Speeding & Speed Limits
Speed
Speed is a major cause of road accidents. The faster you drive the longer it will take to stop. The results of speeding are often deadly for other other road users especially pedestrians and cyclists.
However careful and skilful a driver you think you are, if you are travelling too fast you will not be able to avoid hazards, whether it is a young child dashing out, a car in front stopping sharply etc.
Keeping the Safety Gap
Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front.
If travelling at 30mph or more use the 2-second rule.
Know Your Speed Limits
Speed limits are the maximum permitted speed. They are not always the safe speed. This is being recognised more and more and has resulted in the introduction of 20mph zones and variable speed limits.
20mph zones:- These are being used in residential areas to slow the traffic down.
Variable Speed Limits:- These are most commonly used outside schools. For example limit may be reduced from 30mph to 20mph during times when children are entering and leaving the school.
Watching Your Speed
It is an offence to exceed the speed limit. The police enforce speed limits using a number of methods. More use is being made of new technology.
- Marked and unmarked cars
- In car video
- Hand held radar equipment
- Speed cameras - fixed and mobile
- Vascar speed detection
The Penalties
It is an offence to exceed the speed limit - offenders risk penalties, fines and/or disqualification
The maximum fine imposed can be £1000 or £2500 for a motorway offence.
Penalty Points
- Up to 6 points per offence
- Penalty points will be endorsed on the drivers licence
- A driver who accumulates 12 or more points within a 3 year period must be disqualified
