Roads and Highways - Speed Limits

Description

 

Speed limits are placed on roads where a significant proportion of vehicles are deemed to travel at an inappropriate speed and could present a danger to road users.

Speed limits aim to get all traffic moving at a fairly consistent speed which is the average speed.

The national speed limit for single carriageway roads is 60 mph and for dual carriageway roads (including motorways) is 70 mph for cars. Urban roads with street lighting are normally subject to a 30 mph limit but may have a 40 mph limit. 50 mph limits are relatively rare and are normally only used on rural roads.

Some vehicles have a speed restriction imposed on them lower than the maximum speed signed on the highway, for example, HGV's cannot exceed 40 mph on single carriageway roads. These are given in the Highway Code.

Speed limits are decided by the Council in accordance with guidance issued by the Department for Transport.

When someone notifies the Council that they consider a speed limit is inappropriate this will be checked in accordance with that guidance to determine the most appropriate limit.

The minimum length for a speed limit is normally 600 metres.

Where a contractor wants to work within the highway the Council may consider that a temporary speed limit should be imposed to protect the workforce and road users. Again guidance will be followed in determining this.

 

Eligibility

 

Anyone can request a speed restriction.

 

Procedure

 

Where it is brought to the attention of the Council that a speed limit seems inappropriate consultations will take place with South Yorkshire Police. If the police also have concerns then speed checks will be arranged. The collision records for the road will also be checked.

This information will then be assessed in accordance with current Department for Transport guidance to arrive at the most appropriate speed limit.

When street lighting is provided on a road for the first time the default limit is 30 mph and signs to that effect will be erected at the terminal point (the first street light). Repeater signs are not permitted within 30 mph speed limits. Street lights signify a 30 mph limit unless signs indicate otherwise (please refer to Highway Code).

Changing a speed limit is done by means of a traffic regulation order. This takes time to process, requires consultation with the Police and advertising the proposal to the public. During the advertisement period objections can be submitted to the Council for consideration.

In the case of temporary speed limits contractors working on or near a highway can request a lower speed limit for protection during their operations. Requests for temporary limits should be made to the Council's Strategic Highway Maintenance Group, by telephoning 01226 773555.

Please note that a minimum of 4 weeks notice in advance of the works starting is required.

The Council itself can initiate speed limits where it considers this necessary for its own policies, for example, 20 mph zones in residential areas.

 

Helplines

 

Highways and Engineering General Enquiries, telephone: 01226 773555.

 

Charges/Fees

 

A fee of ã600 will be charged to temporarily restrict the speed limit in the highway due to roadworks.

 

Methods of Payments Available

 

We normally ask for a cheque made payable to 'Barnsley MBC'.

For some organisations the use of an offical order form may be acceptable.

 

Opening Times/Locations

Opening Times and Locations

How can the customer help

 

Please give as much information as possible, such as, the street name, locality and details of your inquiry.

 

Application form references

 

Request an Assessment for a New Speed Limit

 

Leaflets

 

Department for Transport Circular Roads 1/93 Setting Local Speed Limits on Rural Roads (due to be revised in Spring 2005).

The Highway Code 2004.

 

Distribution Points

 

Please click on the links on the right hand side (Associated Links).

 

Legislation

 

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1987.

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

When a request is received it will be investigated in consultation with the Police. If speed checks are needed this will normally take a few weeks to organise.

A decision on the appropriateness or otherwise of a speed limit is unlikely to be made in less than 5 weeks of the request.

Where a change in speed limit is considered necessary this is subject to consultations and legal procedures which can take up to a further 6 months to complete.

 

 

Additional Notes

Speed limits show the maximum legal speed that any vehicle is allowed to travel at on that particular road. They should not be regarded as a target speed to be reached regardless of road or traffic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Drivers regularly exceed the speed limit so why don't you lower it?

Speed limits need to be set at a realistic and appropriate level. Setting a limit that is regarded by the majority as too low will always result in a lot of motorists exceeding it unless there is frequent enforcement.

 

Related Links:

• Department for Transport Website
• The Stationery Office Website

Last modified on 16/9/2008