I don't quite know why this thread from 2009 suddenly popped up at the top of the list of threads today, but it makes interesting reading.

To try to bring things up to date we have to look at several matters.

If you look on the DVLA brake testing data sheet the RM/RML has a design speed of 50mph. I've not had an RMA to test so they may have a different brake code with a higher design speed; certainly the weight will be different, especially with a trailer on the back and the bigger engine.

The speed for lorries was raised to 50mph on A roads a couple of years ago. According to reports this move has raised traffic speeds slightly and has reduced the accident rates on A roads. Motorway speed are as Brian Watkinson says 60 mph in the UK but lorries have to have a speed limiter set at 56 mph/90kmh. The maximum speed for coaches post 1978 is 65 mph. Oddly enough pre 1978 coaches are allowed to do 70 and not be fitted with speed limiters or seat belts. I used to own a semi-auto Reliance with the 760 engine that would do 70.

Back to RMs, our RML2532 will quite happily do 85kmh on motorways with the standard diff, Cummins engine and good transmission and brakes. It is capable of doing well over that in"silent fifth" as we used to call it, but I wouldn't do that with passengers on! It was quite a firm ride at the speed it was being testing it at don a long hill on a motorway somewhere in south east England. What kills RMs at speed is propshaft vibration, that can cause gearbox and diff failure and even engine bearing failure or a broken crankshaft. The centre prop bearings on the RMLs are prone to vibration as the rubber mounting perish. So any sugn of vibration on your bus, don't drive it flat out!

As for rear lights, the C&U Regulations used to be a rear light each side of the centre line of no more than 8 watts. I've been pulled a couple of times driving more modern (1980s) coaches for having rear lights that weren't bright enough. when i pointed out the law to the officer there wasn't much that could be said. Pre 1968 buses used as PSVs still only need one tail light not exceeding 8 watts to the off side of the centre line.

There is no minimum speed on motorways unless otherwise indicated and as has been pointed out the police can't tell you to get off the motorway for going too slow. Many years ago (1971) I got volunteered to steer a 1928 Foden steam lorry up the M1 with a tram body on the bacl, beign towed by a 1947 Scammell. The steam wagon had a couple of "roadworks" red paraffin lamps. The police didn't like it but when the tow truck driver suggested they escort us to Derby as 33 mph they politely declined and let us carry on.

The answer is if your bus is well maintained, drive at a speed at which you and the bus feel comfortable with due regard to the road conditions; keep your brakes and prop shafts in good condition and make sure your lights meet the regulations. If someone runs into you, it's their fault, not yours. If they're driving without due care and attention they're bund to run into something anyway.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

It came up as a spammer posted on it Roy, and the post was deleted.

Thanks. I'm glad someone is awake!

My bus number (if any): RML2532

I always worry when out with 308 on her own... one small red light to most blind drivers!

Most of the time they are out as a pair and we always have 308 in front as 66 has two flashing orange top lights and a nice steel girder on rear😀. We stick to 40 mph when we can and pull over regularly when on minor roads.

My bus number (if any): RM 66 & 308

The C&U regulations were amended in 1968 to make it compulsory for buses built after a certain date in 1968 to show 2 red lights to the rear of the vehicle as near the outside edges the design of the vehicle would allow. From that date they also needed 2 stop lights.

It seems this was changed following the cessation of building rear entrance front engine buses, the RMs presumably being the last of that classic design.

I wonder why 308 (presumably RM308) only has one tail light? i/f it is RT308 it only needs one, plus the rear platform light must be illuminated with the tail light. But then RF308 only needs one tail light...don't blame me I'm only the messenger.

I can't remember if I mentioned this above, but the Belgian government is planning to introduce a minimum speed of 80km'h on their motorways. Any vehicle not capable of achieving 80kmh on a straight level road must not be used on motorways in Belgium. But no idea when the law is to be implemented if at all.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

I think Duane is thinking about the RM brake light....
We do not use the platform light on our buses, it is, I am told, an offence to show a white light to the rear in France. We also have two rear lights at the back at the extremes of the vehicle. We could use red bulbs in the platform light of course...

My bus number (if any): RTL 960, RM 1585, RML 2667 and several RTs

You might get the wrong sort of lady passengers if you had a red light on the platform over here! :)

It is an offence in the UK to display a white light to the rear of a public service vehicle except any interior light or destination display. Reversing lights if fitted must be capable of only being illuminated with reverse gear selected.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

an easy way to fit twin brake lights on the back of an RM is to remove the SBC lamp holed and replaces it with an offset pin twin filament MBC fitting, just make sure you keep the return wire insulated from the bodywork. Obviously you'll have to run additional wired from the central stop light to the outer lamps. The central lamp must remain operative or removed entirely.

My bus number (if any): RML2532