Roads and highways - speed limits

Information on speed limits and how to request changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a speed limit?

Speed is a significant factor in about one third of road accidents in the United Kingdom. This is particularly so in urban areas, where speeding vehicles can adversely affect the quality of life of many communities.

Speed limits are introduced to ensure greater road safety. Measures for influencing the speed of vehicles generally fall into two categories, legislative (e.g. speed limits) and physical (e.g. traffic calming devices).

Comprehensive information on the speed limits you would expect to come across on the different category of road is given in chart form in The Highway Code.

How do I set about getting a speed limit lowered, raised or extended?

If you would like a speed limit to be lowered, raised or extended, please contact us using the details below or use our online request form (to the right).

Your request will then be assessed. The police view on a change to a speed limit is important and will be sought. Account should also be taken of the characteristics of the road, such as its alignment, the level of activity alongside the road, the accident record and the degree of severity caused to a community by the speed of vehicles.

In urban areas, speed limits should fit into a rational and easily understood hierarchy if they are to be observed by drivers. Before deciding to change an existing speed limit the Highway Authority must consider all the relevant factors such as:

• Expected reduction in accident frequency.
• Improvement to the environment.
• Improvement in amenities.
• Reduction in public anxiety.
• Improved facilities for vulnerable road users.
• Delays to traffic.
• Costs of implementation.
• Costs of design and their maintenance.
• Costs of enforcement, especially where the speed limit is regarded as unreasonable by drivers.

If it is considered that a change in the speed limit is warranted then a new Speed Limit Order has to be made. This involves a statutory legal process that takes approximately 9 months to complete.

If you wish to report a vandalised/missing speed limit sign, please contact us using the details below or use our online form (to the right).

Can we have more 30mph signs?

If the road in question has a system of street lighting on it with no speed limit repeater signs the road is already subject to 30mph and as such the Highway Authority is not permitted to place 30mph repeater signs on it. The system of street lighting in a built up area should be sufficient evidence of 30mph limit.

Contact Details

For more information please contact us:

Telephone: 0121 705 6474

Email: environment@solihull.gov.uk