Speed limits

The aim of the County Council is to introduce new speed limits or alter existing ones only where it is really justified.

The enforcement of any speed limits is, of course, a matter for the Police.

Speeding traffic causes great concern to many people. Speed limits are the maximum speed at which vehicles may legally travel. They are used to keep speeds to a level which is regarded as reasonable for the road and area concerned. Many drivers exceed the limits and in doing so put pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers at risk.

What we will do

The problem will be assessed against the criteria laid down by the Government. This is to achieve consistency throughout the whole Country. The speed limit chosen for a particular road must be appropriate for the conditions so that most drivers will obey the limit without the need for constant enforcement.

The national criteria laid down by the DFT (Department for Transport) include following main factors:

• Existing speed of the majority of vehicles so that the most appropriate limit is chosen;
• Character of the road and its immediate environment. Drivers will expect to see speed limits in built up areas but not in rural areas.
• Number of injury accidents (considering the amount of traffic and length of road). This will be compared with a national average to see whether a change in speed limit will improve road safety.

We generally support the policy of introducing appropriate speed limits but have resolved only to pursue an increase in speed limit where this is generally supported by residents of the area or it is justified on road safety grounds.

If it is decided to introduce a new speed limit or alter an existing one a Traffic Regulation Order is needed. A lengthy legal procedure has to be followed to make the Order. This can take over a year to process.

Currently, in accordance with national guidelines, we are carrying out a review of all speed limits on the County's A Road network. The review will take five years and should be completed by 2012.

Do you think you have a problem?

Remember that speeds appear much faster to a pedestrian at the road-side than they really are. Speed limits must be appropriate for the conditions and at a level which drivers will obey without the Police being in constant attendance.

The introduction of a speed limit by itself will not necessarily reduce traffic speeds. Other measures may also be required. It should also be recognised that on occasions traffic in an urban area may exceed the 30 limit and it is very difficult to do anything about this.

If you still believe that traffic travels too fast along roads in your area you can help us by identifying when and where the problem occurs.

Some facts

30 mph and 40 mph limits are used in urban areas

50 mph limits are appropriate on some rural roads

It is not appropriate to use speed limits over short lengths or at isolated hazards; these are best dealt with by using specific road signs advising drivers of the problem.

If you require further information contact your highway manager.