Speed Limits
Speed is a significant factor in about one third of road accidents in the United Kingdom. Speed limits are set to help keep the roads safe for drivers and other road users. Speed limits are more effective when drivers understand why they are there.
- How are speed limits enforced?
- How are speed limits decided?
- What do I do if I think traffic is travelling too fast in my area?
- How do I set about getting a speed limit altered?
How are speed limits enforced?
The enforcement of any speed limits is, of course, a matter for the Police. Speeding traffic causes great concern to many people. Speed limits are the maximum speed at which vehicles may legally travel. They are used to keep speeds to a level which is regarded as reasonable for the road and area concerned. Many drivers exceed the limits and in doing so put pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers at risk.
Speed limits do not automatically reduce speed. The wrong speed limit will not only be ineffective but will undermine the value of other speed limits.
Government advice says new speed limits should be introduced only when the speeds of existing vehicles is within 20% or 7mph (whichever is greater) of the proposed limit. The Council has adopted a Speed Management Strategy (PDF 50KB) in line with this guidance.
- By National Law
60 mph on single carriageway roads, 70 mph on dual carriageway for cars. Lorries, buses and other vehicles may have different limits.
30 mph in built up areas where the street lighting is to the necessary standard.
More comprehensive information on the speed limits you would expect to come across on the different category of road is given in chart form in The Highway Code. - By the Highway Authority
The Council may vary the national limits subject to consultation. The Council has adapted a Speed Management Strategy.
If the road in question has a system of street lighting on it with no speed limit repeater signs the road is already subject to 30mph and as such the Highway Authority is not permitted to place 30mph repeater signs on it. The system of street lighting in a built up area should be sufficient evidence of 30mph limit.
What do I do if I think traffic is travelling too fast in my area?
Remember that speeds appear much faster to a pedestrian at the road-side than they really are. Speed limits must be appropriate for the conditions and at a level which drivers will obey without the Police being in constant attendance.
The introduction of a speed limit by itself will not necessarily reduce traffic speeds. Other measures may also be required. It should also be recognised that on occasions traffic in an urban area may exceed the 30 limit and it is very difficult to do anything about this.
If you still believe that traffic travels too fast along roads in your area you can help the Council by identifying when and where the problem occurs.
How do I set about getting a speed limit altered?
If you feel that a speed limit should be lowered, raised or extended, please contact the Traffic and Safety Group. Your request will then be assessed against the adopted Speed Management Strategy. Account will be taken of the characteristics of the road, such as its alignment, the level of activity alongside the road, the accident record and the degree of severance caused to a community by the speed of vehicles.
If it is considered that a change in the speed limit is warranted then a new Speed limit Order has to be made. This involves a lengthy statutory legal process.
If you wish to report a vandalised/missing speed limit sign, please use the contact details on the right.
 |
Listen |  |
Feedback |  |
