Democracy Spraffa

Road Speed Policy - January 2017 (1)

Argyll and Bute Council · 20 March 2025
Back to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee — 20 March 2025 and its agenda

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DEVELOPMENT AND
INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES
ROAD SPEED LIMIT POLICY
FRAMEWORK
Author Traffic and Development Manager
Owner Head of Roads & Amenity Services
Date January 2017
Version 2.1
APPENDIX 2

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Index
Content Page No
Summary 3
Background 3
Government Policy 4
Enforcement 5
Speed Limits on Rural Roads 5
Village Speed Limits 7
Speed Limits on Urban Roads 9
20 MPH Speed Limits 10
30 MPH Speed Limits 11
40 MPH Speed Limits 12
50 MPH Speed Limits 12
Gateway’s to Towns and Villages 13
Buffer Speed Limits 13
Countdown Signs 14
Traffic Management 14
Introduction of New Speed Limits 15
Bibliography 16
Appendix 1 National Speed Limits 17

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ARGYLL AND BUTE ROAD SPEED LIMIT POLICY
1.0 SUMMARY
1.1 This policy establishes a framework for Argyll and Bute Council for the
selection, prioritisation and approval of speed limits.
1.2 The speed  of  vehicles  can be  an  emotive  issue  for  communities  that 
often generates intense local concern and debate.  This can be due to the
perception of what is an appropriate safe speed which can often differ greatly
between, for example; drivers, pedestrians and pedal cyclists, many of whom
live and work in the community. It is important, therefore, that Argyll and Bute 
Council clearly sets out its policy  on  how  it  will  determine  ‘appropriate’ 
speed  limits  and  ensure consistency of application, in line with current
Government recommendations. 
1.3 Sections 5 & 6 of this Policy outline the environments and road characteristics
suitable for appropriate rural and urban speed limits respectively, in
accordance with Scottish Executive Circular 1/2006, the Good Practice Guide
on 20mph Speed Restrictions (June 2016 Version 2), Designing Streets and
the Roads Development Guide.  Tables 1 & 2 of this document provide a
summary of the recommended policy framework for the application of speed
limits on local roads in the Council area.
2.0 BACKGROUND
2.1 The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to developing  a  speed
management  policy  that  will  take  account  of  the  contribution  of  reduced
speeds to road safety as well as environmental and social objectives.
2.2 To meet these aims and to ensure national consistency, the UK and Scottish
Governments asked all Roads Authorities to review all existing speed limits
on ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads by the end of 2010. Argyll and Bute Council carried out a
Speed Limit Review in 2010/11 of all ‘A’ and “B” class roads.
2.3 Speed limits must be evidence-led and self-enforcing, and should reinforce
road users’ assessments of the appropriate speed for a given environment. 
Speed limits should be established in a consistent manner that reflects the
expectation of all road users.
2.4 The national speed limits of 30 and 60mph are not always appropriate.
Reasons for this may include; road safety, road function, road geometry, road
alignment, the surrounding environment, development and changes that
occur along a route.
2.5 Where a speed limit is set inappropriately, for example substantially lower
than the speed that the majority of drivers would otherwise choose, evidence
shows it often will not be obeyed and can result in an over-reliance on Police
enforcement.  The Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department
(ETLLD) No. 1/2006 and the Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed
Restrictions both propose using mean speed instead of 85th percentile data.

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3.0 GOVERNMENT POLICY
3.1 In August 2006, the Scottish Executive published ETLLD Circular No.1/2006:
Setting Local Speed Limits, which laid out recommendations on the setting of
local speed limits. This superseded the recommendations given previously in
the Setting of Local Speed Limits Circular No. 1/93. The recommendations
apply to the setting of speed limits, other than 20 mph speed limits, on single
or dual carriageway roads in both urban and rural areas.
3.2 20mph speed limits should be set in accordance with the Good Practice
Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions, June 2016.
3.3 The objectives of  Circular No. 1/2006, the Good Practice Guide on 20mph
Speed Restrictions, Designing Streets and the National Roads Development
Guide are;
 the setting of appropriate local speed limits, including lowering
or raising limits where conditions dictate;
 establishing local speed limits that better reflect the needs of
all road users, not just drivers;
 Designing Streets and the National Roads Development Guide
aims to introduce a cultural change in urban settings that
considers “place before movement” and which proposes a
hierarchy in urban settings as: Pedestrians, Cyclists, Public
Transport, Specialist Service Vehicles and then other motor
traffic (i.e. cars);
 improved quality of life for residents in urban and rural areas
and a better  balance  between  road  safety,  accessibility  and
environmental objectives, especially in rural communities;
 improved recognition and understanding by road users of the
risks involved on different types of road, the different speed
limits that apply and the reasons why;
 improved respect for  speed  limits  and  in  turn  improved 
self-compliance;
 continued reductions in the number of road traffic collisions,
injuries and deaths in which excessive or inappropriate speed
is a contributory factor.
3.4 The guidance documents should be used as the basis for future assessments
of local speed limits and for developing route speed management strategies.
Speed limits are only one element of speed management and local speed
limits should not be set in isolation, but as part of a package of measures to
manage speeds. This includes engineering measures such as traffic calming
and landscaping features to raise drivers’ awareness of the environment, as
well as enforcement, education, driver information, training and publicity.
3.5 Alternative speed management options (as described in 3.4) must always be
considered before proceeding with a new speed limit.
3.6 The guidance allows Roads Authorities to retain the flexibility to set local
speed limits that are appropriate to the individual road, while reflecting local
needs and considerations.  Although  the  national  speed  limit  on  restricted
roads in urban areas is 30 mph; 40 or 50 mph speed limits can be used on

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roads where the environment and characteristics permit, such as; dual
carriageways, distributor roads and roads with little frontage access.
3.7 The guidance provides an assessment framework, developed by the
Transport Research Laboratory, to help achieve an appropriate and
consistent balance between safety and mobility on single carriageway rural
roads. This framework adopts a rural road network hierarchy of two tiers
(upper and lower) based on function that is to be used when assessing speed
limits on any single carriageway rural road.
3.8 Local speed limits will be assessed and determined using mean traffic
speeds. This is a change from the guidance given previously in Circular 1/93,
which exclusively used 85th percentile speeds to determine speed limits. The
85th percentile speed refers to the speed at, or below which 85 per cent of
the traffic is travelling. It is thought that the mean speed will be easier for road
users to understand.
3.9 The aim is to achieve a distribution of speeds that reflects the function of the
road and the impacts on the local community, with the posted speed limit
aligned to the prevailing conditions.
3.10 Speed limits within the Council area need to be consistent with adjoining
networks, including the Trunk Road and other Roads Authorities.
4.0 ENFORCEMENT
4.1 Police Scotland is the agency responsible for the enforcement of speed limits
on roads in the Council area. Enforcement can be carried out at specific
locations by Police officers using hand held equipment, or along routes using
in-vehicle detection equipment.
4.2 In-line with the guidance documents, speed limits and zones will be designed
to be self-enforcing. 
4.3 Before any new or altered speed limits are introduced, Police Scotland will be
formally consulted to ensure they agree that the proposals are valid.
4.4 Police Scotland have confirmed any speed limits must be viable and
sustainable. Any changes to speed limits must support a high level of self-
compliance and should not be reliant on Police enforcement.
4.5 It is expected that there will remain a type of driver that will continue to
disregard speed limits suggested by the surrounding environment or imposed
through regulation. It is expected that Police Scotland will target this group of
drivers as part of their enforcement effort.
5.0 SPEED LIMITS ON RURAL ROADS
5.1 Rural Speed Limits
5.1.1 In accordance with the recommendations set out in Circular 1/2006, 02/06
and guidance given by SCOTS (Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in
Scotland); the rural road network in the Argyll and Bute Council area has
been divided into a two-tier functional hierarchy of upper and lower tier roads.

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5.1.2   The main purpose of the upper tier road network is to provide for the safe and
efficient movement of long distance through traffic. These are typically
‘A’ and ‘B’ roads that link key towns and settlements and allow for easy
movement around the Council area.
5.1.3 Lower tier roads are those with a primarily local or access function, typically
‘C’ and unclassified roads, but also including some ‘B’ roads. These roads
may often cater for a variety of users, both vehicular and vulnerable groups,
and quality of life issues will be important.
5.1.4 In the Argyll and Bute Council area, the national speed limit will remain the
norm on rural roads. However, where collision rates exceed certain
thresholds set in Circular 1/2006, lower speed limits will be considered
together with other measures. The collision rate thresholds are;
 Upper tier - 35 injury collisions per 100million vehicle km;
 Lower tier - 60 injury collisions per 100million vehicle km.
5.1.5 The  collision  rate  is  a  trigger  for  intervention,  indicating  that  collision
reduction or  speed  management  measures  may  be  necessary  on  a
particular section of road.
5.1.6 In accordance with Circular 1/2006, further investigation will be necessary to
allow all options to be considered in detail before any proposal to lower the
speed limit is pursued.
5.1.7 Speed limits must not be set in isolation or used to try and solve problems at
particular hazards (e.g. bends, junctions, collision sites, etc.), but should
rather be used as part of an overall speed management package.
5.1.8 It is important when implementing rural speed limits that are lower than the
national speed limit on any particular road, that speed limits on adjoining
roads are considered. This will avoid confusing situations where one road has
a lower speed limit than an adjoining road of relatively lesser quality or
importance.
5.1.9 30mph speed limits should be the norm in villages.
5.1.10 Examples of suitable roads and environments that various speed limits would
be applicable are listed in Table 1.

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Table 1: Speed Limits in Rural Areas
Speed
Limit (mph)
Upper tier – ‘A’ & ‘B’ roads with a
predominant traffic flow function
Lower  tier  –  ‘C’  &  other  roads
with important local access or
recreational function
60 Recommended for most high
quality ‘A’ and ‘B’  roads with
few bends, junctions or accesses
Recommended only for the best
quality ‘C’ and Unclassified roads
with a mixed (i.e. partial traffic flow)
function with few bends, junctions
or accesses.
50 May be considered for lower
quality ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads that may
have a relatively high number of
bends, junctions or accesses.
The collision rate should be
above a threshold of 35 injury
collisions per 100 million vehicle
km.
May be considered for lower quality
‘C’ and unclassified roads with a
mixed function where there is a
relatively high number of bends,
junction or accesses.
The   collision   rate   should   be
above a threshold of 60 injury
collisions per 100 million vehicle
km.
40 May   be   considered   where
there is a high number of bends,
junctions or accesses,
substantial development, or
where the road is used by
considerable numbers of
vulnerable users.
May   be   considered   for   local
roads with a predominantly local
access or recreational function, or
if it forms part of a recommended
route for vulnerable road users.
30 Should be the norm in villages
5.2 Village Speed Limits
5.2.1 In order to implement the Government policy that, where appropriate, 30 mph
speed limit should be the norm in villages, it is necessary to define a
‘village’. For the purpose of this speed limit policy the definition from Traffic
Advisory Leaflet 1/04 – “Village Speed Limits” is used. This definition is based
on simple criteria relating to frontage development and distance.
Both upper and lower tier roads will therefore be subject to a 30 mph speed
limit through a village if the following criteria are met;
 20 or more houses (on one or both sides of the road);
 A minimum density of 3 houses per 100m; and
 a minimum length of 600m.
5.2.2 The minimum length of 600m is recommended to avoid frequent changes of
speed limit and because many drivers are unlikely to reduce their speed to a
new 30 mph limit if it is over a very short stretch of road, particularly if the end
of the limit can be seen from the entry point.

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5.2.3 This minimum density should generally also apply for each 100m section, but
particularly for the first 100 metres of the speed limit at each end of the
village, to reinforce the visual message for drivers.
5.2.4 In situations where the criteria for a ‘village’ are not strictly met, and there are
slightly less than 20 houses, extra allowances will be made for public amenity
buildings such as schools, churches, post offices, etc. In order to avoid
ambiguity, a minimum of 80% of the required housing (16 houses) plus
significant other building(s) is necessary for a 30 mph limit. One public
amenity building is effectively equal to 4 houses. Housing density in the
50% to 80% range will be considered for a 40 mph speed limit.
5.2.5 However, in the Council area there may be settlements where the
development density criteria are met over a shorter distance.   In these
instances the 30 mph limit can be imposed over the length of the
development (minimum length 400m), and in such cases an intermediate
‘buffer’ speed limit of 40 mph may be implemented prior to the 30 mph
terminal signs at the entrances to a village to ensure a minimum ‘speed
restricted’ length of 600m.
5.2.6 Intermediate  40  mph  limits  may  also  be  considered  where  there  are
outlying houses beyond the village boundary, houses are set back from the
road, there are junctions and/or accesses present or on roads with high
approach speeds.
5.2.7 Where there is a lesser degree of development than described above or
where engineering measures are not practicable or cost effective, but outlying
properties make a reduction from the national speed limit of 60mph desirable,
a 50mph speed limit can be considered.
5.2.8 It may be necessary to consider other speed management measures to
support the message of the speed limit and help encourage compliance so
that no enforcement difficulties are created for the police. Where appropriate,
such measures might include a vehicle activated sign, centre hatching or
other measures that would have the effect of narrowing or changing the
nature and appearance of the road.  In addition to engineering measures, it
may also be worth using, for example, gateway type features to highlight a
change in environment to road users.
5.2.9 Sections of road where 30mph speed limits are proposed will be monitored
and should mean speeds be found to be higher than the proposed limit then
further measures designed to reinforce the new speed limit, such as vehicle
activated signs, would be considered.
5.2.10 Villages on ‘C’ and Unclassified roads are predominantly subject to a 30 mph
speed limit by virtue of the presence of street lighting.  Any changes to
existing limits where required will be made by Traffic Regulation Order.
5.2.11 Village speed limits will be signed in accordance with The Traffic Signs
Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD).  Speed limit signs should
be placed as near as practicable to the start of development so that drivers
can easily associate housing with the lower speed limit, reinforcing the visual
message that lower speeds are appropriate.

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5.2.12 Start and end points of village speed limits will be assessed and agreed by
the local Traffic Engineer and Police Scotland.  Where possible, however, this
should be at a distance no further than 20 metres from the first property in the
settlement, unless a lack of visibility makes this impractical or where
additional speed reducing features are to be used.
5.2.13 In most cases village boundaries will coincide with the start of lower speed
limits and combination signs will be appropriate.
6.0 SPEED LIMITS ON URBAN ROADS
6.1 Urban roads by their nature are complex due to a need to satisfy a variety of
functions and to provide a safe travel environment for pedestrians, cyclists
and motorised traffic.
6.2 Lower speeds on urban roads will generally benefit all road users; setting
appropriate speed limits and zones is an important factor in urban safety
management.
6.3 Examples of the characteristics of roads and environments where various
urban speed limits would be applicable are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Speed Limits in Urban Areas
Speed Limit
(mph) Road Environment Characteristics
20 In town centres, residential areas and in the vicinity of
schools where there is a high presence of vulnerable road
users (e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, children). Refer to
Section 6.4
30 The standard limit in built up areas with street lighting and
development on both sides of the road.
40 Higher quality suburban roads or those on the outskirts of
urban areas where there is little development. Should be
few vulnerable road users.
Should have good width and layout, parking and waiting
restrictions in operation, and buildings set back from the
road.
Should cater for the needs of vulnerable users, wherever
possible, through segregation of road space, and have
adequate footways and crossing places.
50 Usually most suited to special roads, dual carriageway ring
or radial routes or bypasses which have become partially
built up.
Should be little or no roadside development.

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6.4 20mph Speed Limits
6.4.1 The Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions, June 2016,
(GPG20SR) provides a new approach to the provision of 20mph speed limits
and zones.  In accordance with Scottish Governments commitments, the
Guide aims to create streets that are safer, healthier and greener; which is in-
line with the philosophy of “place before movement” detailed in Designing
Streets and aims to ensure that people are prioritised over motor vehicles.
6.4.2 The Guide provides a framework for the reduction in speeds near schools,
residential area and in other areas of our towns where there is a significant
volume of pedestrian or cyclist activity.
6.4.3 The introduction of 20mph limits or zones may lead to a reduction in
collisions, casualties and fatalities.  This may also lead to an increase in
active travel; which may bring about both health and environmental
improvements.
6.4.4 There are four types of 20mph speed limit, three of which are proposed for
use in this policy. These are based on the characteristics outlined in Table
2. This policy does not make provision for introducing new 20mph advisory
speed limits (Twenty’s Plenty). However, existing schemes will still be left in
place where previously implemented.
i. 20mph Zones
 The  key  to  a  successful  20mph  zone  is  to  have  in  place traffic
calming measures at appropriate distance and in accordance with the
Roads Design Guide and the TSRGD 2016 such that the zones are
self-enforcing.
 Most 20mph speed limit zones, in Scotland, have been introduced to
reduce casualties within residential areas, with a particular emphasis
on child pedestrian colllisions around schools.  The new guidance
document “Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions” seeks
to extend the use of 20mph limits ensure the safety of all vulnerable
road users (for example, pedestrians, cyclists).
 Notwithstanding the extension of 20mph speed limit zones to all
vulnerable users; all new residential roads within new developments
shall comply with a maximum design speed of 20mph.  They shall be
designed to physically restrict vehicle speed in order to provide a self-
enforcing speed limit.
 The Developer shall be required to meet the costs of all Traffic
Regulation Orders and signage for the creation of a 20mph zone
within the development.
 The layout of a 20mph speed limit zone must be approved by the local
Traffic & Development Technical Officer.
 It should be noted that 20mph speed limit zones will have significantly
higher costs than a 20mph speed limit.
 A 20mph zone cannot be established without appropriate traffic
calming features, in accordance with the TSRGD 2016, first being in
place.
ii. 20mph Speed Limits (Mandatory)

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 Mandatory 20mph speed limits can be established with signs only and
with no supporting speed reducing features;
 While this option incurs a much smaller cost, it should only be
considered where the existing mean speeds are no greater then
24mph;
 Where there is no realistic expectation the limit will achieve decreases
in traffic speeds a 20mph limit should not be introduced;
 Where mean speeds are greater than 20mph, prior to the introduction
of the limit, consideration should be given to the whether it is
appropriate to install additional engineering features, variable
message signs, speed activated signs or traffic calming measures to
support the lower limit;
 Schemes should aim for compliance without the need for enforcement
and, as such, speeds should be monitored after introduction of the
new limit;
 Where, following a period of monitoring, it is apparent that the scheme
is not self-enforcing, the installation of physical traffic calming should
be considered or, alternatively, the speed limit should revert to a
30mph speed limit;
 The TSRGD 2016 removes the requirement for a minimum of one
repeater sign to be placed within a 20mph speed limit. 
Notwithstanding this, the installation, location and number of repeater
signs should considered, taking full cognisance of Chapter 3 of the
Traffic Signs Manual to ensure there is sufficient information available
to inform road users of the speed limit in force,
iii. Variable/Part Time 20mph Speed Limits
 Variable speeds limits are those that vary between the existing speed
limit and 20mph according to the time of day as specified in the speed
limit Traffic Regulation Order.
 20mph should be the standard speed limit in the vicinity of schools.  At
schools where a 20mph limit or zone is not already in place then a
part-time speed limit can be used.
 Part-time 20mph speed limits are only permitted on roads adjacent to
schools in Scotland, in conjunction with specially authorised signs as
detailed in the TRSRG 2016.  It is considered that the TSRDG 2016
offers sufficient flexibility, however, where alteration or amendments
are required it is necessary to seek approval from the Scottish
Ministers.
 Variable 20mph speed limits have been introduced on roads adjacent
to a number of schools in the Argyll and Bute Council Area.
iv. 20mph Advisory Speed Limits (Twenty’s Plenty)
 Advisory maximum speed limits were originally designed to be used in
self-enclosed residential areas with little or no through traffic.  It is now
considered that if there is a need or desire to reduce speeds then
mandatory limits or speed limit zones should be used instead.
 Previously introduced advisory limits can still be used where they have
been implemented.
6.5 30mph Speed Limits

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6.5.1 The  national  speed  limit  applicable  in  urban  areas  is  30mph,  which
represents an appropriate balance between the mobility and safety of road
users, particularly the more vulnerable.
6.5.2 Many urban roads, particularly those in town centres, serve a mixture of
shopping, commercial and residential functions. These mixed priority routes
can be complex and difficult to treat while accommodating all functions and
users. 20mph speed limits or zones may be most appropriate, however,
30mph speed limits  may be set in conjunction with speed management
measures to accommodate the safe movement of vulnerable road users.
6.5.3 Urban roads of particular importance, such as those that serve a strategic or
distributor function will usually be subject to a 30mph speed limit, but
20mph speed limits may be appropriate in areas with particularly high levels
of vulnerable road user movements.
6.5.4 Most 30mph speed limits on ‘C’ and unclassified roads exist by virtue of the
presence of a street lighting system. On ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads a traffic regulation
order must be in place for a 30mph speed limit to be enforceable.
6.5.5 The TSRGD 2016 removed the requirement for repeater signs within speed
limits, however; appropriate signage should be installed as required to ensure
that roads users know and are regularly reminded of the restriction in place. 
Where there is no system of carriageway lighting, Diagram 1065 may now be
used as a repeater sign although consideration should be given to the
maintenance cost of road markings against the cost of an upright sign.
6.6 40mph Speed Limits
6.6.1 Roads suitable for 40mph are generally higher quality suburban roads or
those on the outskirts of urban areas where there is little development.
6.6.2 They  should  have  good  width  and  layout;  have  parking  and  waiting
restrictions in operation; and buildings set back from the road.
6.6.3 These roads should, wherever possible, cater for the needs of vulnerable
road users through segregation of road space.
6.6.4 Alternatively, consideration must be given to the availability of convenient
alternative routes for vulnerable users.
6.6.5 Any roads with a 40mph speed limit must have adequate footways and
crossing provision for pedestrians, pedal cyclists and horse riders, as
necessary.
6.7 50mph Speed Limits
6.7.1 In exceptional circumstances a 50mph speed limit may also be used on
higher quality roads where there is little or no roadside development, and this
can be done safely.
6.7.2 The impact on local communities and vulnerable road users must always be
assessed before considering such speed limits.

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7.0 GATEWAYS TO TOWNS & VILLAGES
7.1      Gateway features
7.1.1 The purpose of a gateway is to emphasise to drivers that they are entering a
town or village road environment where it is likely they will encounter
vulnerable users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and encourage drivers to
adopt a speed that is appropriate for the road environment and function.
7.1.2 If approach speeds to a village are high or the start of a village is not obvious,
gateway features incorporating standard signing are an effective way to slow
traffic down and alert drivers.
7.1.3 Gateways should not be sited where they may cause a hazard, avoiding
encroachment of footway or cycle track, and should not interfere with access
to frontage property. They should also be designed so as to minimise the
likelihood of increasing injury in the event of a vehicle colliding with them.
7.1.4 Gateways need to be sited with a clear sight line, which is recommended to
allow for at least the minimum stopping sight distance for the measured
vehicle speeds.
7.1.5 Gateways may also include landscaping and artistic elements and it is
therefore proposed to work closely with communities to ensure that their
aspirations are met should changes be proposed.
7.1.6 Bespoke village signs cannot be used in combination with speed limit signs.
Bespoke signs may, however, be  placed  on  a  single  side  of  the 
carriageway  in advance  of  a  village  boundary  in  addition  to  any 
standard  signing  or gateway feature. The design and siting of bespoke signs
must be approved by a Traffic & Development Officer.
7.2 Buffer Speed Limits
7.2.1 Current guidance recommends a minimum length of 600m for a single speed
limit with an allowance to reduce this to 400m or even 300m in exceptional
circumstances.
7.2.2 There will be situations (for example on the outskirts of towns, or at small
villages with adjoining intermittent development) where the recommended
minimum length of speed limit is unachievable due to low development
density,  but it may be desirable to include  outlying  properties  within  a
reduced speed limit.
7.2.3 Short lengths of 40mph or 50mph speed limits may be used in these
situations as an intermediate transition between sections of road where a
national speed limit and a lower speed limit apply. These transitional sections
are termed ‘buffer’ speed limits.

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7.2.4 Buffer speed limits on ‘C’ and unclassified roads should not normally be
necessary because of low traffic volumes and the localised nature of the
traffic.
7.3 Countdown Signs
7.3.1 Countdown signs are no longer a prescribed sign within the TSRGD 2016
and, as such, no new countdown signs will be installed.
7.3.2 As an exception to 7.3.1 above, where the main speed limit signs or village
boundary signs have a severe visibility problem that cannot be easily
remedied by moving the speed limit to another location, then the Council may
consider installing countdown signs.  This will be assessed on the merits of
each individual case. If these signs are deemed absolutely necessary, they
should be placed on the near-side only to limit environmental intrusion.
7.3.3 Countdown signs will be removed if they fall into a state of disrepair and shall
not be replaced unless there is a need as identified within 7.3.2. Communities
will be informed before any relevant countdown signs are removed.
8.0 TRAFFIC CALMING
8.1.1 Traffic calming involves the installation of appropriate measures to encourage
lower traffic speeds. There are many measures available to help reduce
vehicle speeds and improve compliance with the speed limit in place.
8.1.2 In situations where it is desirable to have a lower speed limit but the
surrounding environment does not appear compatible, some form of traffic
calming or speed management measures will be required.
8.1.3 The list below includes some examples of effective traffic calming measures:
 chicanes
 road humps / speed table;
 Junction tables
 speed cushions;
 road narrowings;
 gateways;
 rumble devices;
 road markings & coloured surfacing;
 roundabouts;
 vehicle activated signs (VAS) or speed activated signs (SAS).
8.1.4 The use of traffic calming measures will be determined by local factors such
as road geometry or general use (for example bus routes).  Wherever
possible horizontal deflection (such as chicanes) will be used rather than
vertical deflection (road humps etc)

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9.0 INTRODUCTION OF NEW SPEED LIMITS
Any speed limit change shall be reported to the relevant Area Committee for
consideration, advertised and any representation reported back to Committee for
determination prior to the Order being made.  Any speed limit changes requiring
physical measures other than standard signing shall be reported to the Environment,
Development and Infrastructure Committee for approval.  The report shall detail the
costs of the measures together with any ongoing maintenance implication and the
funding streams for provision and maintenance.

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10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
10.1 Scottish Executive ETLLD Circular 1/2006: Setting Local Speed Limits –
Guidance for Local Authorities, August 2006.
10.2 Good Practice Guide on 20mph Speed Restrictions (June 2016)
10.3 Development Department Research Programme Research Findings No.104
‘20mph Speed Reduction Initiative’, 2001
10.4 DfT – Traffic Advisory Leaflet 01/04 Village Speed Limits
10.5 Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2013
10.6 National Roads Development Guide
10.7 Designing Streets
10.8 DfT Circular 01/2016 – The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions
2016
10.9 DfT - Traffic Advisory Leaflet 1/03, ‘Vehicle Activated Signs’, March 2003
10.10 DfT - Traffic Advisory Leaflet 2/06, ‘Speed Assessment Framework’,
September 2006.
10.11 DfT – Local Transport Note 1/07 ‘Traffic Calming’, April 2007.
10.12 DfT – ‘Road Safety Good Practice Guide’, 2001.
10.13 SI 2016 No. 362 The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

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17
APPENDIX 1
National speed limits
Type of vehicle
Built-up
areas      
mph
(km/h)
Single
carriageways
mph (km/h)
Dual
carriageways
mph (km/h)
Motorways mph
(km/h)
Cars, motorcycles, car-
derived vans and dual-
purpose vehicles
30 (48) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112)
Cars, motorcycles, car-
derived vans and dual-
purpose vehicles when
towing caravans or trailers
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96)
Motorhomes or motor
caravans (not more than
3.05 tonnes maximum
unladen weight)
30 (48) 60 (96) 70 (112) 70 (112)
Motorhomes or motor
caravans (more than 3.05
tonnes maximum unladen
weight)
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112)
Buses, coaches and
minibuses (not more than
12 metres overall length)
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112)
Buses, coaches and
minibuses (more than 12
metres overall length)
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96)
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 70 (112)
60 (96) if
articulated or
towing a trailer
Goods vehicles (more
than 7.5 tonnes maximum
laden weight) in England
and Wales
30 (48) 50 (80) 60 (96) 60 (96)
Goods vehicles (more
than 7.5 tonnes maximum
laden weight) in Scotland
30 (48) 40 (64) 50 (80) 60 (96)
Goods vehicles (not more
than 7.5 tonnes maximum
laden weight)