Speed limit when coming off private estate

[206xsi]

I work on one of those nice souless business estates with big glass buildings and a lake in the middle (it's actually pleasant in summer...).

We have a road system which has small 25 mph repeater signs, it looks like a public road - it feels like a public road, it has cycle lanes and even traffic lights. I've checked, the road is private.

When we join the main road outside the park, we're in to a 40 limit on the public roads.

There are no gates, no 'private road' signs, no speed limit when we join the main road...

Anyone care to comment on legal matters re: escaping on a technicallity if stopped?

How about if I jump the red lights on the estate...?

[williamp]

As far as I know (and someone please tell if different) wherever the Public may be, then the normal road rules apply. Hence although it looks like a public road, normal rules apply and you can still get done.

This rule also applies at race meetings, where you see children racing around the paddock on mopeds/ auqds- they should'nt be on it, but the ignore the rules...

[john_p]

Hmm, interesting you should say that about a paddock.

*possible thread hijack*

But if normal road rules apply to race tracks, then so should your normal road insurance cover you on a track day - unless specifically excepted..?

I know the Road Traffic Act gives specific exemptions to "authorised motoring events" ..

[Nacnud]

Now there's a thought...
Is my insurance valid for the private roads in the business park?

[williamp]

john_p said:

Hmm, interesting you should say that about a paddock. *possible thread hijack* But if normal road rules apply to race tracks, then so should your normal road insurance cover you on a track day - unless specifically excepted..? I know the Road Traffic Act gives specific exemptions to "authorised motoring events" ..

That's a very good point. I dont know the answer./ As I said in my original post- I think I'm right, but perfectly willing to be proved wrong. I just assumed that anywhere where the public can be, then the rules of the road apply. Thus they dont on your own private land, but if the field is hosting a boot fair then they do apply....

[john_p]

williamp said:

That's a very good point. I dont know the answer./ As I said in my original post- I think I'm right, but perfectly willing to be proved wrong. I just assumed that anywhere where the public can be, then the rules of the road apply. Thus they dont on your own private land, but if the field is hosting a boot fair then they do apply....

I'm pretty sure you're right - I thought it was "anywhere the public have access", which is why you can be done for driving without a licence in a supermarket car park.

I am saying that supermarket car park = field hosting a boot fair = private industrial estate = race track

Because the public all have access (and you might have to pay for a track day, but you will also need to pay to get into the car park of a boot fair!)

[206xsi]

Ok - so normal road rules seem to apply on the estate (better stop jumping those annoying lights!).

Taking you back to the original question (which was admittedly hidden in the subject) - there is no 40 limit signs as I leave the estate which has 25 mph repeaters.

Could I argue a (non-existent at this point) speeding ticket on the 40 limit due to missing 40 signs?

I agree if I leave my (I don't actually have one) driveway at home I wouldn't have a leg to stand on....

[pwig]

Is a 25mph limit enforcable?

[CarZee]

pwig said:

Is a 25mph limit enforcable?

no, but dangerous driving is, I expect.

[john_p]

CarZee said:

no, but dangerous driving is, I expect.

I would guess so, because the Road Traffic Act has specific exemptions from "dangerous driving" (s1/2/3) if you are on an official motorsport event - which leads me to believe that you can be done anywhere for it if you are not!

Aren't there rules as to when a speed limit is official (and hence enforcable?) - something to do with it being registered with the council/highways agency?