Speeding

Many of us enjoy speed but there is a right place and a right time for it.

For many the thrill of driving at speed is exhilarating and exciting and presents them with an element of danger that they struggle to mirror elsewhere in life. However the downside to this thrill seeking is that they can put not only their own lives at risk but the lives of other road users and pedestrians.

To this end this is why the United Kingdom has a very clearly defined set of speed limits in place.

Speed Limits

Throughout the United Kingdom there are a clearly defined set of speed limits in place for use by all motor vehicle and motorcycle users. These limits are in place to help protect the driving and pedestrian populous and should be adhered to at all times. You should be aware that there are rarely any acceptable excuses for breaking the speed limits.

Cars and Motorcycles

In built-up areas cars and motorcycles are required to travel no faster than 30mph (48km/h). This includes all vehicles up to and including those of two tonnes in weight. Single lane carriageways can be travelled along at 60mph (96km/h) and dual carriageways at 70mph (112km/h). Motorways have a maximum speed of 70mph (112km/h) also.

Cars with Caravans or Trailers

Again in built-up areas cars pulling a caravan or trailer behind them can travel at a speed of 30mph (48km/h). Single lane carriageways should be driven along at 50mph (80km/h) whilst both dual carriageways and motorways can be travelled along at 60mph (96km/h).

It is important to look for the signs indicating what speed you should travelling on a road especially if you are a learner driver or if you are a fully qualified driver who is driving in unfamiliar areas.

Speeding Offences

If you are caught breaking the speed limit you are likely to an on the spot fine called a 'fixed penalty'. This fixed penalty can either be paid at the scene or paid within fourteen days. You must also produce your documents at your local police station within seven days if you are not in possession of them when the offence was committed.

For a speeding offence which is slightly over the speed limit a fixed penalty notice and three points will be added to your licence.

However should be speeding at a much greater speed you could find yourself open to criminal prosecution and may have to appear in court. If this is the case you will have to explain to a magistrate as to why you were speeding in the first place. He or she may decide to disqualify you from driving for a period of time at their discretion depending on the seriousness of the offence.

Speed Cameras

It is not always the case that you will be pulled over by the police if you are seen to be speeding. Most areas of the country now have speed cameras installed and you may not even be aware of the fact you have been caught speeding.

You will find if you have been photographed speeding that you will receive a letter from your local police force which includes all the relevant details of the offence, and the vehicle in which it was committed, along with a still image of the vehicle in question. If you were not in charge of the vehicle at the time of the offence you must be able to prove this otherwise in the eyes of the law you are the vehicle's owner so are responsible for the payment of any fines and any penalty points will be added to your licence.

Again it is important to have an understanding of the speeding laws in the United Kingdom and the Highway Code aims to provide this. If you are a learner driver you will have to read the Highway Code and understand it in order to pass the Theory and Hazard Perception Tests but as a fully qualified driver you should still maintain a watchful eye on your speed at all times.