|
Built up areas
 In
most built up areas, towns and villages, etc., the speed
limit is 30 mph. Effectively this speed limit is in force
wherever there are lamp posts (with a few exceptions
determined by the spacing of the lamp posts).
Where the speed limit exceeds 30 mph, there
will be 'repeater' signs reminding you of the higher limit.
In some villages there will be no street
lighting - hence no lamp posts. In these situations the 30
mph speed limit will be posted with regular repeater signs,
Accident statistics show that at 40 mph nine
out of ten children hit by cars either die or receive life
changing serious injuries. At 20 mph nine out of ten
survive.
You will probably remain uninjured when you
hit and kill a child - at least physically - but the memory
will stay with you.
| Did you
know?
A
five mile cross-town journey at an average of 28 mph
will take about 10 minutes, an average of 40 mph
only saves you a couple of minutes.
Most cross-town journeys are
far less than five miles!
In reality, in most towns and
cities - you are unlikely to average anywhere near
28 mph during daytime traffic unless you break the
speed limits for dangerous short bursts- if you are
in a hurry, get a bike! |
Wise up!
 There's
nothing wrong with speed - it often gets you there quicker
on fast roads and can be fun. The problem is with
inappropriate speed.
Wise up! Go a bit quicker on the safe bits
of road and slow down in towns - your average journey time
will be the same, you will be more relaxed, and the kids on
the street will enjoy more birthdays!
If you must kill something - kill your speed
in town.
UK speed limits
All speed limits are in miles per hour and
apply as stated unless road signs show otherwise
| |
Built-up
Areas
|
Single Carriageways
|
Dual
Carriageways
|
Motorways
|
Cars and motorcycles
(including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum
laden weight |
30
|
60
|
70
|
70
|
Cars towing caravans or
trailers
(including car derived vans and motorcycles) |
30
|
50
|
60
|
60
|
Buses and coaches
(not exceeding 12 metres in overall length) |
30
|
50
|
60
|
70
|
Goods vehicles
(not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight).
Note: This includes vans that are not 'car derived'
|
30
|
50
|
60
|
70
|
Goods vehicles
(exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) |
30
|
40
|
50
|
60
|
Van Drivers ...
Many van drivers get caught out
because they do not know the law. Make sure you know the
national speed limits that your vehicle is restricted to
- If your van has a maximum laden weight (Gross
Vehicle Weight) of over 2 tonnes (2020kg) then you are
restricted to lower speed limits on single carriageways
and dual carriageways.
- If your van or goods vehicle has a maximum laden
weight (Gross Vehicle Weight) of over 7.5 tonnes
(7500kg) you are also restricted to lower speed limits
on motorways
Below are some examples of speed limits for
vans, however, you should check the Gross Vehicle Weight and
“plated” weight of your van/goods vehicle.
|
Vans
Type of vehicle |
Built-up area |
Single carriageway |
Dual carriageway |
Motorway |
| Transit Type Van |
30 |
50 |
60 |
70* |
| Luton Type Van |
30 |
50 |
60 |
70* |
| Astra Type Van |
30 |
60 |
70 |
70 |
Motorway note: *60 if articulated or towing
a trailer.
|
