Motoring Discussion > Smart Motorways Legal Questions
Thread Author: zippy Replies: 10
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New Fri 5 May 17 17:58 
 Smart Motorways - zippy
I have noticed that some speed limits on the gantries show a limit then others don't, e.g.
40, 40, nothing, nothing, 50, 50, 50.

I have always assumed that if its 40 then nothing the limit remains at 40 until there is an new indication.

However, recently, I have noticed say 50, 50, nothing, nothing.... with no reversion to the national speed limit even until the "end of variable speed limits sign" and even then there is no national speed limit sign.

What are the rules? If there is no sign does the limit revert back to the NSL or does it remain at the previously lower limit and if at the end of the variable speed limit zone there is no new NSL sign can you be prosecuted if you speed up to 70?
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New Fri 5 May 17 20:03 
 Smart Motorways - bathtub tom
A dashcam could save you from a penalty.

Local radio did an interview with some 'manager' who claimed successive cameras would only show a 10MPH difference. Since refuted here and by my experience!

I've a dashcam and treat gantry signs with great suspicion.
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New Fri 5 May 17 20:15 
 Smart Motorways - Old Navy
One that I have wondered about is the road works speed limits with no signed reversion to normal speed limit at the obvious end of the work area. Obviously common sense rules but the law does not recognise common sense.
Last edited by: Old Navy on Fri 5 May 17 at 20:16
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New Fri 5 May 17 20:48 
 Smart Motorways - zippy
>> One that I have wondered about is the road works speed limits with no signed
>> reversion to normal speed limit at the obvious end of the work area. Obviously common
>> sense rules but the law does not recognise common sense.
>>

Yep, I have exactly the same concern. There have been some like that on the M1 and M6 recently and if you are new to the stretch of road the first you know of the end of the limit is a number of cars whizzing past.

I guess if you upset a copper for some reason the lack of speed sign could see you being done for doing 70 in a 50 zone.
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New Wed 17 May 17 09:01 
 Smart Motorways - smokie
Bit late to this as I've been away but deffo an end of roadworks sign indicates a return to previous speed limit. So I was told on IAM anyway.
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New Wed 17 May 17 09:10 
 Smart Motorways - CGNorwich
Indeed it does as the Highway Code will confirm


www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/traffic-signs
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New Fri 5 May 17 21:03 
 Smart Motorways - PeterS
Am I imagining it, or is it the case that the national speed limit applies, unless indicated to the contrary? And if a lower limit applies repeater signs are necessary, at a prescribed frequency, unless in a built up area where the 30mph (and maybe 20 now?) limit applies? In which case the lower than 70 limit would only apply for as long as the lower limit was repeated on the overheads gantry?
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New Sat 6 May 17 18:26 
 Smart Motorways - Zero
Put it like this, the speed cameras use the speed limit associated to them. No speed limit sign, no camera even NSL - (unless its a REDFLEX HADECS 3camera)
Last edited by: Zero on Sat 6 May 17 at 18:26
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New Sun 7 May 17 15:33 
 Smart Motorways - mikeyb
I drive through the M4 / M5 section of managed motorway most days. I know for sure when it ends going M5 south there is a big NSL sign just past J17 - can remember the other way though
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New Sun 7 May 17 15:48 
 Smart Motorways - tyrednemotional
>> ..... And if a lower limit applies repeater signs are necessary,
>> at a prescribed frequency, unless in a built up area where the 30mph (and maybe
>> 20 now?) limit applies?
>>

...used to be the case (though repeaters weren't required or even allowed in a 30mph limit) but the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 removed the need to place repeaters on other non-NSL roads, and it is now down to Local Authority "discretion".
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New Sun 7 May 17 20:16 
 Smart Motorways - wotspur
We don't need "Smart Motorways", we need Drivers who are "Motorway Smart" !
When they drive onto a slip road and join at 40mph , when those on the motorway are doing 50-60
They go into the middle lane, and stay there doing 60 except when they overtake two lorries going at 53/55 Mph, but they go in the outside lane at 60 and take half hour to overtake, and the only time they see the inside lane , is when they eventually want to come off.
Unfortunately I'm suffering the affects of an accident on the m1 back in Feb.
I was in the outside lane, doing 70 ish, when the gantry lights changed to 50 mph, most drivers slow down gradually, unfortunately the person at the front, slammed their brakes on, and the Porsche in front of me, hit them........ I was far enough back, t osee what was happened and braked safely, the guy behind me didn't and hit us stationary at possibly around 40-50 mph .
Still 2 months later in severe lower back pain
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