The M25 Motorway (Junctions 7 to 16) (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 7 and 10 and provide for existing variable speed limits to continue between junctions 10 and 16. Variable speed limits extend to on-slip roads clockwise between junctions 7 and 15 and anti-clockwise between junctions 8 and 16 and at the motorway service area between junction 9 and junction 10.

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 on the specified roads, until either the vehicle passes a sign indicating that the national speed limit applies or the vehicle leaves the area covered by variable speed limits. Where ten seconds before a vehicle passes a speed limit sign, that sign indicated a higher speed limit or the national speed limit, the driver is permitted to drive the vehicle at a speed up to that higher speed limit or the national speed limit respectively.

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.

Regulation 4 revokes previous regulations which imposed variable speed limits between junctions 10 and 16.

A copy of the impact assessment prepared in respect of these Regulations can be obtained from Traffic Technology Division SE, Highways Agency, Room 3B, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SZ. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament and is also annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.