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Difficulty: HardSpeed Limits on Motorways

You are driving a car on a smart motorway where an overhead gantry displays a speed limit of 50 inside a red circle. A short distance ahead, a temporary matrix sign displays '40' accompanied by four flashing amber lights. What is the maximum legally enforceable speed limit that applies to your vehicle?

  1. A
    40 mph
  2. B
    70 mph
  3. 50 mphAnswer
  4. D
    60 mph

Answer

50 mph
On UK motorways, speed limits displayed inside a red circle on an overhead gantry are mandatory and legally enforceable. When an electronic matrix sign displays a speed accompanied by flashing amber lights, this is an advisory recommendation warning of hazards ahead, not a legally binding change in the speed limit. Consequently, the maximum legally enforceable speed limit remains 50 mph.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal status of the initial overhead gantry signal.
A speed limit displayed inside a red circle is mandatory and legally enforceable under the Road Traffic Regulation Act and Highway Code Rule 261.
Red circles convey mandatory prohibitions and orders that must be obeyed by law.
2
Determine the legal status of the subsequent matrix sign showing flashing amber lights.
A numerical value accompanied by flashing amber lights represents an advisory speed warning under Highway Code Rule 257.
Flashing amber lights inform drivers of hazards and recommend safe speeds, but do not set statutory mandatory limits.
3
Evaluate which limit governs the maximum enforceable speed.
The mandatory limit of 50 mph remains the maximum legal speed limit until revoked by a new mandatory limit or an end of restriction sign.
Advisory signals do not override, cancel, or replace existing mandatory regulatory limits.

Key Concept

Distinction between mandatory variable speed limits (red ring) and advisory matrix signals (flashing amber lights) on motorways.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Speed Limits on Motorways

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