Speed limits

Statutory speed limits are set according to the type of road you are driving on and its individual characteristics.

As a guide, unless signs state otherwise, the following speed limits apply to car drivers (for speed limits of other vehicles please click here)

Motorways – 70 mph
Dual carriageways – 70 mph
Single carriageways – 60 mph
Street-lit carriageways – 30 mph

These are the maximum allowable speeds you should drive at, however, it might not be safe for you to drive at these speeds and you should not view the speed limit as a target to aim towards.

The importance of speed limits
Speed limits are there for a reason, specifically:

To create a safe experience for all road users – this includes drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders, cyclists, farmers and pedestrians.
To ensure the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly the young and the elderly who are not as quick to react.
To allow drivers extra time to spot hazards and dangerous situations on the road ahead and to take the necessary action to avoid them.
To provide guidance for drivers on potential hazards, such as sharp bends, that are ahead on the road.
Reduced traffic speed in rural towns and villages can result in fewer serious collisions and also improves the quality of life for local residents by cutting traffic noise.