Changing Speed Limits

[AndyAudi]

Can someone confirm this for me (Scotland if it makes a difference)
I'm sure I've read somewhere on here that speed limits should not be reduced in increments greater than 30mph at a time (not sure if just a guideline though), ie to go from a 70 - 30mph would require a section of 60,50 or 40 in between.
This would appear to make some sense and appear to be the norm in most areas.

The question comes as I am aware of an individual who has been charged at driving at 41 in a 20mph (School Zone). I believe this is quite harsh as it has only recently become a 20 because of a "blanket policy on all roads near schools" prior to that it was NSL, and it remains an NSL outside school hours, the Temporary 20mph is indicated by flashing signs. In my opinion the 20mph limit is inappropriate and has only been installed because no-one wanted to be the one to oppose it.

Edited by AndyAudi on Monday 1st October 09:52

[tigger1]

It's NSL outside school hours and becomes 20mph by way of flashing signs??

How does that work if you pass the first sign at 5 secs before limit change - you could then be doing 60mph in a 20 limit, "moving goalposts"!

[Puddenchucker]

There's a road I drive on that changes from 60 to 20mph in one hit.

[AndyAudi]

Although it sounds dangerous, 42mph in a 20mph limit past a school, I thought I’d highlight the police were even against some of these per below (can’t find the article I want quoting them though). This is not the same school as the individual was caught at though (I think this one was already a 50mph limit because of a junction)

Speed limits of 20mph on the A90 'may prove to be a danger'.
Talks over proposed 20mph speed limits along sections of the busiest north-east commuter route will start next month. The Press and Journal revealed last month that motorists could be forced to drastically cut their speed outside Foveran primary school on the A90.

The Scottish Executive backed the plans - but Grampian Police and the AA raised concerns...

But then they went and did it anyway as the politicians and the “think of the children brigade” put it through (obviously knowing more about road safety.)

Foveran part-time 20mph zone welcomed Gordon MSP Nora Radcliffe said:
"This new part-time 20mph limit is a great boost to road safety around Foveran School. "I will continue to make road safety a top priority for the North East along with my colleagues in Aberdeenshire Council."

Edited by AndyAudi on Monday 1st October 11:50

[naetype]

I've seen a couple of locations like this. One on the way past Fettercairn and another down past Patna in Galloway. Completely different Councils & Police Forces so I reckon they're fine in law.

[tvrgit]

There is no requirement to "step down" speed limits - you can go straight from 70 to 30. The old regulations specifically said you MUSTN'T step down - the new ones don't say that (nor do they say you HAVE TO) - but you can now, if you wish.

The one the OP is talking about sounds different - a "20mph when lights flash" on a road that is otherwise 70 if I understand correctly? If so, there is probably nothing wrong with that IN LAW. In practice, though, you're asking drivers who might normally welt up and down at 70, to sometimes slow to a third of that. I'd be a bit concerned about the safety of that, to be honest (and also about the safety of any pedestrians who might have a false sense of security).

[AndyAudi]

tvrgit said:

There is no requirement to "step down" speed limits - you can go straight from 70 to 30. The old regulations specifically said you MUSTN'T step down - the new ones don't say that (nor do they say you HAVE TO) - but you can now, if you wish.

The one the OP is talking about sounds different - a "20mph when lights flash" on a road that is otherwise 70 if I understand correctly? If so, there is probably nothing wrong with that IN LAW. In practice, though, you're asking drivers who might normally welt up and down at 70, to sometimes slow to a third of that. I'd be a bit concerned about the safety of that, to be honest (and also about the safety of any pedestrians who might have a false sense of security).

Thanks for answering my question, if I understand you correctly,
"it used to be against regulations but isn't now" (one wonders why?)
The Area in my first post was from a 60 to a 20. The twenty being displayed on digital signs with flashing lights when in force (these are now at almost every school in Scotland, but they are usually located within an existing 30/40/50)

[Cooperman]

I thought that unless a speed limit was indicated by black numbers on a white background with a circular red border it was only 'advisory'. Are those part-time 20 limits properly signed?

[AndyAudi]

Cooperman said:

I thought that unless a speed limit was indicated by black numbers on a white background with a circular red border it was only 'advisory'. Are those part-time 20 limits properly signed?

The ring of (LED?) lights surronding the 20mph is red. but that's about it.