Comprehensive information on speed limits can be found in The Highway Code.
How do I set about getting a speed limit lowered, raised or extended?
If you would like a speed limit to be lowered, raised or extended, please contact us using the details to the right. Your request will then be assessed. Account should also be taken of the characteristics of the road, such as its alignment, the level of activity alongside the road, the accident record and the degree of severance caused to a community by the speed of vehicles.
In urban areas, speed limits should fit into a rational and easily understood hierarchy if they are to be observed by drivers. Before deciding to change an existing speed limit the Highway Authority must consider all the relevant factors such as:
- expected accident savings.
- improvement to the environment.
- improvement in amenities.
- reduction in public anxiety.
- improved facilities for vulnerable road users.
- delays to traffic.
- costs of implementation.
- costs of engineering measures and their maintenance.
- costs of enforcement, especially where the speed limit is regarded as unreasonable by drivers.
If it is considered that a change in the speed limit is warranted then a new Speed limit Order has to be made. This involves a statutory legal process that takes approximately 9 months to complete.
If you wish to report a vandalised/missing speed limit sign, please contact us using the details to the right.
A system of street lighting in a built up area should be sufficient evidence of a 30mph limit if no signs are present indicating that it is a 30mph road.