Last year someone sent me the following email question :-
I am aware of the ACPO Speed Enforcement Policy Guidelines and DfT Setting Local Speed Limits. Currently it seems like a ‘smoke screen’ so any clue to the meaning of these statements and any guidance concerning how to question these statements would be appreciated
My answer follows
We have a long held policy in this country that :-
- Elected representatives of the community sets laws
- A professional police force enforces the law
- An independent judicary sentences offenders
For a 20mph limit to be enforceable there are 4 requirements :-
1. A relevant Traffic Regulation Order
All speed limits, other than those on restricted roads, should be made by order under Section 84 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Any speed limits below 30 mph, other than 20 mph limits or 20 mph zones, require individual consent from the Secretary of State. Unless an order has been made and the road is signed to the contrary, a 30 mph speed limit applies where there is a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart.
Note that there are no regulations regarding how to set a local speed limit. However, the Dept for Transport does provide guidance and this is available here
Hence the Traffic Authority must make a Traffic Regulation Order to set the speed limit at 20mph. This includes publishing the order so that those affected may object if they wish.
2. Appropriate signing
In order that drivers are aware of the changed speed limit then the appropriate signage must be provided. These are regulations and must be adhered to. The regulations are slightly different for 20mph zones and limits but both must include the appropriate boundary signs where speed limits change and any point in the limit must be no further than 50m from a repeater sign, roundel or physical calming device. Note that since 2016 the frequency of repeater signs has been at the discretion of the Traffic Authority.
3. Length of road, sighting, equipment
In order for the police to enforce a limit then they require a clear distance for them to observe drivers and for drivers to see them. This may make certain sites less suitable for speed detection. Different measurement equipment are available. Whilst in the past some "radar" based speed detectors were not approved for use below 30mph, most forces have "laser" type devices that are fully approved for use at 20mph.
4. A Police Force that is willing to enforce
This may seem obvious, and whilst police are becoming far more supportive of 20mph limits and their enforcement, it is clear that in some forces there is a reluctance to enforce. This may be as a result of individual police not understanding the law or a reluctance to commit resources. However as long as the above three conditions have been met then there is nothing to prevent action by the police.
Recently the Association of Chief Police Officers has re-iterated the fact that 20mph speed limits are enforceable and where the limit is clearly marked (ie meeting signage regulations) then any offenders may be prosecuted. The police have also developed the option of speed awareness courses for those exceeding 24mph in a 20mph limit and these may be an option in some forces. Fixed Penalty Notices and prosecutions can also be used. In addition "light touch" enforcement can also be used which merely constitutes a reprimand/talk rather than anything more formal.
I would suggest that the comments about regulations in your question are internal practices within your police force or county council and are not imposed by any outside body. Let there be no mistake, 20mph limits are enforceable and are being enforced by many police forces in the UK.
For a guide on how local authorities can work best with police and other bodies to maximise compliance then see our briefing sheet here
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Facebook TwitterToday we see lots of Adults crossing roads without looking and often deeply looking into their phones. I grew up in the 70s, at a time we were educated to use the green cross code.
There is a need for consistency with 20mph enforcement and not the post code lottery system that exists today.
As a London pedestrian, I’m usually in a rush to cross roads. However, I take the time to look both ways and observe the pedestrian lights to avoid crossing as the traffic is attempting to move off.
The diagonal crossing at Oxford Circus has spread and many pedestrians cross in this way even when not appropriate. A man was recently crossing between the flowing traffic in a north London 5 road junction.
Camden council has been busy closing a lot of side roads, forcing traffic into main roads, so this is causing heavy congestion.
As a disabled Londoner, I can’t travel on the underground if my journey to or from will result in peak travel. I am now being isolated from going to places in Central London because decisions are being made for political correctness and not on the basis of proper analysis.
We should take an even responsibility approach on our roads. However, due to austerity we don’t have the means to enforce rules on pedestrian, bicycles and in lots of cars motor bikes.
London and TFL should review the speeds and traffic light sequence on their roads, to ensure traffic can move and congestion is avoided. There are 40mph speed limits on sections of the A40 out of London in places where there are no crossings or pedestrians. Surely, it would make sense to speed to traffic leaving London where it is appropriate, but politic correctness has meant it’s not been done.
Vehicles in London looking for parking has always been an issue and added to traffic, but no authority has considered trying to find ways to show where there is available parking. Central London authorities have been keen to avoid concession to disabled on the basis that London was a special case, but in reality they are protecting the revenue.
There are no special arrangements for 20mph speeding offences. It is just like any other speeding offence.