I was interested to read this week about a legal argument that led to the acquittal of a driver who had driven in excess of a 40 mph speed limit. The magistrate’s court had found that a terminal speed limit sign located within 50 metres of a street lamp did not comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 as it was not illuminated in darkness. This meant that the driver’s failure to comply with the speed limit displayed by the sign did not constitute an offence of driving over the speed limit.
Cases like this will no doubt serve as a reminder to those authorities whose duty it is to provide and maintain road signs, that the Regulations are mandatory and not simply guidance. Non-compliance with speed limit signing requirements can result in a speed limit being unenforceable.
Submitted by Debbie Sadler
