Speeding Fine rules....England?

Question

My Husband got a speeding ticket as he was leaving a 60 zone and joining a 40 zone.

The cops zapped him right on the 40 sign while he was still slowing from 60. The camera got him doing 55 in a 40 zone.

my question is: when does the 40 zone start and is there an allowance on distance to slow down when you reach a sign?

It seems unfair that they sit on the sign on roads that are fast and suddenly slow and are unfamiliar to most people.

Would greatly appreciate any feedback and most importantly with links to back up your advice.

i really don't want him to have points on his licence as well as the £60 fine.

Answer 1

As everyone has stated the 40mph limit starts literally as you pass the sign. It should be clear to see in enough time to alter your speed to the changing limit.

That said no camera should be situated by the change in limit. I can't see cops 'zapping' someone right on the 40 sign. It doesn't make sense. If it was 200 yards further down the road and you're still doing 55mph then there is really nothing to complain about.

Answer 2

You need to be doing the new speed limit as you pass the sign - so you need to slow down to 40 before you pass the 40 sign.  He should be thankful he wasn't doing 20 mph over the speed limit - that would have meant a court case.

Answer 3

unfortunatly, you have to be doing 40 when you cross the sign. the 40 limit begins at the sign. thereofore, you need to slow down well in advance.

i was caught the same way going from a 60 to a thirty and they got me at 32mph, that was a cop with a gun too, so soory to tell you, but as your hubby was doing over 40 when he crossed the sign he was breaking the law. the speed limits starts at the line, otherwise where would it start?

Answer 4

The speed limit starts at the sign. Sorry. Your husband was breaking the law.

Answer 5

He got what he deserved and you shouldn't condone it.

Answer 6

Go to court and argue the point just because he got the ticket doesn't mean he has to swallow it,

Answer 7

As you will have gathered there is no leeway.  You must be doing the correct speed as you enter the zone, it's not optional. That's why there are big conspicuous signs that you can see at a distance . . .

Answer 8

You have to be at the correct speed as you pass the speed limit sign. There is a query you can ask about the speed gun which a lot of people do not realise. The speed gun and the Police cars equipped with speed cameras have to have them checked for accuracy before they can be used and that is every day. They are calibrated for accuracy on a machine and this is often ignored by the police. They just habnd over the police car to the next driver, and off he goes. The same happens with hand held equipment.  That is the law.

Answer 9

It is another example of blatant money grabbing from a corrupt government that are doing all they can to fleece Joe public of his hard earned cash. This country is broke and the government are mugging us and nobody wants to stand up to it.

Answer 10

If its any consolation i too approached one of these signs in a hire car, while being followed by a police car. I braked so violently the front tyres locked. When stopped by the police i simply explained that the signage was at fault and i was merely obeying the law, and while i'm stopped i'll have a quick check round your car as well officer, just to make sure those tyres are legal. While i'm away, lose or reconsider your attitude as you are my servant, not my master, and you will address me as 'sir'.

They gave up.

Answer 11

The 40 mph zone start precisely where the zone marker is.

The driver is expected to have slowed to 40mph when entering the zone.

Ignorance is not a point of the law.

Sorry!.

Answer 12

Sorry - I also agree with the previous poster