Speed Limit Signs - do they have to be lit?

GentleGiant_2

70MPH dual carriageway, without street-lights.

Goes to a 40MPH speed limit.

The signs are not lit in any way, a short distance further the speed reduces to 30mph again not lit, but there are street lights now.

Are both signs legal, or are they supposed to be lit to be enforceable?

I should add, I keep to the limit, but just curious as to the law.

Thanks.

movilogo

Can you not see them using head light of your car?

GentleGiant_2

Of course - I just thought I read of people getting off fines due to signs not being lit, so thought I would ask as to the law.

Just curious in case anyone knew.

Might just be our council trying to cut corners!

moonrakerz

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023113.htm

flyingscotno1

I think I can summarise this as-

Speed Limit Terminal Signs (change of Limit) must be lit on principal roads (where there is a street lamp within 50m). Other roads do not require to be lit but there are requirements on reflectivity.

I cannot remember what is a principal roads definition is (probably in the highways act) but from memory this is A roads and Trunk Roads. Motorways are covered in other legislation but must be lit too IIRC.

sebdangerfield

Above sounds accurate.

To add, again working from memory, They must also be lit when with 30 yards of a junction and when there is another sign which is lit by solar/wind power there must also be another(I know I know), same sign within 30 yards which is lit electricaly.

Also, the signs are still legal if they aren't lit. It's no defence to speeding if they're unlit but should be.

GentleGiant_2

Thanks guys

As the roads are A roads, and fairly major, I guess they should be lit - probably cutting corners as said - I was just surprised that they were bog standard speed limit signs and not lit.

flyingscotno1

sebdangerfield wrote: »

Above sounds accurate.

To add, again working from memory, They must also be lit when with 30 yards of a junction and when there is another sign which is lit by solar/wind power there must also be another(I know I know), same sign within 30 yards which is lit electricaly.

Also, the signs are still legal if they aren't lit. It's no defence to speeding if they're unlit but should be.

I think it is a defence to speeding if unlit- I'm sure many have got off before on it.

Haven't heard about 30m from junction either. The most common reason they wouldn't be lit is error rather than money saving. If there are street lights then dead easy to get a leccy supply really.

DaveMacD

HC rule 124 states that "The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30mph speed limit unless otherwise specified."

Money_Grabber13579

movilogo wrote: »

Can you not see them using head light of your car?

Well it would be a good excuse for running a pedestrian over - they didn't have a light on their head...;)