As the subject of speed limits has been widely debated in the press in recent months, I thought it would be useful to restate and update the very sound guidelines issued by my esteemed predecessor, Mr Martin Fogarty, in May 1991. Speed Limits Guidelines to be adopted by County Highways Departments in setting speed limits 30 mph limits 30 mph limits should be adopted as the default for built-up roads. A built-up road is defined as one that has a minimum of two-thirds frontage development (i.e. houses, business premises, public buildings, unfenced parks etc). In some villages with narrow lanes or poor sightlines, a 30 mph limit may be appropriate for levels of development below two-thirds, but generally not below one-half. 30 mph limits should be clearly marked with two terminal signs at each end. Repeater signs are not required, but are recommended for higher quality main roads where the configuration may encourage drivers to travel more quickly. 30 mph limits should be used for stretches of road with a less built-up character linking two built-up areas, up to a maximum of 400 yards in length. Repeaters should also be used on sections falling into this category. The boundary of a 30 mph limit should usually align with the point where the road assumes a built-up character. This may need to be varied for sighting reasons, but should normally be within 100 yards of the boundary of development. 40 mph limits 40 mph limits should normally be used for:
Roads where there are street-running trams setting down passengers in the roadway should not be given 40 mph limits. However, if the road would otherwise be appropriate for a 40 mph limit, consideration should be given, where possible, to providing a segregated track or refuges at stops. Major distributor roads for new developments should normally be constructed to a 40 mph configuration. If a non built-up section linking two settlements with a 30 mph limit is less than 800 yards in length, it would normally be appropriate to impose an intermediate speed limit of 40 mph rather than leave the road unrestricted. 50 mph limits
50 mph limits should only be used in the following circumstances:
Other Speed Limits The only speed limits that may be applied by Highways Departments are 30, 40 and 50 mph. Lower speed limits, or speed limits in multiples of 5 mph, are not permitted under any circumstances. Repeaters Repeater signs must be used within all 40 and 50 mph speed limit zones. They should be displayed at maximum intervals of 250 yards in 40 mph limits, and 300 yards in 50 mph limits. The absence of an individual repeater will not invalidate a speeding prosecution, but a systematic failure to maintain repeaters will make the limit unenforceable. It is recommended that the Traffic Police check that signing is in order before undertaking enforcement activity. Repeaters may be used within 30 mph zones in the circumstances outlined above. Repeaters are permitted on unrestricted roads, but the circumstances under which their absence may lead to ambiguity are felt to be very limited. Street Lighting It should be stressed that, unlike some other countries, in Arransia there is no connection between street lighting and speed limits. A built-up area is defined by the presence of significant frontage development and, unless there are signs to the contrary, will normally denote a 30 mph speed limit. If any ambiguity arises, then the use of 30 mph repeaters is recommended. Tunnels Arransia currently has only two major road tunnels, both of which have a 30 mph limit, which is felt to be appropriate for their configuration. It is now recommended that any new construction of tunnels should be to a standard of 40 mph for all-purpose roads and 50 mph for Expressways. Unrestricted Roads It is a common misconception that Arransia has no speed limits on non built-up roads. Speed limits in built-up areas are applied because of the frequency of junctions and property frontages, and the likelihood of encountering pedestrians and cyclists. They do not address the physical characteristics of the road. On non built-up roads, the variations in physical layout and in the likelihood of encountering vulnerable road users are such that to impose any specific speed limit would in many circumstances provide a misleading message. Therefore, drivers and riders of motor vehicles are required at all times to adopt a reasonable and prudent speed for the circumstances. The Traffic Police can and will prosecute road users for the inappropriate use of speed on non built-up roads. There is a general recommendation that the maximum safe speeds are 60 mph on all-purpose roads, and 70 mph on Expressways. However, such speeds would be dangerously fast on most of Arransia’s rural road mileage, and therefore it is not considered appropriate to define these as formal speed limits. Exceeding these speeds is likely to count as a contributory factor in a case of careless, negligent or dangerous driving. Specific speed limits should not be applied for individual hazards, or stretches perceived as particularly hazardous, on non built-up roads. However, “Recommended Maximum Speed” signing may be used at locations such as deceptive bends. This should represent a safe maximum speed for a modern family car with a competent driver, and the agreement of the local Traffic Police should always be obtained before erecting such signage. 5 mph increments are permitted for these signs. Length of Speed Limits The minimum length of a 30 or 40 mph speed limit between two stretches of higher limit should normally be 600 yards, although in some cases of localised but dense development, particularly where shops or schools are present, this may be reduced to 400 yards. Situations should be avoided where it is possible to see the “exit” signs for the speed limit on entering a speed limited area. Likewise, 40 mph limits should only be used on the outskirts of built-up areas if there is a length of road of at least 600 yards that meets the relevant criteria. Within built-up areas, it is desirable to avoid frequent changes of speed limit between 30 and 40 mph. Therefore, the overall character of a road should be assessed over a length of at least a mile. In situations where the character of the road frequently changes, if at least one-third of the section is appropriate for a 30 mph limit, then that should be used. Intervening higher speed limits between built-up areas should have a minimum length of 400 yards. Such limits are desirable as they allow the provision of terminal signs for a lower limit on entering a built-up area, which is likely to encourage lower speeds. Applicability of Guidelines It is important for road safety that speed limits are set on a broadly consistent basis across the country, and are perceived as reasonable by road users. It is recognised that interpretation of these guidelines may sometimes lead to differing outcomes in the light of local circumstances. However, County Highways Departments have a legal duty to follow the guidelines, and repeated failure to do so may constitute maladministration. If a Highways Department believes it has a strong case for the application of a speed limit that is not in accordance with these guidelines, it must apply for specific permission to the Ministry of Transport with a full statement of reasons. Should you have any comments or questions about these guidelines, please contact Jennifer Gorse, Head of Road Safety Policy, at the above address.
Peter J. Hough Minister of Transport
|