Speed Limits

The most popular comment we hear is "I didn't know this was a 30mph road" or "there weren't any repeater signs stating it was a 30mph limit".

 

We always refer them to the  Highway Code and what is refered to as "a built up area with a system of street lighting".  These roads are know as 'restricted roads' and can be explained by the legislation below.

 

"Section 82 (1)(a)(of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) defines a restricted road in England and Wales as a road which is provided with a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart.  Section 81 specifically makes it an offence for a person to drive a motor vehicle at a speed of more than 30 mph on a restricted road.

 

As set out in paragraph 45, it is generally recognised that a 'system' of street lighting could be three or more lamps spaced not more than 183 metres apart. However, street lighting (for the purposes of determining whether or not a road is a restricted road) is not necessarily limited to street lamps, but may extend to lighting provided by authorities or parish councils."

 

To avoid confusion that could arise if some 30 mph zones were 'street-lit' and some were not, DfT guidance goes onto say:

 

"Direction 11 of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (TSRGD 2002) defines the requirements for the placing of speed limit repeater signs.  This states that speed limit repeater signs cannot be placed along a road which there is carriageway lighting not more than 183 metres apart and which is subject to a 30 mph speed limit. The Department will not make exceptions to this rule".

 

All this may seem quite wordy and confusing, so if the area you driving in has a lot of houses and/or shops and seems built up and it has a lot of street lights and there are no repeater signs, it is best practice to drive not exceeding 30mph.

 

For all other speed limits for roads and different vehicles please click here.

 

"Remember.....It's a limit not a target!"

The Highway Code - Guidance

Gov.uk September 2016