What is a variable speed limit?

What is the meaning of a variable speed limit?

Every driver is aware of speed limits while driving on UK roads, but some may be left confused by variable speed limits.

What are they, why do they exist and what are the penalties for breaking them? Let’s discuss…

Set and managed by National Highways, variable speed limits are legally enforceable, temporary limits designed to help keep drivers safe and improve traffic flow. Variable speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries or signs. They are most commonly used on the following roads:

• Smart motorways like the M1, M6, M25 and M62.
• Dual carriageways like the A14.

Any speed limit displayed within a red circle must be adhered to.

Why are there variable speed limits on motorways?

We know driving at slower speeds than usual can be frustrating but a reduced speed such as 50 or 60mph can actually help prevent stop-start congestion. Variable speed limits can be used to address congestion issues at certain times of day in addition to managing traffic safely after an incident.

• Variable speed limits can be used to:
• Manage traffic congestion (actual or likely).
• Manage traffic through roadworks.
• Protect officers working in vulnerable locations
• Protect stranded vehicles.
• Provide emergency services with priority access.
• Keep road workers safe.
• Help drivers deal with extreme weather conditions.

National Highways states: ‘The reason may not always be clear or evident to customers on our roads, but the displayed mandatory speed limit is always enforceable, irrespective of the reason for it. We do not need to justify, or provide reasoning for, a lowered speed limit for that limit to be legally enforceable by the police.

Whatever the reason for the setting, speed limits displayed within a red circle will always be enforceable.’

What are the penalties for breaking a variable speed limit?

The minimum penalties for breaking a variable speed limit are:

• £100 fine.
• 3 penalty points (potential disqualification if you build up 12 or more within 3 years).
• A speed awareness course.

Driving significantly over the speed limit can lead to court summons and higher fines.

What are the signs for variable speed limits?

Variable speed limits are displayed on either illuminated electric signs at the side of the road or on overhead motorway gantries. They will let you know when a VSL is in use and when it ends.

All speed limits within a red circle must be complied with. If you drive above this speed, you could receive one of the penalties listed above.

If you can see a blank screen or it is unlit, you must adhere to the instructions shown on the previous screen.

You’ll know when you can drive at a faster speed as you will see ‘variable speed limit ends’ signs on display.

• If it’s a white circle with a diagonal black stripe, this means you can drive at the national speed limit again.
• If the gantries are dark, this normally means the roads have reverted back to their usual speed limits.

How do variable speed limit cameras work?

According to Road Angel, ‘Variable Speed Limit Cameras or HADECS operate within the Smart Motorways and are either positioned to the side of the overhead gantries or in the back of them’. HADECS is the acronym for Highways Agency Digital Enforcement and Compliance System.

The HADECS cameras can sometimes be yellow and displayed in an obvious area, but can also be grey and positioned in harder-to-spot, more discrete areas e.g. the side of gantries. HADECS 3 cameras are able to cover up to five lanes of a motorway using a weatherproof dual radar system and are automatically calibrated to change when they take photos based on the changing speed limit.

These cameras can also catch vehicles driving over the national speed limit, even when they’re not displaying anything.

National Highways confirmed that there is a minimum time delay between any changes to the variable speed limit displayed and its enforcement. This is to ensure driver reduce their speed in a safe way.

How to drive when there’s a variable speed limit

If you want to stay safe while driving in a variable speed limit zone - and avoid penalties for speeding - you should bear in mind the following tips:

• Take it easy on the brakes - If the speed limit changes while you’re driving past, take your foot off the accelerator gently and easily. Remember, there is a slight delay before the new limit comes into force.
• Keep your distance - You don’t want to be accused of tailgating the car in front. Make sure you leave plenty of space between you and the car in front.
• Check - and double-check - the signs - Things can change fast in variable speed limit zones. Make sure you keep up to date with the signs and follow their speed limit instructions.

Staying safe on smart motorways with variable speed limits

While we all live busy lives and have places to be, keeping safe on the roads is key. If you find yourself driving on a road with a variable speed limit, you should do your best to drive according to its instructions.

Doing so can help you avoid being involved in an accident and improve the traffic flow - meaning you could get where you need to go with ease. Need some quick cover for your next journey? Don’t forget to take out temporary car insurance.

Sources

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/variable-speed-limits/

https://roadangelgroup.com/blogs/news/smart-motorways-and-variable-speed-limits

https://gogirl.co.uk/news-and-advice/variable-speed-limit-fines/

https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/Variable_Speed_Limit

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/variable-speed-cameras-how-work-effective-181432540.html?guccounter=1

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/cameras/motorway-cameras/

https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties