Hi JackBauer and BoeingDriverX,
We don't normally ask for more than 250 below 5000. Usually the GFA pilots give us 280 to 5000 and then 250 below that.
It's the unrequested reduction from 250 to 200 on (somtimes very) early downwinds (ie around 40 nm to touchdown) that are problematic. I will usually give you 250 until abeam the field, and then 220 until base and then 200 until inbound turn.
If for whatever reason you can't comply with the issued speed, and you need to reduce, then ask first. It also means I then have to slow down other traffic to avoid those 20nm downwinds...
Cheers
Sherif