehicles? Again attitudes need adjustment, both by the drivers towing and other drivers to know that a) a different speed limit applies, and b) courtesy needs to be shown by all, towing drivers to make way for following vehicles at every opportunity - sure slower speeds and pulling over occasionally will extend travel times, get over it and plan accordingly - and following drivers to be patient and wait for suitable passing opportunities rather than force past at every chance.
Personally, I can see that different speed limits can and does cause
problems on the roads, but until that can be/is addressed it's something
we all have to live with and learn how to manage.
Perhaps this is an example of where a changing limits at passing lanes could be beneficial? Enforce towing drivers to slow to 80 and allow others to pass at up to 120? Food for thought?
Somebody mentioned above a 95kmh limit with 5kmh tolerance... whatever the limit is there will always be the arrogant (that word again...) drivers who over-estimate their own ability and consider that limits only apply to others, or when they see a camera or police vehicle.
Proper trip planning and allowing enough time is the key to safe and relaxed motoring, that and expecting to encounter arrogant idiots and being prepared for that!
I have lost count of the number of people who estimate it takes "under an hour" to drive from Whakatane to Rotorua... (Actually heard a petrol station attendant advise an out of town motorist that it would take "about 3/4's of an hour!"). In my experience that particular trip is around 1hr 10-15mins each way, slightly longer in winter when the roads are wet/icy. And yes, I do maintain the posted limit where possible, although anyone would be totally deficient in brainpower to attempt that through the winding road locally known as "The Rotomas" posted limit drops to 70 & 80 at Lake Rotoma and Lake Rotoiti but is 100 through the hills (full of 35 & 45kmh hairpin corners) which is lunacy imho!
Anyway... Saturday afternoon rant over... time to flick the mysky box on to watch some fishing programs