page_title: Road speed limits in the United Kingdom
section_title: Fixed speed limits
hierarchical_section_title: Road speed limits in the United Kingdom / Types of speed limit / Fixed speed limits
caption_attribution_description: English: UK 50 mph speed limit signs on a dual-carriageway
context_page_description: Road speed limits in the United Kingdom are used to define the maximum legal speed for vehicles using public roads in the UK. Speed limits are one of the measures available to attempt to control traffic speeds, reduce negative environmental effects of traffic, increase fuel use efficiency and satisfy local community wishes. The speed limit in each location is indicated on a nearby traffic sign or by the presence of street lighting. Signs show speed limits in miles per hour or the national speed limit sign may be used.
  The national speed limit is 70 mph on motorways, 70 mph on dual carriageways, 60 mph on single carriageways and generally 30 mph in areas with street lighting. These limits may be changed by road signs and apply to cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight, and to motorhomes or motor caravans not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight. Other classes of vehicles are subject to lower limits on some roads.
  Enforcement of UK road speed limits was traditionally done using police 'speed traps' set up and operated by the police who now increasingly use speed guns, automated in-vehicle systems and automated roadside traffic cameras.
context_section_description: Speed limit road signs are used to inform road users where speed limits other than the applicable national speed limit apply.
caption: 50 mph (80 km/h) sign on a dual-carriageway road
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