The M25 Motorway (Junctions 2 to 3) (Variable Speed Limits) Regulations 2012

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations introduce variable speed limits to the M25 Motorway between junctions 2 and 3, and linking carriageways for entering and exiting at junction 3.

Regulation 3 provides for variable speed limits to have effect on the roads specified in the Schedule. Where variable speed limits are in operation a vehicle may not be driven at a speed above the maximum indicated by each speed limit sign passed by the vehicle, until either the vehicle passes a sign indicating that the national speed limit applies or the vehicle leaves the roads covered by the regulation. Where a speed limit changes less than 10 seconds before a vehicle passes the sign and the sign had immediately before the change indicated a higher speed limit, the regulation allows a driver to drive up to the maximum applicable before the change. Where the speed limit sign indicates a speed limit when it is passed by a vehicle but, less than 10 seconds previously, it was either giving no indication of a speed limit or indicated that the national speed limit applied, the sign is to be taken as giving no indication of a speed limit to the vehicle passing it.

It is an offence to use a special road in contravention of Regulations made under section 17(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from Major Projects, Highways Agency, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SZ and from the Highways Agency website at http:www.highways.gov.uk/roads/133.aspx. It is also published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.