Warwickshire Direct
Speed limits
Setting speed limits in Warwickshire
We are responsible for speed limits on all public roads, except motorways and trunk roads which the Highways Agency maintains (A5, A46, A45 from Coventry to M45 & A452 north of Stonebridge).
We base speed limits on Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines (Circular 1/06).
The benefits of managing speed to better suit the local environment include:
- A reduction in the number of road casualties.
- A reduction in demands on the emergency services.
- Improvements to the quality of life in local communities.
- Encouragement of more sustainable methods of travel.
Enforcing speed limits in Warwickshire
It is the Police’s responsibility to enforce the law when a speed limit is abused. A speed limit should be realistic for the road environment and be relatively self enforcing. However, in many areas in Warwickshire there is a speed abuse problem.
Due to the limitations on Police resources schemes such as SpeedAware or Community SpeedWatch should be considered first by anyone who has a concern about the speed of traffic.
The Police, especially on a local level, may be able to undertake enforcement outside of a casualty reduction criteria, however this will need to be discussed and raised as a priority with the local Police through your Community Forum.
FAQs
Can a speed limit be lowered?
A limit may be lowered if the proposal complies Department for Transport guidelines (see the Department for Transport Circular 1/06) and there is funding available for legal work, consultation, installation of signs etc. A number of speed limit changes that meet DfT guidelines have been implemented through Area Committee delegated funding. The number of requests schemes outweighs the budget available, therefore Area Committees have to decide which schemes should be prioritised.
Is the speed limit correct for the road?
The DfT guidelines explain that speed limits must be realistic and self enforcing. Most drivers choose their speed based on how they judge the appearance of the road. Lowering a speed limit without engineering or enforcement is rarely enough to reduce overall vehicle speeds where vehicles are already travelling at or in excess of the current limit.
Why are there 40mph Speed Limits in urban areas?
The Department for Transport Circular 1/06 explains that 40mph roads are generally higher quality suburban roads or those on the outskirts of urban areas where there is little development.
Can a National Speed Limit be lowered on a rural road?
It is normal for isolated properties and small hamlets outside of towns and villages to have few speed restrictions. In these cases a lower speed limit may be contrary to the Department for Transport Circular 1/06 and the road environment unsuitable for a lower speed limit. Many road users will disregard a speed limit which is perceived as being set too low. Imposing a speed limit on rural roads would require a substantial amount of signing and create street clutter.
Why have some speed limits been changed in Warwickshire?
In 2009, the Council reviewed and implemented a number of speed limit changes on A and B class roads funded by the Department for Transport. There is no funding to review C & D class roads.
A systematic Village Speed Limit Review has been undertaken. All villages in Warwickshire that do not have a 30mph speed limit will be reviewed as part of this process. Due to budgetary constraints the completion of the scheme has been delayed.
Does Warwickshire Police support new speed limits?
Warwickshire Police will support a new speed limit if it complies with Circular 1/06.
Can 30mph repeater signs be used in a built up area?
Where there is a system of street lighting in place the road is 30mph by default and will be signed accordingly where the street lights start. The DfT does not permit additional repeaters signs within a street lit area unless the speed limit is higher than 30mph i.e. a street lit motorway.
How can I request a safety camera in my area?
Anyone who is concerned about the speed of traffic and would like a location to be assessed for mobile camera enforcement needs to approach a community forum or representative such as a Parish Council who can enquire on an individuals behalf .
Any request for enforcement we will need to meet a strict criteria which includes a significant speeding problem identified by a recent speed survey – if one is not available then a survey will be required at cost. Alternatively, if a speeding concern has been made via the Council’s SpeedAware scheme, a request for further enforcement may be made subject to speed survey information being available.
