Drivers across the UK can request changes to speed limits on local roads, according to official guidance. GOV.UK has a dedicated page titled 'Request a speed limit change,' which applies to England and Wales only.
Road Safety Concerns
Road safety charity Brake reports that 29,911 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes last year, an increase of 4% from the previous year. This is the highest number since 2018. Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, said: 'The number of people killed or seriously injured in road crashes in Britain is deeply troubling. These are not just statistics. They are real people and real families facing unimaginable heartache and loss.'
Speed as a Factor
Speed is a primary factor in UK road crashes, contributing to roughly a third of all fatal collisions. Speed limits and travelling too fast for conditions are routinely recorded by police as major precipitating factors. Higher velocities drastically increase stopping distances and the severity of impact forces.
How to Request a Speed Limit Change
Your local council is responsible for setting speed limits. To request a change, enter your postcode on the GOV.UK page and follow the guidance. For example, Surrey County Council notes that reducing vehicle speeds can help reduce collisions, encourage walking and cycling, sustain local shops, and make communities more pleasant. However, it cautions that lower speeds must be balanced against reasonable journey times and the road's position in the Strategic Priority Network.
Submitting a request does not guarantee changes, but it can raise awareness of dangerous roads or issues.
Speed Limits and Penalties
GOV.UK stresses: 'You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.'
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine plus 3 penalty points. Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years may lead to disqualification. For new drivers within 2 years of passing their test, accumulating 6 or more points results in licence revocation.
