Billy563 wrote:
One of the greatest problems incurred by Busdrivers is the relative absurdity of the BUS speed restriction vis a vis the sometimes explosive aggression of following drivers who simply MUST get past the Bus,especially if these people then want to turn immediately right 100 mtrs further on.

However,I would be very reluctant to move into the Hard Shoulder and continue driving at the limited vehicle speed for any length of time.
It is a manouvere which is intended to be carried out quickly and smoothly as an aid to maintain traffic flow and not of itself to facilitate other drivers who simply wish to exceed the posted limit.

Car Drivers are unable to plan and complete a manouvere such as an overtake.
I was actually driving a medium sized truck on this occasion, and going to an address in Ashbourne itself. Had the bus driver not pulled in a bit, I would not have had the opportunity to overtake, safely or otherwise (i.e. I would have stayed BEHIND the bus), and wouldn't take the chance of crossing the white line to do so, just in case something was coming the other way. The bus driver pulled out again as soon as the following traffic had passed him, he didn't stay in the hard shoulder un-neccessarily.