Excess speed for the conditions, or the limit, is one of the main reasons for accidental deaths and injuries on our roads. Speed limits are there to protect road users warning them of the dangers of the road and if caught speeding you could instantly face a minimum of a £100 penalty and three points on your licence or attend court.
Speed limits on the roads vary depending on the vehicle that you are driving. Here is a list of the speed limits and speed restrictions based on vehicle type:
(Type of vehicle) |
Built-up areas* mph (km/h) |
Single carriage-ways mph (km/h) |
Dual Carriage-ways mph (km/h) |
Motorways mph (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles, dual purpose vehicles & car-derived vans up to two tonnes maximum laden weight |
30 (48) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) | 70 (112) |
| Cars, motorcycles, dual purpose vehicles & car-derived vans When towing caravans or trailers |
30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Motorhomes or motor caravans up to 3.05 tonnes maximum unladed weight | 30 (48) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) | 70 (112) |
| Motorhomes or motor caravans more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladed weight | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (up to 12m in overall length) | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112) |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (more than 12m in overall length) | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 70 (112)** |
| Goods vehicles more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight (England & Wales) | 30 (48) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) | 60 (96) |
| Goods vehicles more than 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight (Scotland) | 30 (48) | 40 (64) | 50 (80) | 60 (96) |
* 30mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise
** 60mph (96km/h) if articulated or towing a trailer
Some drivers may be eligible to attend a Speed Awareness Course rather than a fine and points on their licence. To be eligible you must not have completed a course within the previous three years and the speed of the vehicle must fall into a certain criteria.
Norfolk & Suffolk Constabularies follow the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines regarding the speed of vehicles.
| Speed Limit Exceeded | Actual Speed to be offered a course |
|---|---|
| 30 | 35 - 42 |
| 40 | 46 - 53 |
| 50 | 57 - 64 |
| 60 | 68 - 75 |
| 70 | 79 - 86 |
The course aim is to contribute towards safer communities by increasing drivers' intention to drive at an appropriate speed within the speed limit. Courses can be taken anywhere in the country and are held in the daytime, evenings and at weekends. The session is a classroom based interactive workshop delivered by a nationally accredited trainer and takes 4 hours to complete. There is no driving involved.
For further information or to book a place on a course please visit:
Costs will vary around the country. The current cost in Norfolk and Suffolk is £90.