Speed Limits

Speed is a significant factor in about one third of road accidents in the United Kingdom. This is particularly so in urban areas, where speeding vehicles can adversely affect the quality of life of many communities. Speed limits are introduced to ensure greater road safety. Measures for influencing the speed of vehicles generally fall into two categories, legislative and physical. Speed limits fall into the first category whereas traffic calming devices would fall into the second.

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. In urban areas, speed limits should fit into a rational and easily understood hierarchy if they are to be observed by drivers. Before deciding to change an existing speed limit the Highway Authority must consider all the relevant factors such as:

• expected accident savings.
• mprovement to the environment.
• improvement in amenities.
• reduction in public anxiety.
• improved facilities for vulnerable road users.
• delays to traffic.
• costs of implementation.
• costs of engineering measures and their maintenance.
• costs of enforcement, especially where the speed limit is regarded as unreasonable by drivers.

If it is considered that a change in the speed limit is warranted then a new Speed limit Order has to be made. This would require committee approval and funding allocated. If approved it would then require a statutory legal process that can take approximately 9 months to complete. If you wish to report a vandalised/missing speed limit sign, please contact  us, or complete the highway defect form available at the bottom of this page.

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