Speed limits are enforced by legislation. Comprehensive information on the speed limits you would expect to come across on different categories of road is given in chart form in the Highway Code.

• Report a problem with road signs, street plates and speed limits

How do I get a speed limit lowered, raised or extended?

If you would like a speed limit to be lowered, raised or extended, please contact us using the online form. Your request will then be assessed. The police’s view on a change to a speed limit will be sought.   

The characteristics of the road, such as the level of activity alongside and accident record, will be taken into account.   

In urban areas, speed limits should fit into an easily understood hierarchy for drivers to abide by. Before deciding to change an existing speed limit, the highway authority must consider all the relevant factors such as: 

• expected accident savings 
• reduction in public anxiety 
• improved facilities for vulnerable road users 
• delays to traffic 
• cost of implementation 
• cost of engineering measures and their maintenance 
• cost of enforcement 

If it is decided a change in the speed limit is needed, then a new speed limit order has to be made. This involves a statutory legal process that takes about nine months.   

If the road in question has a system of street lighting on it with no speed limit signs, the road’s limit is 30mph.

The system of street lighting in a built-up area should be sufficient evidence of the limit. 

Useful documents about speed limits

Traffic regulation orders

Traffic regulation orders.pdf

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  Speed limits 

Speed know your limits.pdf

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