Conflicting smart sign + fixed signs - which limit?
Discussion
Was driving along the M6 and there was a section where the overhead smart signs said 40 - however the signs next to the road all said 60.
There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.

There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.
Greatesthit12 said:
Was driving along the M6 and there was a section where the overhead smart signs said 40 - however the signs next to the road all said 60.
There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.

I love PH some days....There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.
Yes it was a formal road works area, with a set 60mph limit and average speed cameras.
If you go under the electric board, that sets your limit to 40mph - but going past a 60mph sign, doesn't that set it to 60mph again until you get to the next 40mph board?
Normally on a motorway there are not NSL speed signs other than when you get onto the motorway, or to mark the end of a restricted limit section.
If you go under the electric board, that sets your limit to 40mph - but going past a 60mph sign, doesn't that set it to 60mph again until you get to the next 40mph board?
Normally on a motorway there are not NSL speed signs other than when you get onto the motorway, or to mark the end of a restricted limit section.
The highway code states: (on overhead gantries)
But of course, common sense is not so common.
Highway Code said:
A speed limit displayed inside a red circle is legally enforceable. If you go over the speed limit, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine.
We’ll let you know when it no longer applies by setting the national speed limit sign.
If no speed limits are displayed then the national speed limit applies.
When speed limits are displayed, they remain in place until notified that they have ended, or a different speed limit is displayed.
Additionally, given that the static signboards cannot be changed at a moments notice, despite the above rules - common sense should apply anyway.We’ll let you know when it no longer applies by setting the national speed limit sign.
If no speed limits are displayed then the national speed limit applies.
When speed limits are displayed, they remain in place until notified that they have ended, or a different speed limit is displayed.
But of course, common sense is not so common.
Greatesthit12 said:
Yes it was a formal road works area, with a set 60mph limit and average speed cameras.
If you go under the electric board, that sets your limit to 40mph - but going past a 60mph sign, doesn't that set it to 60mph again until you get to the next 40mph board?
Normally on a motorway there are not NSL speed signs other than when you get onto the motorway, or to mark the end of a restricted limit section.
Er, wot?If you go under the electric board, that sets your limit to 40mph - but going past a 60mph sign, doesn't that set it to 60mph again until you get to the next 40mph board?
Normally on a motorway there are not NSL speed signs other than when you get onto the motorway, or to mark the end of a restricted limit section.
The M6 you say? I had this a couple of months ago, mentioned it here and got the the usual, 'oh my god I can't believe how thick people are etc, etc...
Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
speedyguy said:
Were you in a roadworks area with Temporary chapter 8 signage showing 60 which was over ridden by the 'midas/congestion' signage.
Ie no different than being told to do 40mph on a standard 70mph motorway by the 'midas/congestion' signage.
Yup. The temporary 60mph limit for that stretch of road is overridden by the lower overhead signage, Ie no different than being told to do 40mph on a standard 70mph motorway by the 'midas/congestion' signage.
The limit will stay at 40mph, until the overhead signage rescinds it.
As stated above, it’s no different to a motorway without the 60mph temporary signage.
Greatesthit12 said:
Was driving along the M6 and there was a section where the overhead smart signs said 40 - however the signs next to the road all said 60.
There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.

No conflict of signage. There were frequent 40 overhead digital signs and frequent 60 physical roadside signs for a period of I’d guess 10 miles. So it was not just a single instance. Some of the conflicting signs were close to each other (like the photo) and others were spread out as not every overhead gantry has a fixed sign next to it, and vice Versa.
My understanding would be to follow the law accurately here, whilst maintaining the maximum permissible speed, you would speed up and slow down constantly throughout this section. So I’m really interested what the actual law would be. Any input welcomed.
jurbie said:
The M6 you say? I had this a couple of months ago, mentioned it here and got the the usual, 'oh my god I can't believe how thick people are etc, etc...
Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
Care to quote the law on that one.Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
Drumroll said:
jurbie said:
The M6 you say? I had this a couple of months ago, mentioned it here and got the the usual, 'oh my god I can't believe how thick people are etc, etc...
Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
Care to quote the law on that one.Anyway, the point I made was that because there are ongoing roadworks to install all the overhead gantries and signage then none of that overrides the formal 60 limit that has been set for the duration of the roadworks. Assuming that's the section you were in then in my mind until the roadworks to install everything are complete then anything on the newly installed overhead signage should be ignored.
The bottom line is I sailed through the whole section at around 60 plus 10% and didn't get a ticket.
Hol said:
Yup. The temporary 60mph limit for that stretch of road is overridden by the lower overhead signage,
The limit will stay at 40mph, until the overhead signage rescinds it.
As stated above, it’s no different to a motorway without the 60mph temporary signage.
It is different because the signage saying that it's a variable speed limit zone is not in place. The start of it says (fixed) 60mph. That's why the variable cannot override the fixed.The limit will stay at 40mph, until the overhead signage rescinds it.
As stated above, it’s no different to a motorway without the 60mph temporary signage.
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