On This Day: 70mph speed limit imposed on motorways On This Day: 70mph speed limit imposed on motorways Julian Gavaghan Pin it Share DECEMBER 22, 1965: Britain’s 70mph top speed limit was imposed on motorways on this day in 1965 – in what was supposed to be only a temporary measure. The trial was introduced due to the high number of accidents while drivers were free to go as fast as they liked after the first highway – the M1 – was opened in 1959. The two-year experiment by the Department of Transport was deeply unpopular and led to protest campaigns by motoring groups such as the RAC and AA. Silent British Pathé footage shows hundreds of – mostly male - drivers attending a demonstration at Newport Pagnell service station on the M1 in Buckinghamshire. But by 1967 – when Transport Secretary Barbara Castle made her decision to make the speed limit permanent – polls showed 61 per cent of Britons were in favour. This was due to studies by the Government’s Road Research Laboratory that showed casualties had been cut by 20 per cent and 60 lives had been saved.

However, motoring groups and manufacturers still doubted the report’s finding and demanded the speed limit was scrapped. Lord Chesham, executive vice-chairman of the RAC, then said: 'There are enough red herrings in this report to fill the hold of the largest Grimsby trawler.' Today, Britain’s top speed limit is one of the slowest in Europe and there have been repeated calls to increase it. For example, France, Holland, Austria and Denmark are among 17 countries on the continent where motorists can legally drive at 80mph (130km/h) on their motorways. Notably, Germany has no speed limit on the majority of its autobahn, although drivers’ insurance is voided if they crash while going over 80mph. The British Government had intended to raise the speed limit - but allegedly ditched the plans amid fears that it would alienate women voters. Former Transport Secretary Philip Hammond had in 2011 claimed the 70mph limit had been 'discredited' and a rise to 80mph would boost the economy.

[On This Day: 'Birdman' Gerard Masselin dies after parachute fails] But Patrick McLoughlin, who now fills the Cabinet post, said in June this year that the move was no longer a priority. Polls have shown a majority of drivers would support the move, but significant numbers of women were against it. Speed limits for motorists were first enforced in Britain in 1861. The 1965 'red flag' amendment to the Locomotives Act (since early cars were called 'light locomotives') required vehicles to drive at 2mph in towns while a man walked 60 yards in front either waving a banner or carrying a lantern. Read More But limits, which later rose to 20mph, were abolished in 1931 after being 'so universally disobeyed that its maintenance brought the law into contempt'. The 22nd of December 1965 AD, National Speed Limit of 70mph introduced National Speed Limit of 70mph introduced The 22nd of December 1965 AD The day that must be etched on Jeremy Clarkson ï¿½s heart.

Just before Christmas 1965 Transport Minister Tom Fraser (not Barbara Castle, as many seem to think) introduced a 70mph limit for drivers on motorways, following several pile-ups in the foggy autumn and winter of that year, though another cause is sometimes cited - the eraï¿½s super-cars being seen on motorways in legal-speak: ï¿½Travelling at speeds in excess of 150mphï¿½. Like Income Tax in 1799 this was to be a temporary measure. In the sixties many car drivers were the first in their family to own a vehicle, so with fewer points of reference as regards driving than is the case today. The engineering on some cars (especially in those days brakes) was not great, with many struggling to reach 70mph. At the time then few voices were raised against the measure. Barbara Castle confirmed the limit as a permanent fixture when she was transport minister in 1967. The genie was out of the bottle to stay.

As driving experience has become ingrained, cars have radically improved, and road building likewise, voices are now starting to be heard about raising the limit, comparing things with France where the top speed is 130kph (80mph), for example. But the chances of this happening are roughly equivalent to those of proportional representation and free beer for all. Indeed it should be recalled that in a period of energy crisis in 1973 the limit was dropped to 50mph for a time, so the smart money would be on a decrease before any increase. By way of interest, if you feel the need, the need for speed, try the Isle of Man , where rural roads are still de-restricted. Or Germany where much of the autobahn network has no limit. Or if you fancy going a bit further afield, Nepal is another option, though you might want to watch out for a few of those mountain bends.

18619 views since 1st April 2007 Comment From Iain Dickson on 3rd October 2011 Regarding safety on German Autobahns consider the following: Autobahn crash involves 259 cars (20 Jul 2009) Sandstorm Causes Deadly Autobahn Crashc (4/8/11) From Martin on 30th September 2011 Thanks Al, good information along with the bit of self-publicity, though you may wish to consider toning down the "you should" to "you may consider". From Al Gullon on 3rd September 2011 Your "need for speed" paragraph should first refer the reader to the Motor Sports Association for the UK. Their web page provides a list of all the disciplines available which includes several in which you are 'on track' alone and racing for the best time. Secondly you should introduce the German autobahns with, "To see the true effect of speed limits on motorways you should visit Germany.

Much of their autobahns have only a 'government suggested' limit of 130kmph yet they continually have among the best motorway safety records internationally." Sincerely, Al A. C. Gullon, BSc., PEng. Automobiles+Concepts+Environments Consulting on Safety & the Environment Technical Articles & Lectures Ph: 613-738-0712 Fx: -8946 Brit Quote: Speed Limit - Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki Speed Limit 30 mph speed limit sign Pictures related to Speed Limit No pictures uploaded ( Upload? ) A speed limit is a regulation establishing the maximum speed at which it is permitted to drive a motor vehicle along a given road or section of road. While practical enforcement procedures vary, anyone exceeding the limit by any amount is committing an offence in law. Current speed limits on roads in the United Kingdom have come about through many years of traffic regulation legislation.

The origins go back to the early days of motoring, but perhaps the key legislation that defines our modern day limits is the Road Traffic Act 1934, which introduced the concept of different speed limits for built up and non built up roads, essentially applying a restricted speed limit to roads that were street lit and making non street lit roads de-restricted. The restricted road speed limit of 30 mph for cars and motorcycles has been with us since the 1934 act. At that time, since few motor vehicles were capable of exceeding the modern 60 mph limit, non lit roads were deemed to be derestricted, thus had no speed limit. The national speed limit was first introduced late in 1965 as an experiment on all previously derestricted roads. Various amendments saw the national speed limit introduced first as a standard 70 mph, then amended several times, most notably due to the 1973 oil crisis, before becoming 60 mph on single-carriageway roads and 70 mph on dual-carriageway roads in the late 1970s.

Vehicle class speed limits also apply on UK roads, these restrict certain classes of vehicle, notably, goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, buses, coaches and vehicles towing trailers to different speed limits for three different types of road, single carriageway , dual carriageway and motorway . Contents In the United Kingdom there are three national speed limits, these are; The 30 mph speed limit on lighted roads (sometimes referred to as Restricted Roads) The national speed limit of 60 mph on single carriageway roads The national speed limit of 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways These national limits are not appropriate to all roads and where appropriate a traffic authority may introduce a "local speed limit" based upon guidance issued by the Department for Transport . The current guidance is set out in a document called " DfT Circular 01/2006 Setting Local Speed Limits ", which replaced " Circular Roads 01/93 " in August 2006. It should be noted that non-motorway Special Roads have no specifically defined national speed limit, and the maximum speed limit is always stated in the Statutory Instrument that creates the road.

This means that the National Speed Limit sign has no clear meaning, and so non-motorway Special Roads always have their speed limit explicitly signed. It has been debated on SABRE many times as to whether the lower class limits apply to non-motorway Special Roads, usually to no firm conclusion. At the time of writing, there does not appear to be any case law on the subject to offer guidance. Variable speed limits Main article: Variable Speed Limit On some motorways, called smart motorways , speed limits can be varied to manage traffic flow. This is called variable speed limit or VSL. This is shown using AMI signs above individual lanes or on all lane running schemes, verge mounted MS4 signals. VSL and lane diversion symbols on a VSL-enabled MS4 on the M1 to prepare for an incident in lane 1 of the ALR scheme. Sensors and CCTV as well as an advanced MIDAS system can automatically set VSL and it may be used with or without hard shoulder running.

Unlike advisory speed limits which can be set using most variable message signs and so can be used on any motorway, variable speed limits need either AMI or an MS4 capable of showing VSL (on some motorways MS4s are used to show advisory speeds without VSL). The MS4s that can use VSL must be fitted with a camera sign on the cantilever or gantry. This is because variable speed limits have a red circle around them instead of flashing lights-this makes following them a legal requirement. VSL can also be used on some A roads, but this is mainly on a few selected roads in Scotland and Wales and is very rare, if at all used, on English A roads. Local speed limits Local speed limits are introduced where the appropriate national speed limit for a road is deemed inappropriate by the traffic authority responsible. Local speed limits must be signed accordingly at each end and by means of repeater signs at regular intervals along the road that the local speed limit applies.

A local speed limit cannot be made for a road that would otherwise come under the classification of the national speed limit, for example, if a road had a 40 mph local speed limit and was to be reduced to 30 mph, then the appropriate sections of the road traffic act would be used to revoke the local limit and make the road a restricted road. The national speed limit may be deemed inappropriate for a variety of reasons, including geometric road quality, casualty rates, importance of road, community severence, amount of frontage to the road, introduction of street lighting to a high quality road. See; DfT Circular 01/2006 Setting Local Speed Limits Vehicle class speed limits The maximum speed a motor vehicle can travel on a road is not only defined by the road type, but also the vehicle class; Speed Limits 60 (96) *** 60 (96) * The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise. ** 60 mph (96 km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer.

*** These limits apply only to England and Wales, in Scotland and Northern Ireland the limit on a dual carriageway for goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes max laden weight is 50mph (80 km/h) and on a single carriageway 40 mph (64 km/h) Speed limits can only apply to motor vehicles. Therefore, in a urban area with a 20 mph speed limit, a pedal-powered bicycle exceeding that speed is not committing an offence. Other speed limits Although common on private land, speed limits other than those prescribed by the DfT require approval from the Secretary of State. Speed limit signs that are prescribed by the DfT are for 20 mph, 30 mph, 40 mph, 50 mph, 60 mph and the National Speed Limit (white sign with a black diagonal bar). The 20 mph can be indicated by means of a circular sign as a speed limit, or by means of a larger square sign bearing the 20 mph roundel and the word "ZONE" below. Speed Limit Signage Main Article: Speed Limit Sign Speed Limiters Speed limiters are being fitted to an increasing number of motor vehicles.

Since 1 January 2005 all newly registered goods vehicles with a design weight over 3.5 tonnes and buses are required by law to be fitted with a road speed limiter. The requirement for older vehicles came into staged operation through to 1 January 2008. Speed limiters on new vehicles are set at the following levels; Passenger vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats (Bus) = 100 km/h (62.1 mph) Goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes (gross design weight) = 90 km/h (55.9 mph) Mopeds = 50 km/h (31.1 mph) See; A guide to speed limiter requirements Exceeding the speed limit Anyone exceeding a speed limit by as little as one mile per hour is breaking the law. However, in practice, owing to the inaccuracy of speedometers, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), which provides guidance and recommendation of police procedures, recommends that in normal circumstances no action be taken against a driver not exceeding the limit by more than 10% + 2 mph.

Therefore, driving at 34 mph where the speed limit is 30 mph, or 68 mph where the speed limit is 60 mph, will not normally result in a prosecution, though it is still legitimately possible. Speedometers are required by law to never read less than the vehicle's true speed, and never more than 110% + 4 km/h. Key legislation Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Current act that details aspects of traffic regulation, including the specific detail of law covering speed limits. The relevant parts for speed limits are covered in "Part IV Speed Limits", specifically sections 81-89. Supersedes the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967. Section 17 Gives the Secretary of State for Transport, the Scottish Ministers or members of the Welsh Assembly powers to create traffic restrictions (including speed limits) on special roads. Section 81 Defines that "it shall not be lawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle on a restricted road at a speed exceeding 30 miles per hour" Section 82 Defines that a restricted road is where there is provided on it a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart.

Section 82 also enables a traffic authority to direct if a road shall cease to be a restricted road or shall become a restricted road. Essentially, allowing the traffic authority to make a higher speed limit on a street lit road or to make a road that already has a different speed limit in place to become a restricted road. Section 83 Defines who may create a speed limit order and that public notice is required. Section 84 Defines what an order may prohibit, including the speed at which motor vehicles may not exceed and the period that the speed limit will cover. This section also defines that a traffic authority has power to make an order, that public notice shall be given before introducing an order and that Section 84 shall not apply to any part of a special road. Section 85 Covers the placement of traffic signs for indicating speed limits. Section 86 Covers speed limits for particular classes of vehicles Section 87 Provides an exemption for fire, ambulance and police vehicles in situations (e.g. during an emergency call) where observance would hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used.

The section also covers (in England and Wales only) vehicles being used by "Serious Organised Crime Agency" vehicles and "for training persons to drive vehicles for use for Serious Organised Crime Agency purposes, as it applies in relation to a vehicle being used for police purposes." Section 88 Covers temporary speed limits, including the what the temporary speed limit is, the period of operation, defines a maximum period of 18 months and Section 89 Defines that "A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road at a speed exceeding a limit imposed by or under any enactment to which this section applies shall be guilty of an offence." The Motorways Traffic (Speed Limit) Regulations 1974 This piece of legislation enacted under the 1967 RTRA and currently empowered by Sect. 17 of the RTRA creates the 70 mph national speed limit that applies to all motorways. Regulation 3 This is the key provision that prohibits the driving of a motor vehicle at a speed greater than 70 mph on a motorway. Regulation 4 and Regulation 5 create permanent 60 and 50 mph limits on certain sections of motorway.

The 70 miles per hour, 60 miles per hour and 50 miles per hour (Temporary Speed Limit) Order 1977 This order creates the national speed limit on all purpose roads. This order was enacted under the 1967 RTRA. Regulation 2 This provision prohibits the driving of a motor vehicle at a speed greater than 70 mph on a dual carriageway. It also provides some lower limits for a few specified roads. Regulation 3 This provision prohibits the driving of a motor vehicle at a speed greater than 60 mph on a single carriagway. It also provides some lower limits for a few specified roads. The 70 miles per hour, 60 miles per hour and 50 miles per hour (Temporary Speed Limit) (Continuation) Order 1978 This order has the effect of making the preceding temporary order permanent. This order was enacted under the 1967 RTRA and is currently empowered by Sect.

84 of RTRA The Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limits) (England and Wales) Regulations 2014 This statutory instrument amends the speed limit in England and Wales for HGVs from 40 to 50 mph on single carriageways and from 50 to 60 mph on dual carriageways not subject to a lower limit. Historical Legislation Highways Act 1835 Brought highways under the direction of Parish Surveyor who would be responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the local highways. Defines the nearside rule of riding on the left hand side of the road, numerous offences and defines the widths of roads; Cartways to be Twenty Feet wide (Approximately 6.1m) Horseways Eight Feet Footways Three Feet Locomotive Act of 1861 Introduced the concept of a different speed limit for urban and rural roads and defined a fine mechanism.

"It shall not be lawful to drive any Locomotive along any Turnpike Road or public Highway at a greater Speed than Ten Miles an Hour, or through any City, Town, or Village at a greater Speed than Five Miles an Hour; and any Person acting contrary hereto shall for every such Offence, on summary Conviction thereof before Two Justices, if he be not the Owner of such Locomotive, forfeit any Sum not exceeding Five Pounds, and if he be the Owner thereof, shall forfeit any Sum not exceeding Ten Pounds." Locomotive Act of 1865 Reduced the speed limits introduced in the 1861 act to 4 mph in the countryside and 2 mph in towns. Also required three crew for each vehicle, a driver, a stoker/passenger and a red flag man walking 60 yards in advance of the motor vehicle. Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act 1878 Amended section three of the 1865 act to reduce the distance the red flag had to be in advance of the motor vehicle and a requirement to stop on sight of a horse.

"section three of the Locomotive Act, 1865, is hereby repealed, so far as relates to England, and in lieu thereof the following paragraph is hereby substituted; namely, “Secondly, one of such persons, while the locomotive is in " motion, shall precede by at least twenty yards the locomotive " on foot, and shall in case of need assist horses, and carriages " drawn by horses, passing the same." This act also give power for existing rural sanitary authorities to become highway boards and also granted power of county authority to license locomotives, thus removing the requirement for a red flag man. Locomotives on Highways Act 1896 This act was perhaps the first encouraging sign that motor car ownership had become acceptable. The act removed the rules on speed limits and the use of a red flag for a new class of vehicle called a "light locomotive" which had to weigh less than 3 tons and made the vehicle exempt from the 3 crew rule. The act imposed a new higher 14 mph speed limit on the light locomotive, this however could be reduced to 12 mph by most local government boards.

Locomotives Act 1898 Motor Car Act 1903 Introduction of car registration and the diving license and raised the previous 14 mph speed limit to 20 mph with a provision for introduction of lower speed limit of 10 mph fixed after a local inquiry. Roads Act 1920 Defined various points over vehicle classification, licensing of drivers, driving offences, the duty to stop after an accident, vehicle weights, requirement for third party insurance, regulation of public service vehicles, introduced traffic commissioners/areas and introduced the following speed limits.

Passenger vehicles Adapted to carry not more than seven passengers = no limit Adapted to carry more than seven passengers = 30 mph In any other case including invalid carriages = 20 mph (20 mph speed limit applied to vehicles not fitted with pneumatic tyres and/or drawing a trailer) Goods Vehicles when not drawing a trailer Motor cars and heavy motor cars adapted to carry horses fitted with pneumatic tyres = 30 mph Motor cars not fitted with pneumatic tyres and heavy motor cars fitted with pneumatic tyres = 20 mph Heavy motor cars not fitted with pneumatic tyres = 16 mph Goods Vehicles when drawing a trailer If all wheels of both the drawing vehicle and trailer are fitted with pneumatic tyres = 16 mph If all wheels of both the drawing vehicle and trailer are not fitted with pneumatic tyres = 8 mph In any other case = 5 mph Locomotives and motor tractors Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limit) Regulations 1961 Unknown at this stage Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limit) Regulations 1962 Brought about the following changes; The maximum speed limit for goods vehicles without trailers will go up from 30 mph to 40 mph The general speed limit

 for goods vehicles with trailers will go up from 20 mph to 30 mph The general speed limit for light goods vehicles towing light trailers or caravans the limit will go up from 20 mph to 40 mph The limit for cars towing heavy trailers will go up from 20 mph to 30 mph The limit for cars towing light trailers or caravans will be raised from 30 mph to 40 mph The maximum speed for tractors and locomotives, provided that they conform to certain standards of design in regard to brakes, tyres, springs and wings, will be raised from 20 mph to 30 mph and if they are towing trailers of similar standards, from 12 mph to 20 mph The limit for motor tractors with two or more trailers and locomotives with 318 more than two trailers will be raised from 5 mph to 12 mph Motor Vehicles (Speed Limit on Motorways) Regulations 1966 Increased the maximum speed for vehicles drawing trailers on motorways from 40 to 50 mph and raised the maximum speed limit for a motor car drawing a glider trailer from 30 mph to 40 mph Motor Vehicles (Vari

ation of Speed Limit) (Amendment) Regulations 1966 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 Increased numerous vehicle class speed limits and defined limits for new classes of motor vehicle and consolidated the 1962 & 1966 acts Generally; Passenger vehicles less than 3 tons = 50 mph Goods vehicles not drawing a trailer or passenger vehicle adapted to carry not more than 7 passengers = 40 mph Goods vehicles drawing a trailer = 30 mph Motor tractors drawing a trailer = 30 mph Motor tractors drawing two or more trailers = 12 mph Vehicles not fitted with pneumatic tyres or drawing more than one trailer = 20 mph Track laying vehicles = 20 mph Track laying vehicles without a sprung chassis = 12 mph Vehicles not fitted with resilient tyres = 5 mph See; Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 The M4 Motorway (Severn Bridge) (Speed Limit) Regulations 1995 A statutory instrument ( 1995 No.

2168 ) that enabled a 40 mph speed limit to be introduced when indicated by signs along the length of the Second Severn Crossing . This lower speed limit could be introduced temporally for road works or during periods of high wind. Other relevant legislation >>>To move into new article<<< The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 A statutory instrument ( 1995 No. 158 ) that changed the definition of vehicles prohibited to use the right hand (offside) lane of a motorway carriageway which has three or more lanes. This had the effect of banning "a passenger vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver the maximum laden weight of which exceeds 7.5 tonnes" (generally coaches and buses) from using the right hand (offside) lane of motorway with three or more lanes. The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 A statutory instrument ( 2004 No.

3258 ) that changed the definition of vehicles prohibited to use the right hand (offside) lane of a motorway carriageway which has three or more lanes. This had the effect of banning "a goods vehicle which having a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes" (generally many larger transit/sprinter type vehicles) from using the right hand (offside) lane of motorway with three or more lanes. Road Safety Act 2006 This legislation includes a provision that (once enacted) will modify Sect. 87 of the RTRA to restrict the exemptions to speed limits for emergency vehicles to drivers that have completed an authorized training course. It also introduces an open ended provision to allow orders issued under the RTRA to prescribe additional exemptions. Speed Limit Speed Limit Signs Following a recent query on speed limits: am I correct in thinking we had no upper limit when I started driving in 1971? | Notes and Queries | guardian.co.uk Following a recent query on speed limits: am I correct in thinking we had no upper limit when I started driving in 1971?

tony.jay@ntlworld.com, UK In those times in the UK there were no speed limits outside signed areas. My recollection is that the symbol for the end of speed restrictions was a black cross on a white background, and these were usually found on the outskirts of built up areas. Dan Stalker, Gold Coast, Australia There was no upper limit on the motorways in 1971 but there were certainly upper limits on other roads, for example 30mph in towns and 40 mph in less built-up areas. The upper speed limit of 70 mph on the motorways was introduced during the oil crisis in the 1970s in order to preserve oil, and has been kept ever since. Ray Mitcham, Southport, UK The speed restrictions were introduced as a result of the Suez crisis and oil shortages which did occur at about that time. Prior to that the sky was the limit. Jack Hill, St Albans England UK I remember my father trying to pass the driving test in 1970, he got this point wrong, so the national speed limit of 70mph existed then but was probably fairly recent.

During the oil crisis of 1973 there was briefly a limit of 50 mph on single carriageways and 60mph on non-motorway dual carriageways, but it was soon replaced by the current 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph elsewhere. Campbell McGregor, Glasgow Scotland Initially, on motorways there were no speed restrictions which is why the car companies used them as test tracks. When people started to be killed on them speed limits were put into place. Then, as Campbell correctly pointed out, the oil crisis occurred, which dropped the speed limits for a while. Steve Nicol, Loughborough, UK A correction to my earlier answer - the 'No Speed Limit' sign was a black diagonal stripe on a white circle I saw one while watching a repeat of "Heartbeat'. Dan Stalker, Gold Coast Australia The white circle with the black diagonal bar denotes National Speed limit applies. Which is 60mph on single carriageways and 70 on dual carriageways.

All other speed limits are variations ie for built-up areas or for other dangers Mark, London The 70 mph speed limit was actually introduced in 1967, around two years after employees of AC Cars were caught testing their new Cobra model on the M1. At erm... 190 mph. Admittedly they did it on an empty stretch, at 4 a.m., using lookouts to make sure there was no traffic, but the story was leaked to the papers and the resultant outcry led to the introduction of the motorway limit. Thanks guys. David Murray, Cambridge United Kingdom Let me put this question to rest. The 70 mph limit came into force on 22 December 1965. So no, you're not correct. Roger Surridge, Paris France Actually you're both wrong. The 70mph limit was introduced as a temporary measure on all unrestricted roads in 1965. It wasn't until 1978 that a 60mph National speed limit and 70mph motorway speed limit came into force.

(Source UK Department for Transport - Marty, Leicester UK Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions I receive numerous e-mails relating to this site, asking questions and seeking further information. I am more than happy to answer sensible queries, particularly those with local relevance to North-West England, but I have noticed that some topics come up time and time again. So I've created a Frequently Asked Questions page to cover some of those points. Q: What are the ACPO guidelines for speeding prosecutions? A: These guidelines set out the minimum figures at which a Fixed Penalty Notice and a Court Summons would normally be considered appropriate for a speeding offence, if there are no other aggravating circumstances. The minimum figure for a FPN is the posted limit + 10% + 2 mph. These figures are shown in the table below: The ACPO Speed Enforcement Guidelines Speed Limit (mph) 96 The full details can be found on the ACPO website . Bear in mind that exceeding a speed limit by any amount whatsoever is an absolute offence, and a police officer is fully entitled to charge a driver for doing, say, 31 in a 30 limit outside a school at closing time, or in a busy High Street.

However, since a speed camera or Talivan is unable to make any judgment as to aggravating circumstances, automated FPNs issued by these means should not normally fall below the Fixed Penalty level set by the formula. In the past, many Gatsos had thresholds set much higher - in the Metropolitan Police area they were originally set at 43 mph in 30 limits - but in recent years most have been brought down to the minimum ACPO figures. However, I have yet to see a case where someone has received an FPN from a camera or Talivan for a speed below these guidelines - although obviously this can be done by a police officer in person. Given that most car speedometers overread by up to 10%, if you drive past a speed camera at up to an indicated 5 mph above the posted limit, you will normally be OK. On the motorway, an indicated 80 mph should not cause any problems. Q: When was the 70 mph motorway speed limit introduced in Britain? A: The 70 mph National Speed Limit was introduced as a temporary measure in December 1965. It is often blamed on Barbara Castle, but at the time the Minister of Transport was Tom Fraser.

The reason given was a spate of serious accidents in foggy conditions, but it is often claimed that the MoT had been alarmed by AC Cars testing their latest Cobra on the M1 at speeds up to 180 mph. It was confirmed as a permanent limit in 1967, by which time Barbara Castle (a non-driver) had become Minister of Transport.There was surprisingly little debate at the time: the fact that the average family car of the time could only just exceed 70 mph perhaps had something to do with this. It should be noted that this limit applied to all previously "derestricted" roads, not only motorways. All rural roads in the Isle of Man (including most of the famous TT course) remain genuinely derestricted, as a matter of interest. Q: I have been flashed by a Gatso on the opposite side of the road when driving towards it? Am I likely to be prosecuted? A: No. A Gatso camera can only catch vehicles travelling away from it. When there is no film in a Gatso, the trigger threshold for a flash is often lowered, and the camera may be set to also flash approaching vehicles. This is what gives rise to the phenomenon you have observed.

It is important to distinguish Gatsos from Truvelo cameras, which do catch oncoming vehicles, but only emit a faint infra-red flash. Until recently, these have been very rare in the North-West, but are now becoming more common - for example, there are four on the A57 through Glossop in Derbyshire. Q: I have received an NIP after being caught by a Gatso. However there are no camera signs anywhere near the Gatso. Does this give me a valid defence? A: No. The official guidelines on the placing, visibility and signage for speed cameras are precisely that, guidelines. They have no legal standing. If a "Safety Camera Partnership" persistently ignores these guidelines they may - theoretically - have their powers to recycle fine revenue into road safety projects withdrawn, but if an individual camera does not conform to these guidelines it does not invalidate any resulting prosecutions. Q: I have received an NIP for doing 36 in a 30 limit. This was on a wide suburban dual carriageway where there are no speed limit repeaters. Surely this is invalid if there are no speed limit signs? A: No.

Under current signing regulations, no 30 mph repeater signs are required (or indeed permitted) on a road with a continuous system of street lighting, regardless of the level of development. This allows highway authorities to reduce a limit from 40 to 30 by the simple expedient of removing the pre-existing repeater signs, and it is all too easy for drivers to be caught out. In the more enlightened days of the late 1950s and 1960s, many highway authorities increased speed limits on major suburban dual-carriageways from 30 to 40 mph. There are still examples in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, although more and more are now being reduced to 30. This has given rise to the misleading myth that the default speed limit on an urban dual carriageway is 40 mph. If you're in anything remotely resembling a built-up area, you should always assume that the prevailing speed limit is 30 mph in the absence of any repeater signs saying otherwise.

Q: If a single-carriageway road has speed limit signs saying "50 mph", does that mean HGVs can legally travel at 50 mph rather than the standard 40 mph? A: No, and frankly I'm surprised that anyone should think it would. The Highway Code is perhaps not as crystal clear as it should be on this issue, but Rule 103 does say: "You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle." The fact that a single-carriageway road has speed limit signs for 50 or 60 mph does not override the national limit of 40 mph for HGVs on single carriageway roads, and there is no requirement for specific speed limit signing for HGVs. Q: I'm an HGV driver and have been charged with driving at 48 mph on the A556. Surely that's a dual-carriageway where the HGV limit is 50 mph? A: No. A dual-carriageway is defined by the presence of a central reservation, either paved or grassed over. The number of lanes in either direction is irrelevant.

Indeed, a dual-carriageway can have only one lane in each direction, so long as there is a central reservation. Four-lane single-carriageway rural main roads are relatively rare in the UK, but the A556 between M6 Junction 19 and Northwich is one of the longest stretches. Q: I have been charged with a motoring offence. Can you recommend a good solicitor? A: From personal experience, no, as I have a conviction-free driving record stretching back to January 1981 and firmly intend to keep it that way. There is a list of recommended solicitors on the ABD website, but I'm not sure how up to date it is. The ABD also offer a premium-rate legal helpline . It is also worth taking a look at the Pepipoo website. The following are some firms of solicitors with offices in the North-West with a specialism in motoring law, but I must stress I am not recommending them as such and have no personal experience of their services:

Question: In which year was the maximum speed limit of 70 mph introduced in the UK?
Answer: 1965