Motorway speed limit reduced for drivers in certain cars
The government has warned drivers not to go over the limit
The speed limit can vary depending on what vehicle you're driving
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency )
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a caution to drivers, urging them to be careful of an important legal limit because it's "not always safe". The government has reminded drivers they must adhere to the appropriate speed limit for their vehicle type and the road they are on.
"The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions," the Labour Party government website and DVSA have warned.
While the standard motorway speed limit stands at 70mph, it's important to note that it drops to 60mph for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when they are towing caravans or trailers.
The 60mph limit also applies to buses, coaches, and minibuses over 12 metres in length, as well as goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales.
In the majority of built-up areas across Wales, the standard speed limit is set at 20 miles per hour (32km/h). For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
Some Welsh roads have been reverted back to 30mph but where this is the case signs will advise drivers accordingly.
Article continues below
This decision is subject to individual councils running public consultations asking people which roads they thought should be considered for a change.
The government has warned drivers about driving over the speed limit
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency )
The standard 20mph limit is the same for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, motorhomes, dual-purpose vehicles or those towing vehicles and not dependant on vehicle type.
The speed limit for buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length), buses, coaches and minibuses (exceeding 12 metres in overall length) is also set at 20mph.
It further applies to goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight), goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales.
Vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, such as buses, minibuses, coaches, and stretch limousines, must be fitted with a speed limiter.
Article continues below
This device must also be installed on goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.
These devices are engineered to minimise collisions by limiting the maximum speed of a vehicle through restricting the fuel supply to the engine. A speed limiter may mean the vehicle cannot reach the speed limit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'Dutch Reach' warning as drivers do not know Highway Code rule
The Highway Code serves as a comprehensive guide containing rules and advice for everyone using Britain's roads and it is important to keep up to date with the latest changes The Highway Code acts as a vital handbook packed with rules and guidance for everyone navigating Britain's roads, written to guarantee safety for all road users. Multiple revisions to the code have been rolled out in recent years, yet motoring experts warn that too few people are aware of these alterations. Studies by Age Co show that one in five drivers over 50 admit they haven't consulted the Highway Code since passing their test, sparking major worries about road safety. Among the most commonly misunderstood rules is the Dutch Reach method. It comes as the DVSA issues a warning that it's starting 'robust enforcement' of road rules. The Dutch Reach demands drivers or passengers employ their opposite hand when opening car doors, which forces their body to twist towards the back of the vehicle, allowing them to notice any oncoming traffic, cyclists or pedestrians, reports Devon Live. This technique also seeks to prevent injury to cyclists travelling past. Yet Age Co discovered that "almost half of the respondents said that they weren't sure about this one". While the Highway Code on its own doesn't represent law when viewed separately, many sections within it are underpinned by legislation and thus hold legal authority, according to the RAC. Those parts supported by law are clearly identified in the document through terms like 'MUST' or 'MUST NOT', instead of 'should' or 'should not', reports Yorkshire Live. According to guidance: "The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists." Age Co added: "Understanding road safety rules and regulations help keep our roads safe, so it's important to refresh your knowledge regularly to stay up to date with the latest changes." This comes as legal experts have cautioned motorists over 70 that they may encounter six potential proposals for major alterations to driving legislation. Alsters Kelley solicitors has voiced concerns as increasing pressure mounts on the government to take action following a spike in collisions involving elderly drivers with eyesight issues. Fresh UK government figures reveal that while fewer drivers become involved in crashes as they age, the accident rate per billion vehicle miles travelled actually increases for those aged 76 and above, reaching its highest point among drivers aged 86 and older. Alsters Kelley clarified this indicates that although the overall number of over-70s drivers caught up in accidents remains relatively low, their crash rate per mile driven tends to be considerably higher when compared to younger motorists. The solicitors disclosed that motoring statistics also reveal while motorists over 70 are less susceptible to speed-related accidents, they are 38% more likely to be involved in crashes where they fail to look properly. Multiple high-profile incidents recently have involved elderly drivers who have travelled the wrong way down motorways or dual carriageways or veered onto the opposite side of country roads. Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation at Alsters Kelley, said: "If you're turning 70 soon, or have a partner/family member or friend who is, now is the time to take action. With changes on the way, it's crucial to understand how these new rules will affect you and your loved ones."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Car owners warned over common reason for getting penalty points
If you rack up 12 in a three-year period, you may be banned from driving for a period of time UK drivers are picking up penalty points at a worrying pace for driving unsafe vehicles, according to new statistics. The RAC has discovered that the number of drivers caught operating unroadworthy vehicles has surged by over 50 per cent in just a year. DVLA data reveals that 13,109 motorists were slapped with endorsements in 2024 for faults ranging from defective brakes and tyres to steering issues - a significant increase from 8,614 in 2023. Tyres were the most frequent problem, with 8,945 drivers penalised, while brake-related offences skyrocketed six-fold, from 181 to 1,190. Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, cautioned: "The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles ... a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk." Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, who heads the National Roads Policing Operation for Intelligence and Investigations, chimed in: "These figures are shocking, and if you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe is your responsibility." The issue is especially severe in particular areas. The East Midlands witnessed penalty numbers soar by 87%, whilst Greater London led the way with 1,765 endorsements - a 21% jump from 2023. Only certain Welsh regions went against the grain with minor decreases. eBay has also stepped forward, calling on drivers to focus on essential upkeep. Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: "With cars staying on the road longer, regular maintenance is more important than ever. Simple, affordable fixes like replacing wipers or headlight bulbs can make a big difference, and with tyre installation services through our trusted partners, upgrading tyres is just as seamless. eBay makes it easy for motorists to keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy." RAC specialists suggest a swift inspection of tyres, brakes, lights, and steering could spare motorists from hefty penalties, endorsement points, or even worse consequences. With motors remaining on British roads for extended periods, basic servicing has become essential - it might mean the distinction between remaining secure or forfeiting your driving privileges.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
New DVLA rules mean drivers face 'biggest change in decades'
New DVLA rules mean drivers face 'biggest change in decades' As safety on the UK's roads and motorways continues to remain an issue, the government is expected to introduce some significant changes to the rules for motorists UK drivers are set for some big changes (Image: Getty Images) Elderly motorists may face compulsory eye examinations, whilst the drink-drive threshold could be reduced as part of sweeping changes to driving regulations. Rising numbers of deaths and severe injuries on Britain's roads have sparked mounting alarm. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander indicated in April her willingness to consider mandating eye tests for older drivers to retain their licences. The proposal stems from a Prevention of Future Deaths report submitted to the Transport Secretary by Lancashire's senior coroner, Dr James Adeley, following four fatalities involving motorists with impaired vision. Dr Adeley warned that additional deaths may result from elderly drivers with "compromised" capabilities, after an incident where a woman was struck and pinned beneath a vehicle operated by an 89 year old man in a Waitrose car park. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Rosemary McAndrew, 64, succumbed to chest injuries on 5 July last year after being hit by a car "reversing at speed" as she walked near a shop in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The car was operated by an elderly man whom paramedics suspected "may have had a neurological event" whilst driving, reports the Mirror. During the two years before the crash, the man's mobility had deteriorated, he had reported back and leg pain to his GP, and attended A&E in October 2023 with symptoms believed to suggest a mini stroke. He passed away from dementia and gangrene in both feet eight months following the collision. Ministers are poised to unveil sweeping changes to driving legislation this autumn, after concluding that existing safety campaigns have failed to deliver results, reports Cornwall Live. Article continues below Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones has branded the proposals as the "biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades". Under the comprehensive reforms, motorists aged over 70 may face mandatory eye examinations every three years to retain their driving privileges, with those failing the test facing potential bans. The UK stands as one of only three European countries still relying on drivers to self-report vision problems that could impair their ability behind the wheel. Additional changes under consideration include:. Reduced drink-drive threshold Authorities are examining proposals to cut the drink-drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland's stricter standard - reducing from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms. Government officials emphasise that determining the exact number of drinks this represents is impossible, given that alcohol impacts people differently depending on variables such as body weight, sex, and age. The current legal drink-drive limit has remained unchanged since its introduction in 1967. On Britain's roads last year, 1,633 people died and almost 28,000 suffered serious injuries in traffic collisions, with statistics remaining relatively steady following a substantial drop between 2000 and 2010. Meanwhile, deaths from drink-driving cases have risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022 and sparking fears that existing road safety measures are losing their effectiveness. Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers Motorists driving without insurance could face more severe consequences under the new rules, along with those who refuse to wear seatbelts. A Labour source said: "This Labour Government will deliver the first road safety strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads." Drug-driving checks Further proposals allegedly include allowing police to pursue drug-driving charges based on roadside saliva testing rather than blood samples, as increasing numbers of drivers are being caught with substances in their systems. In 2012, the government brought in a new offence relating to driving with a specified controlled substance in the body above that drug's legal limit. The aim was to reduce costs, effort and time wasted from prosecutions that fail due to difficulties in proving a particular substance affected a driver. The proposed changes to road safety legislation have been hailed as "much overdue" and "a step in the right direction" by motoring organisations. Edmund King, president of the AA, stated: "The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety. This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade. "We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone." However, he is calling on the government to go further with these plans and introduce restrictions on new drivers under 21, preventing them from carrying passengers of their own age for six months after passing their test. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, added: "In 2023, there were almost 100 serious injuries or fatalities caused by defective eyesight. These tragedies are avoidable. Every driver has a responsibility to ensure they have good enough eyesight for driving, but vision problems can become more frequent as we age, hence the focus on over-70s. "This is a sensible step and motorists overall – even those aged 70 and above – support it. For most older drivers who are safe and 'self-regulate', these proposals are unlikely to be controversial." Politicians are also backing the reforms. A government source reportedly told the BBC: "In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying [on the roads each year], with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year. "This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has similarly voiced her backing for compulsory eye examinations for motorists aged over 70. "I think we need to make sure that people driving on our roads and using our streets are safe," she said. Article continues below
