Advisory speed limits on Motorway
Discussion
Just a quick query...
I've always thought that the only legally-enforceable speed limits were those in red circles... For example, you get to a roadworks section on the motorway, with a large yellow sign saying "Max Speed 50", but you couldn't be booked for exceeding 50 until you pass the obligatory 50 limit in a red circle signs further down the road. Is this correct??
Also, the matrix signs which are on the central reservations, which seem to always say "Fog" regardless of whether it's foggy or not. Quite often, they will say 50, which I usually take to mean there might be a queue ahead, and ease off a little bit... But a driving instructor friend of mine was saying a while ago that they're actually legally enforceable...
Any input for the pub argument?!?!
I've always thought that the only legally-enforceable speed limits were those in red circles... For example, you get to a roadworks section on the motorway, with a large yellow sign saying "Max Speed 50", but you couldn't be booked for exceeding 50 until you pass the obligatory 50 limit in a red circle signs further down the road. Is this correct??
Also, the matrix signs which are on the central reservations, which seem to always say "Fog" regardless of whether it's foggy or not. Quite often, they will say 50, which I usually take to mean there might be a queue ahead, and ease off a little bit... But a driving instructor friend of mine was saying a while ago that they're actually legally enforceable...
Any input for the pub argument?!?!
I got pulled going through the Conway Tunnels once. The cop was Welsh, said "Well Stirling you were going 70 through there boyo and you changed lanes, very good". I looked blankly at him and said "So" He informed me the speed limit was 50 and I replied that the Highway code indicates that is an advisory speed. He said "So why were you doing 70 then boyo?" He was quite red in the face by now. I replied "Well I have considered the advice and I think it's shite". He was appopleptic with rage it was hilarious. Fortunately I had 3 other people in the car so after a bit of tax inspection and tyre kicking he buggered off. 
nonegreen said:
I got pulled going through the Conway Tunnels once. The cop was Welsh, said "Well Stirling you were going 70 through there boyo and you changed lanes, very good". I looked blankly at him and said "So" He informed me the speed limit was 50 and I replied that the Highway code indicates that is an advisory speed. He said "So why were you doing 70 then boyo?" He was quite red in the face by now. I replied "Well I have considered the advice and I think it's shite". He was appopleptic with rage it was hilarious. Fortunately I had 3 other people in the car so after a bit of tax inspection and tyre kicking he buggered off.
70 is a perfectly reasonable speed for the tunnel in question - ample view to the front.
Think the mandatory 40 limit in the Meir Tunnel on the A50 in Stoke is a joke
. Does a good job of bunching traffic on the westbound carriageway to make joining the A50 in that direction difficult! Come to think of it the 50 limit on the remainder is a bit low except for a couple of poorly engineered bits that could have been accomplished better in the first place on such a recent road! 60 or 70 would be better.Timbob
Correct. Rectangular signs are advisory only. Remember - circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangular inform.
Likewise the gantry limits -Temporary maximum advisory speed limit.
But as stated excessive speed in such areas, depending on conditions, could be used to support a dangerous or careless driving.
DVD
Correct. Rectangular signs are advisory only. Remember - circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangular inform.
Likewise the gantry limits -Temporary maximum advisory speed limit.
But as stated excessive speed in such areas, depending on conditions, could be used to support a dangerous or careless driving.
DVD
What's the legal position regarding signs which look exactly like speed limit signs (black number, white background, red circle) with "300 meters" or whatever written underneath. Obviously they're meant to show that the speed limit is some way ahead, but they do meet all the criteria for being speed limit signs as far as I can see.
GreenV8S said:
What's the legal position regarding signs which look exactly like speed limit signs (black number, white background, red circle) with "300 meters" or whatever written underneath. Obviously they're meant to show that the speed limit is some way ahead, but they do meet all the criteria for being speed limit signs as far as I can see.
Advisory as they indicate the speed limit ahead which will start at the point mentioned in the Order applying the limit.
IIRC the only time you will see the start of a limit sign with anything else is where it is mounted on a yellow board backing to make it conspicuious or on a board for 20 Zone Traffic calming area.
DVD
Dwight VanDriver said:
Timbob
Correct. Rectangular signs are advisory only. Remember - circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangular inform.
Likewise the gantry limits -Temporary maximum advisory speed limit.
But as stated excessive speed in such areas, depending on conditions, could be used to support a dangerous or careless driving.
DVD
Thanks for the clarification mate, I thought I was on the right lines - didn't fancy arguing the point "unarmed" as it were!
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