Speed cameras are everywhere, and if you happen to pass one when you're going a fraction too quickly, you'll see the double flash of impending expense in the mirror.
That's the thing – you can't reason with a speed camera. It has no idea of how well you've been driving, if you're on the way to an emergency, or ifthe kids are waging war on the back seat. You've just got to deal with the punishment.
These tips are UK-specific, but we have a tips section at the end of this feature that may contain useful information for drivers everywhere.
What are the speed limits on UK roads?
In built-up areas with regular street lighting, assume the speed limit is 30mph unless you see a sign telling you otherwise. Some roads with street lamps can have a 40mph limit, but you should always make sure you see a sign that says so before putting your foot down.
And be aware that some urban roads are 20mph, either at specific times or permanently. Temporary 20mph limits typically apply near schools at specific times of day and are indicated with flashing lights.
Permanent 20mph limits won't have the flashing lights but will usually have plenty of signage and probably repeater signs pained on the road surface, speed bumps and perhaps other traffic-calming measures.
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The National Speed Limit
Outside of town, some roads have speed limit signs, but there are many stretches of road subject to nothing more than the generic National Speed Limit, so make sure you know what it is because it varies according to the type of road you're driving on and the vehicle you're doing it in:
- Single-carriageway roads: 60mph – 50mph if you're towing a trailer, driving a motorhome or caravan weighing more than 3.05 tons, a bus, coach or minibus or goods vehicle (40mph for goods vehicles over 7.5 tons in Scotland)
- Dual-carriageways: 70mph – 60mph if you're towing a trailer, driving a motorhome or caravan over 3.05 tons, a bus, coach, minibus or goods vehicle (50mph for goods vehicles over 7.5 tons in Scotland)
- Motorways: 70mph – 60mph if you're towing a trailer, driving a bus, coach or minibus more than 12m long, an articulated goods vehicle up to 7.5 tons or towing a trailer or any goods vehicle over 7.5 tons
Just keep in mind that these speed limits apply only in the absence of any other local limits. Many rural single-carriageway roads without street lighting actually have local speed limits of 30, 40 or 50mph, and many dual-carriageways are limited to 40, 50 or 60mph.
