You MUST NOT
exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle (see
the table above). The presence of street lights generally means that
there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified.
The speed limit
is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that
speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the
road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your
speed when
· the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
· sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, particularly children, and motorcyclists
· weather conditions make it safer to do so
· driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users
Stopping Distances. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should
· leave
enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull
up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to
get closer than the overall stopping distance (see Typical
Stopping Distances PDF below)
· allow
at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads
carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility
is reduced. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and
increased still further on icy roads
· remember,
large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If
driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap
between you and the vehicle in front
If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front.
|
Built-up areas *
|
Single carriage-ways
|
Dual carriage-ways
|
Motorways
|
|
Type of vehicle
|
mph (km/h)
|
mph (km/h)
|
mph (km/h)
|
mph (km/h)
|
|
Cars & motorcycles
(including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)
|
30 (48)
|
60 (96)
|
70 (112)
|
70 (112)
|
|
Cars towing caravans or trailers
(including car-derived vans and motorcycles)
|
30 (48)
|
50 (80)
|
60 (96)
|
60 (96)
|
|
Buses, coaches and minibuses
(not exceeding 12 metres in overall length)
|
30 (48)
|
50 (80)
|
60 (96)
|
70 (112)
|
|
Goods vehicles
(not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
|
30 (48)
|
50 (80)
|
60 (96)
|
70 (112) **
|
|
Goods vehicles
(exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
|
30 (48)
|
40 (64)
|
50 (80)
|
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.