UK Speed limits
In most built up areas, towns and villages, etc., the speed limit is 30mph. 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 UK speed limit exceeds 30mph, 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 30mph speed limit will be posted with regular repeater signs,
Accident statistics show that at 40mph nine out of ten children hit by cars either die or receive life changing serious injuries. At 20mph 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 28mph will take about 10 minutes, an average of 40mph 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 28mph during daytime traffic unless you break the speed limits for dangerous short bursts- if you are in a hurry, get a bike!
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 - see note below) |
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). |
30 |
50 |
60 |
70** |
| Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) |
30 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
* The 30mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
** 60mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.
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 (2000kg) 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* |
| 'Small car' derived Type Van** | 30 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
Motorway note: *60 if articulated or towing a trailer.
** 'Small car' derived vans = Ford Fiesta van ,Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio or similar. Larger vans such as the Astra based van exceed the potential maximum weight when loaded. Speed limits apply to vehicles whether or not they are carrying a load.
Note: See the first table on this page for limits affecting car derived vans towing trailers.
More Department for Transport information about van limits at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/road-safety/speed-management/van-speed-limits/