Whats the speed limit on a roundabout?

Question

This is mainly aimed at driviers/instructors in the UK

Whats the speed limit on a roundabout on a dual carrigeway.

There are 3 exits, first on the left goes into a 30 zone,straight on is dual carrigeway and right is a 40 zone,so whats the speed limit?

Answer 1

What a silly question. Like any other road, the speed limit is that for the section of road which you are on. When you pass the 30, 40, or derestricted signs, then those speed limits come into effect. As on any other road, you don't always drive at the speed limit, road conditions and bends etc control you speed.

Answer 2

There is effectively not any speed limit on a roundabout, you should stop at the double hatched lines at the entrance to the roundabout, failure to do so could result in you driving with out due care and attention.  normally when there is not any other traffic at the roundabout, most drivers just enter and go a around it but it leaves then liable to not paying due care.

Answer 3

Interesting question. If I was faced with this dilemma I would stay under 30 just to be sure.

Answer 4

slow, there is always someone in the wrong lane, so be prepared

Answer 5

Creviazuk has given you the best answer.

The speed limit on a roundabout will be the same as the road you have just come from. There should be signs on your approach to tell you if the speed limit has changed. But obviously if you are on a 50mph road it doesn't mean that you should go around it in 50mph, but it is indeed the speed limit.

Answer 6

depends on traffic conditions, you can judge your speed by looking at the roundabout before and not at the last moment

Answer 7

Why not play it safe and go 30?

You prob wouldn't survive the round about going at 70...

Answer 8

Legally - the same speed as the road you were on - or if you pass a speed sign at the entry then that will apply.

Answer 9

Never been asked that question by any of my pupils over the years, but a dual carriageway has a national speed limit at the start of the dual carriageway, which is 70mph.  So if the roundabout is in that zone then it is 70mph.  But there is no way that anyone could go roundabout at 70, as the centrifugal force would just throw you off.  You couldn't corner left at 70, you could probably drive straight on at 70, but road designers have thought of this and there is usually a slight bend to negotiate and as such you couldn't go at 70 there either.  So. the best way to drive is to look well ahead and plan your journey and stick to the speed limit.  

Please do not go and try going round the left/right/ straight exit at 70.  Just not worth it....