The speed limit varies according to the type of vehicle and the type of road. The following table is a summary of the UK speed limits. The limit can also be fixed by traffic signs, which specify the limit in a particular area. Some of these traffic signs can be temporary and are taken away after the particular hazard has gone.
Vehicle type | Built-up areas | Single carriageway | Dual carriageway | Motorway |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cars |
30 mph |
60 mph |
70 mph |
70 mph |
Vehicles towing |
30 mph |
50 mph |
60 mph |
60 mph |
Coaches / buses |
30 mph |
50 mph |
60 mph |
70 mph |
Lorries up to 7.5 tonnes |
30 mph |
50 mph |
60 mph |
70 mph |
Lorries more than 7.5 tonnes |
30 mph |
40 mph |
50 mph |
60 mph |
There is no set minimum speed limit; although if you drive too slowly, you can be charged with inconsiderate driving (Motoring offences).
Evidence of the speeding can be from:
The action taken mostly depends on how much over the speed limit you were driving. Although individual police forces can use their discretion, the Association of Chief Police Officers suggests the following when enforcing speed limits:
Speed limit | Min. speed for a speeding ticket | Min. speed for prosecution |
---|---|---|
20 mph |
25 mph |
35 mph |
30 mph |
35 mph |
50 mph |
40 mph |
46 mph |
66 mph |
50 mph |
57 mph |
76 mph |
60 mph |
68 mph |
86 mph |
70 mph |
79 mph |
96 mph |
It's not a defence if you say you didn't see or you weren't aware of the sign. However, it can be a defence if you can prove that the traffic sign was broken or had been taken away in an area where a specific speed limit had been imposed.
In order to challenge photographic evidence of a traffic or speed camera, you'll need to support your argument with expert evidence of possible inaccuracies.