Speed limit examples
20mph speed limits
20mph speed limits can be considered in town centres, residential areas, and near schools with existing average traffic speeds below 24mph.
Effective 20mph speed limits or zones should generally be self-enforcing. A 20mph speed limit can be introduced with traffic signs and road markings alone. A zone needs signs at the start and end, and traffic calming measures no further than 100-metres apart.
If the average speed of traffic is 25mph or above, additional speed reducing measures are required to help with compliance.
30mph speed limits
30mph speed limits can be considered in built-up areas and villages with “20 or more properties served by private accesses adjoining the main road (on one or both sides of the road) located over a length of not less than 600-metres and clearly visible to drivers” with existing average traffic speeds below 33mph.
A 30mph speed limit applies on a road with a system of street lighting unless there are signs in place to indicate that another speed limit applies.
The Department for Transport does not allow us to provide repeater signs or roundels on the carriageway on roads with street lighting where a 30mph speed limit applies.
40mph speed limits
40mph speed limits can be considered in less built-up areas, with setback properties with private accesses adjoining the main road with existing average traffic speeds below 42mph.
40mph speed limits can be considered on higher quality urban roads.
They can also be considered in less densely developed areas, or in villages where a 30mph speed limit would not be effective.
50mph speed limits
50mph speed limits can be considered on lower standard classified roads with several junctions or bends with existing average traffic speeds below 52mph.
On A or B-class roads with limited development.
60mph speed limits
60mph speed limits can be considered on higher standard rural roads with average traffic speeds below 62mph.
They can also be considered on lower standard dual carriageways, or dual carriageways with some visible development.