TIPS FOR KNOWING YOUR LIMITS

Brush up on your Highway Code. Most of us haven't re-read it since we passed our test. Visit www.highwaycode.gov.uk .

Familiarise yourself with the national speed limits for each type of road and particularly for each class of vehicle e.g. speeds for vans differ from cars. See the national speed limit table for details. Signed speed limits will be relevant for cars so remember that those for your vehicle may differ.

Remember that the national speed limits can be overridden by the local authority so look out for speed limits signs on roads e.g. a single carriageway rural road might be signed at 50mph (instead of showing the national speed limit sign which would mean 60mph). The speed limits for each of our camera sites can be found on the camera site page.

Speed limits

Speed limit signs will be shown where there is a change of speed limit from one speed limit to another and smaller 'repeater signs' may be used as well to remind you of the speed limit you are currently driving in.

Assume that class C and unclassified roads (i.e. lesser roads than A and B class roads e.g. A90 or B996), unless otherwise signed, are subject to 30mph limits. The safe assumption is that, unless otherwise signed, an area with street lights (normally built up) has a 30mph limit.

Remember that the speed limit is always a maximum, not a target and that you should always drive according to the conditions e.g. conditions such as wet, icy or foggy weather, darkness or a low bright sun may mean that driving as fast as the speed limit is inappropriate. Stopping distances can double on a wet road and may be ten times the distance on an icy road compared to a dry one. Check the average stopping distances for each speed on a dry road.

TIPS FOR STICKING TO THE LIMITS

Make sure you plan your journey and allow plenty of travelling time. Check the NADICS website for any problems or delays on the trunk roads network. If you have left late, ask yourself really what difference arriving a few minutes later will make

Be aware of the speed limit you are driving in by being observant of the speed limit signs

Check your speedometer with a glance as you would your mirrors to ensure that you are travelling at the speed you thought you were

Try dropping down a gear, e.g. using 3rd gear in a 30mph limit to let the engine tell you when you are keeping within the speed limit

Make sure that you slow down gradually before the speed limit signs show a change to a lower limit and speed up gradually once a change of speed limit sign (to a higher speed) has been passed. Sometimes there will be count down markers to assist you.

BENEFITS OF STICKING TO THE LIMITS

Driving according to the speed limits and conditions gives you longer to react and means that you are more in control of your vehicle should anything unexpected occur e.g. a child stepping out into the road

Avoid, at best, a £60 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence and, at worst, becoming or causing an increase in casualty statistics

Keep your licence (clean) without the worry of potentially losing your livelihood by amassing 12 penalty points and a driving ban

Arrive at your destination feeling more relaxed by planning your journey better and sticking to the speed limits with no worry about being caught speeding