Speed Limit Signs

About

Every UK road has a speed limit, based on the road’s layout and its surroundings. Speed limit signs show the maximum speed at which vehicles are allowed to travel, as a black number inside a white circle with a red border. These safety signs are essential as speed limits constantly change throughout any journey. Pole- or wall-mounted road signs are required by law to inform road users of this limit. Temporary signage is also used, for instance at roadworks where drivers need to slow down. What speed limits are used where? 5mph and 10mph for the slowest areas (like schools or car parks). Often used in conjunction with speed bumps . 15mph for off-highway areas such as construction sites or private drives. 20 - 30mph for public areas such as streets and city roads. 40mph for rural/ suburban areas. 50mph or 60mph (or National Speed Limit signs) for areas designed exclusively for motor vehicles, such as carriageways. For more information about speed sign regulations, see the TSRGD Guidelines (Chapter 3, page 105 onwards) on our regulations page .