Speed limits and penalties
Speed limits are for your safety. They are the safest maximum speed to drive at in the best conditions and it is vital for motorists to know what the speed limit is for the road they are on in relation to the vehicle they are using.
It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the signs and drive within the prescribed maximum speed.
Who sets the Speed Limit?
The local authority set the speed limit depending on the condition and circumstances of any particular road in their area. If the speed limit has been lowered it is because of the local conditions and for everyone's safety. In the case of trunk roads and motorways the speed limits are the responsibility of the Highways Agency.
It is the responsibility of the driver to be aware of the signs and road conditions and drive responsibly and in all circumstances within the prescribed maximum speed.
The Speed Limits
This table below shows the maximum speed limit. However, your speed should vary according to the prevailing conditions.
It's possible for a road in a built up area to have 40 mph limit BUT this will be signed in accordance with road traffic regulations. It's equally possible that there will be areas where the 60 and 70 mph limit will be set lower.
| Type of vehicle | Built up area | Single Carriageway | Dual Carriageway | Motorway |
| Cars/Motor cycles | 30* | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Cars towing Caravans or trailers | 30* | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Buses and coaches - not exceeding 12 metres in overall length | 30* | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Buses and coaches - exceeding 12 metres in overall length | 30* | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Goods Vehicles -not exceeding 7.5 tonnes max. laden weight | 30* | 50 | 60 | 70# |
| Goods vehicles -exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight | 30* | 40 | 50 | 60 |
* If there are no signs it can be assumed that in a built up area with street lighting the limit is 30 mph.
# 60 mph if towing a trailer.
These are national speed limits and apply to all roads UNLESS OTHERWISE SIGNPOSTED.
Every year inappropriate speed kills or injures over 100,000 people... Know your limits.
Penalties for Speeding
If you're recorded breaking the speed limit by a fixed roadside camera, a mobile unit or a red light camera, you will be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
You can then elect to accept a Conditional Offer Fixed Penalty and pay a £60 fine and have 3 penalty points added to your current driving licence.
If you dispute any part of the offence, or feel you have mitigating circumstances surrounding the offence then you can elect to go to court and the court will decide on the appropriate action. The Camera Partnership will not deal with any circumstances of mitigation.
Every year inappropriate speed kills or injures over 100,000 people... Know your limits.
SLOW DOWN - DRIVE SAFELY - SAVE LIVES
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