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Question

Difficulty: EasyMotorway Signs and Signals

While travelling on a smart motorway, you see a speed limit of 50 mph displayed inside a red circle on an overhead gantry sign. What does this signal mean?

  1. A
    It is an advisory speed recommendation that you may choose to follow
  2. It is a mandatory speed limit that you must not exceedAnswer
  3. C
    It indicates the minimum speed permitted while travelling in that lane
  4. D
    It is a temporary restriction that applies only to heavy goods vehicles

Answer

The speed limit of 50 mph is a mandatory limit that you must not exceed.
Under Highway Code Rule 261, any speed limit displayed inside a red circle on an overhead motorway gantry is mandatory and legally enforceable. Drivers must not exceed this maximum speed limit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the shape and border colour of the overhead sign
The sign is circular with a red ring border displaying the number 50.
In the UK Highway Code, circular signs with a red border convey mandatory prohibitions or orders.
2
Apply the rule for variable speed limits on motorway gantries
The displayed 50 mph represents an enforceable maximum speed limit for all vehicles in that lane.
Highway Code Rule 261 mandates that drivers must not exceed speed limits shown within red circles on motorway signals.

Key Concept

Mandatory variable speed limits displayed within red circles on motorway gantries
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Motorway Signs and Signals

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