These new 20mph limits...

[Somewhatfoolish]

There are many drivers who like me obey the speed limit more or less slavishly if it's in a red circle and entirely ignore it if it's an NSL with one exception* - the silly 50mph limits that have sprung up in certain counties in the last 15 years or so, which "we" also entirely ignore.

These new blanket 20mph limits that are springing up in certain parts of the country (London, Wales soon) - how do you intend to drive them?

Certainly in London they appear to be being entirely ignored and driven as though 30 and I suspect that's the sensible way to treat them. Presumably the same will happen in Wales. Pretty sure this is a bad thing as the endpoint is the red circles being entirely ignored...

*Ok Scottish Motorways too where there is technically no NSL so everything is in red circles, but that is a weird technicality.

[Cliftonite]

Being caught by camera enforcement driving at 50% over the limit (30 in a 20) can have
painful financial consequences and some significant inconvenience if repeated.

[Rat Park Refugee]

I intend to drive at 30mph unless I end up in front of a police car in which case I'll slow down to about 9mph. If they pull me over, I'll say - well those in power have said 20mph is better than 30mph, so surely 10mph is better than 20mph ???

[Rex Orlkahz]

"It depends" - however, I'm tempted to do 20 in the car, to be honest. My bike is hunty at 20 though, and prefers third to second (strangely). It's happier at circa 25.

[gdaybruce]

The signage on the Marylebone Rd/Euston Rd in London is abysmal. Until recently it was all set at 30 and that was fine. Now, however, travelling east, at one point it goes from a red circle 20 sign, followed 50 yds later by a red circle 30 and then in another 50 yds (going into the underpass) there is a 20 painted on the road surface. There are also two junction enforcement cameras , one after the 20 sign and the other after the 30, followed by a third camera where the 20 is painted on the road. There are then no more red circle limit signs for the remainder of the route although there are further 20 signs painted on the road surface.

I suspect that the planners' intention is that the whole road should be subject to 20 but that's not what the red circle signs say. If ever I'm prosecuted for doing 28 I'll have the argument!

[Lee630i]

Well to add, just done my 'speed awareness' course for doing 24 in a 20. Pay for the course or take the points and a fine. Initially I thought the 20 zones were un enforceable as they were an attempt to reduce emissions, but no, proved they are also enforced in zones with schools and colleges etc....

If its a 20 zone, your probably lucky you havnt been caught yet. I'm now getting the train as trying to drive in London is just a matter of time before your caught on a yellow box junction, caught in an argument, helmet camera picture prosecutions from cyclists thinking you over took to close (happened to me aswell) plus 20 mph zones which feel un naturally slow.

Luckily the newly opened elizabeth line works for me

[jondude]

Lee630i said:

Well to add, just done my 'speed awareness' course for doing 24 in a 20. Pay for the course or take the points and a fine. Initially I thought the 20 zones were un enforceable as they were an attempt to reduce emissions, but no, proved they are also enforced in zones with schools and colleges etc....

If its a 20 zone, your probably lucky you havnt been caught yet. I'm now getting the train as trying to drive in London is just a matter of time before your caught on a yellow box junction, caught in an argument, helmet camera picture prosecutions from cyclists thinking you over took to close (happened to me aswell) plus 20 mph zones which feel un naturally slow.

Luckily the newly opened elizabeth line works for me

I rarely drive on unknown roads now for the same reasons - it has become cat and mouse, as a car driver you are always looking for cameras, no turn this, no turn that, bus lane this, yellow box junction that.

I am just happy I did get to drive before cameras and 20 mph limits.