Internet Slow down

I have recently fallen victim of very slow download speeds from my ADSL line. Its so bad at time that it wont even download a page because it takes that long that the browser times out.

I have tried using both Internet explorer and Firefox to make sure the browser isnt causing any problems. I have run three different anti-spyware programs which are all coming up relatively clean.

I have also rang my ISP and asked them if there are any faults in the area.

Before I get an engineer out (most likely at my cost) are there any other diagnostics i can do or any other factors I can look at.

I have an 8 meg ADSL service provided by PIPEX in the UK.

Any help would be greatly appreciated