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The ultimate in traffic confusion
‘Now that we know all about the various definitions of “pre” and the many ways of being active, inactive, proactive, reactive and possibly even preactive and postactive, can I raise the subject of “ultimate”?’ asks Antony Hawkins at the University of Sheffield.
‘I recently used an online route planner, described as “the ultimate journey planner”,’ he says.
‘Within 400 yards of my house, the ultimate journey planner instructed me to commit three traffic offences – using a bus/tram lane, then making a prohibited right turn that would also involve going over a pedestrian crossing illegally.
‘It then directed me to the M1 via a collection of residential and traffic-calmed streets, rather than the dual carriageway that leads directly to the next junction.’
His conclusion on the planner’s effort: ‘I had foolishly assumed that “ultimate” was being used to suggest “best”; it seems that it actually means: “the last one you’d ever use”.’
perhaps a route planner for the ultimate journey...that is the final journey you ever make is trying to lead you to your death by a hazardous route?
Posted by :roger kirby | November 23, 2006 5:20 PM