Speed Limits

Driving within the speed limit

We at Best Breakdown would like to offer you some general information on the various speed limits on our roads, here in the UK.

Speed Limits in the UK.

General Speed Limits for Motorcars and Motorcycles:

• Driving in built up areas (towns, cities) 30mph, often 20mph approaching schools.
• Single carriageways 60mph (unless otherwise stated)
• Dual carriageways 70mph (unless otherwise stated)
• Motorways 70mph ((unless otherwise stated)
• 55% of motorists often admit to speeding every now and then?

Fact: There are in excess of 10,000 speed camera sites throughout the UK.

Fact: There are currently over 1 million UK drivers with 6 points or more on their driving license.

Are you aware of the official speed limit whilst driving on our roads?

Many motorists tend to ignore the speed limit and of course this results in being unfortunate
enough to be stopped by the Police and ultimately you will receive a fixed fine or even worse
points on your driving license.

Our Motorways are always patrolled by traffic police as well as patrolling in unmarked police
cars, and by exceeding the UK speed limit you are likely to receive a number of points on your
driving license.

Speed limit signs are there for a purpose and some motorists tend to ignore the importance
of them, from time to time. Best Breakdown offers some advice in why you should take heed
of the speed limit signs on our roadwork system throughout the country.

Keeping to speed limits whilst driving through built-up areas is extremely important to avoid
accidents or even worse the loss of life of an innocent person

Speed limit signs are not for decoration they are there to inform us of possible dangers that may occur if we drive too fast in particular areas. If a sign reads as 50mph you have to take in to account conditions

When it is wise to reduce your speed:

It is advisable to reduce your speed when the structure of the road layout changes- such as bends, road hazards, or when weather conditions change.

It is advisable to reduce your speed when approaching pedestrians, cyclists, or horse-riders
It is advisable to reduce your speed when driving at night time; your visibility is dramatically reduced.
Whilst approaching any built-up areas particularly schools crossings.

How to spot a speed limit sign

Speed limit signs, more than likely will have a red circle, which simply means that the law prohibits that you drive in excess of the numerical speed that is displayed on the sign, this is to make sure that you are aware of the required speed whilst driving in that area.

Speed Tip

Did you know that if you are driving on a particular road and there are street-lights on both sides of the road, this will probably mean that you are driving in a 30mph zone unless specifically specified by the road sign, so pay particular attention when driving in these types of areas?

Sign Awareness.

• 20mph: A circular sign with a red circle, usually located in urban areas – in Scotland the sign will have a text box immediately below with the following text “Twenty’s Plenty”
• 30mph: A circular sign with a red circle usually located in urban areas.
• 40mph: A circular sign with a red circle usually located in less built up areas.

National Speed Limit: This sign has a white circle with a black diagonal stripe through the middle of the sign. This will indicate that you may now drive at a speed of no more than 60mph on an outer urban road or to a maximum speed of 70mph when driving on a Dual Carriageway or Motorway.

Roadwork’s Speed Limit: This sign can vary; however, the sign will display a yellow background with a red circular sign including the designated speed limit on it. A triangular sign will signify the end of a speed restriction at a roadwork’s. (Depicted by a man with a shovel and END in text displayed)

Dual Carriageway Speed Limit: This sign commonly causes confusion as drivers think the speed limit is 60mph on a Dual Carriageway, however, this is not correct unless stated. The national speed limit for a car on the dual carriageway with a central reservation is 70mph and this is signified by the National Speed Limit sign.

Motorway Speed Limits: Just like a dual carriageway the speed limit is 70mph unless stated and is signified by a National Speed Limit sign. If driving on a motorway and the speed limit is reduced the overhead gantries will ultimately display the maximum speed that you should adhere to, otherwise you are breaking the law. The overhead changes on the gantries may change because of adverse weather conditions, or an incident has occurred ahead, and all drivers must obey the stated speed limit or you could be prosecuted for breaking the law.