Speed limits
Speed limits help people use roads safely. They set the maximum legal speed, but it may not always be safe to drive at that speed.
How we set speed limits
Highway authorities set speed limits using evidence about the road, its surroundings and how people use it.
The limit should suit the road and encourage drivers to follow it. It should also support the safe and efficient movement of traffic.
We follow the Department for Transport's guidance on setting local speed limits
When setting a speed limit, we consider:
- the road's injury accident record
- whether the road is classified or unclassified
- the road's layout and alignment
- the mix of motorised and non-motorised road users
- nearby homes, businesses and shops
- the number of junctions and private accesses
- existing traffic speeds
- the effect on the local community and environment
Measures that help drivers follow the speed limit
We may use road features and other measures to encourage drivers to follow the speed limit, including:
- speed cushions and raised tables
- build-outs and road narrowing
- speed limit repeater signs and road markings
- vehicle-activated speed limit signs
- Community Speed Watch
When we may review a speed limit
We are only likely to review a speed limit when:
- the Department for Transport changes its guidance
- speed contributes significantly to a higher-than-expected road safety risk
- the road environment changes, such as through a new housing development or junction
- vehicle speeds are substantially different from the posted speed limit
Request a speed limit review
If you think a location meets these criteria, contact your ward councillor.
Our officers will:
- check whether alternative speed limits would meet Department for Transport guidance
- review the road's injury accident record
- arrange traffic surveys to measure vehicle speeds and the types of traffic using the road
We will then decide whether:
- the speed limit should change
- additional speed management measures are needed
- no change is needed
What happens if we approve a change
Changing a speed limit requires an amendment to a Traffic Regulation Order. This involves a legal process.
Find out more about Traffic Regulation Orders
Speed limit rules for drivers
You must follow the speed limit for the road and your type of vehicle.
Remember:
- the speed limit is the maximum legal speed, not a target
- it may not be safe to drive at the speed limit in all conditions
- a 30 miles per hour speed limit usually applies unless signs show otherwise
- street lights usually indicate a 30 miles per hour speed limit unless signs show otherwise
- 30 miles per hour repeater signs are not allowed on roads with street lighting
- lower speed limits may apply to some types of vehicle
Wiltshire Police carries out enforcement at known speeding hotspots and Community Speed Watch locations.
Fixed speed enforcement cameras do not operate in Swindon.
Read the GOV.UK guidance on speed limits