My own private speed limit sign
Discussion
A few minutes ago a couple of local parish councillors knocked on my door and gave me a stick on 30mph speed limit roundal, which I am supposed to stick on my wheelie bin. The idea is that traffic coming through our 'village' will be confronted by dozens of these things, at least on bin days. They are quite big, about the size of a soup plate, I suppose the size of regular repeater signs.
A group of old women of both sexes have been grumbling about speeding traffic for some time now, but I personally think the road design and poor driving standards are the real problem locally. But you can't explain this to them.
But my question is that I suspect displaying unapproved road signs is not legal, on the side of my wheelie bin or elsewhere. Is this naive but well intentioned move going to turn round and bite people on the backside?
By the way, parish council elections are due in a few weeks ...
A group of old women of both sexes have been grumbling about speeding traffic for some time now, but I personally think the road design and poor driving standards are the real problem locally. But you can't explain this to them.
But my question is that I suspect displaying unapproved road signs is not legal, on the side of my wheelie bin or elsewhere. Is this naive but well intentioned move going to turn round and bite people on the backside?
By the way, parish council elections are due in a few weeks ...
It’s a stupid idea, and one we’ve been advised specifically not to follow in our village.
Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
Depending on reflectivity and size, and where they are stuck on the wheelie bin and where the wheelie bin is placed, they may be legal. Otherwise it isn't illegal, but it cannot be used for enforcement purposes.
As they are wheelie bins, presumably they are taken in after collection day until the next week? Otherwise yes, sign clutter can give rise to a defence, as that silly woman who got caught in a bus lane in Chelmsford proved.
As they are wheelie bins, presumably they are taken in after collection day until the next week? Otherwise yes, sign clutter can give rise to a defence, as that silly woman who got caught in a bus lane in Chelmsford proved.
chrisch77 said:
It’s a stupid idea, and one we’ve been advised specifically not to follow in our village.
Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
Just ask plod not to bother with enforcement on bin day if that's really an issue. Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
I live on the outskirts of Chelmsford so I am well aware of the bus gate case.
I have found a policy statement from York that is very specific about where signs can be placed relative to the kerb, etc., presumably for safety reasons. (There is no street lighting at night here, by the way.) This is also a conservation area, and York is very specific about use of road signs near listed buildings. About half of the houses along this road are listed. It's going to look like a dog's breakfast. I would have thought my own town/county council would have broadly similar policies, especially if they are based on legislation.
I too share concerns about No. 30.
I wouldn't have thought our local councillors would embark on this without official approval, but nothing surprises me any more.
I have found a policy statement from York that is very specific about where signs can be placed relative to the kerb, etc., presumably for safety reasons. (There is no street lighting at night here, by the way.) This is also a conservation area, and York is very specific about use of road signs near listed buildings. About half of the houses along this road are listed. It's going to look like a dog's breakfast. I would have thought my own town/county council would have broadly similar policies, especially if they are based on legislation.
I too share concerns about No. 30.
I wouldn't have thought our local councillors would embark on this without official approval, but nothing surprises me any more.
OpulentBob said:
Has "Our Louise's" advice been superseded by TSRGD in 2016 etc etc ?chrisch77 said:
It’s a stupid idea, and one we’ve been advised specifically not to follow in our village.
Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
No you can’t Apparently if you go creating a load of unofficial ‘repeater’ speed limit signs that are not mounted in the correct location and spacing then you can actually negate the legality of the speed limit that exists, and thereby give offenders a defence against any speeding charges.
30 mph repeater signs are not permitted on restricted streets but I can't see how that would make it unenforceable as what would it default to. Same way as, no matter how poor the signage is, you can't do more than 60 on a single carriageway and 70 on a dual carriage way or motorway.
Having said that..
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/emergency-serv...
Having said that..
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/emergency-serv...
Edited by Graveworm on Monday 1st April 23:13
Graveworm said:
30 mph repeater signs are not permitted on restricted streets but I can't see how that would make it unenforceable as what would it default to. Same way as, no matter how poor the signage is, you can't do more than 60 on a single carriageway and 70 on a dual carriage way or motorway.
Having said that..
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/emergency-serv...
Having said that..
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/emergency-serv...
Edited by Graveworm on Monday 1st April 23:13
Shropshire Star said:
It is the case that if 30mph repeater signs are present within the extent of a system of street lighting then this will make the speed limit unlawful and unenforceable.
it doesn't make it unenforceable.Forums | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff