ASA complaint being investigated
Discussion
I've complained to the Advertising Standards Agency about a Thames Valley 'Safer' Roads Partnership radio ad which states "if you can't see a speed limit sign, always assume it's a 30 limit".
Instead of the standard brush off they have replied to let me know that they are investigating my complaint and will be seeking further representations from both parties.
Obviously my complaint was based around the fact that it is suicidal to drive at 30mph on a motorway or DC. Any other thoughts?
Instead of the standard brush off they have replied to let me know that they are investigating my complaint and will be seeking further representations from both parties.
Obviously my complaint was based around the fact that it is suicidal to drive at 30mph on a motorway or DC. Any other thoughts?
If you can't see the speed limit then surely it is better to assume that the limit is appropriate for the circumstances. An urban road with pedestrians near by is probably a 30. A trunk road in the middle of nowhere is probably NSL. A better message would be use your common sense. And actually that's a good message whether you can see the speed limit, or not. Unfortunately it's the exact opposite to the message that's actually being given. 
Edited by GreenV8S on Sunday 8th October 13:18
I’d have to check but I thought that the whole way in which laws regarding speed limits worked was that the driver assumed there was no speed limit restriction (hence NSL) UNLESS there was evidence to the contrary. This was either repeater markers or street lighting etc.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
black-k1 said:
I’d have to check but I thought that the whole way in which laws regarding speed limits worked was that the driver assumed there was no speed limit restriction (hence NSL) UNLESS there was evidence to the contrary. This was either repeater markers or street lighting etc.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
I thought it was the other way around ie no repeaters for 30mph?
esselte said:
black-k1 said:
I’d have to check but I thought that the whole way in which laws regarding speed limits worked was that the driver assumed there was no speed limit restriction (hence NSL) UNLESS there was evidence to the contrary. This was either repeater markers or street lighting etc.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
This is why the de-restriction markers are generally not repeated where all other limit markers are.
I thought it was the other way around ie no repeaters for 30mph?
30mph limits display repeater signs IF they are NOT street lit. Similarly if it IS street lit you must assume the limit is 30mph unless there are signs to the contrary - including repeaters.
jasandjules said:
I am willing to bet your complaint will be rejected as they will say it is "safer" to have people slow down if they don't know the speed limit.
But is there chapter-and-verse stating that you can assume NSL if unsigned and unlit in the Highway Code, or any other statutory instrument, which can be quoted back at them?
Highway Code said:
These are the national speed limits and apply to all roads unless signs show otherwise
www.highwaycode.gov.uk/09.htm#103
Seems clear as day to me
I think the general rule is something along the lines of
70mph MWay and DC, 60mph on other roads UNLESS speed limit signs or street lighting indicate otherwise.
(Amendments for large vehicles etc. follow and "streetlighting" is defined as distance between lights).
See PoD point above regarding lighting.
70mph MWay and DC, 60mph on other roads UNLESS speed limit signs or street lighting indicate otherwise.
(Amendments for large vehicles etc. follow and "streetlighting" is defined as distance between lights).
See PoD point above regarding lighting.
Edited by over_the_hill on Tuesday 10th October 14:10
Parrot of Doom said:
Only if there are streetlamps spaced at 200 yards or less IIRC.
Yes, I know that rule very well having fallen foul of it once!
If there's no streetlamps or repeater signs at the designated spacings assume NSL. It is the authority's responsibility to sign a speed limit correctly.
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