I did say "VMC", not "VFR"
Sorry, I missed that suttlity
Perhaps a practical example of how SVFR is used in other countries might help demonstrate that for GAW.
Lets say I wish to depart Dublin Airport....It's in a class C zone.
In order to comply with VFR (yes VFR this time IO
) rules in class C airspace, I can only depart if the visibility is 5km or more, and I can maintain 1500m meters horizontal separation from clouds, and 1500ft vertical separation from clouds.
Minimum height requirements in Ireland require me to be 500ft AGL at all times enroute. So to be 500ft above the ground, and 1500ft below the clouds, I'd need a cloud base of 2000ft.
Lets say the cloud base is only 1800ft on the day. I can't depart under VFR as I can't maintain all the separation. To make matters interesting lets also so the viz is only 4.5km.
If only I could make it outside the class C airspace into the class G, I'd be fine, as I don't have to separate myself from the cloud base by 1500ft there.
The viz would be legal in class G too, once I stayed below 140kts.
This is where SVFR comes in. If I can get a SVFR clearance, then I can take off in a cloud base as low as 500ft (by day) and a visibility as low as 1.5km.
This will allow me to clear the class C zone, and get into the class G airspace where I have the less restrictive requirements.
Your UK PPL would preclude you from using he SVFR to get around the viz requirements, but you could use it (as far as I understand UK PPL's) to get around the cloud base requirement.
This is a common way that SVFR is used outside the UK, and I only explain it, so that it doesn't confuse you when you see reference to it in other states.
It can also be used in this way in the UK, if you are an IMC/IR holder, and therefore aren't restricted to 10km viz in controlled airspace.
I hope that helps you out
dp