EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This Note is not part of the Instrument.)
This Instrument re-enacts with modifications the Traffic Signs (Speed Limits) Regulations and General Directions 1967.
The principal change are:—
(1) The overall diameter of a speed limit sign is the only measurement which is now prescribed in relation to a speed limit sign (Regulation 2 in Part II and diagrams 1 to 4 in the Schedule to Part II);
(2) an additional size of sign is now prescribed for each of the four speed limit signs. The new size has a diameter or 450 millimetres (Regulation 2 in Part II and diagrams 1 to 4 in the Schedule to Part II);
(3) the requirement that certain speed limit signs must be illuminated by internal or external lighting at night is now limited to "terminal" signs on trunk and principal roads. "Terminal" signs are defined for this purpose as those which are not at side road junctions. The period for complying with the requirement to illuminate these terminal signs has been extended by one year to the 3st December 1970. Other speed limit signs, which need not be illuminated by external or internal lighting, must be reflectorised by the end of 1977. (Para. 3(1) in Part 1 and Regulation 4 in Part II);
(4) where a road joins the side of another road, and the side road is subject to a different maximum speed limit, it is now only necessary to erect one sign showing the side road limit on the left-hand side facing vehicles entering the side road at that junction (Para. 2(3) & (4) in Part III);
(5) where a main road has a higher limit than a side road, there is no need to erect any signs showing the limit on the main road if there is a repeater sign showing that limit on each side of the junction within 100 metres of the junction. If there are no such repeaters or if the limit on the main road is lower than that on the side road, or if the main road is unrestricted, signs must be put up on both sides of the side road to indicate whether or not there is a limit on the main road and if so what it is (Paras. 2, 3, 5(3) & 5(4) in Part III);
(6) speed limit and derestriction signs at junctions may now be erected on any convenient structure within 20 metres or the junction (Paras. 2(3), 3(1), 5(1) & 5(3) in Part III);
(7) where, on a motorway, there is a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart, but there is no speed limit in force except a general one, repeater signs indicating the general speed limit need no longer be erected (Para. 6(1) in Part III); and
(8) the erection of 30 miles per hour repeater signs where there is a system of street lighting with the lamps no more than 200 yards apart is now expressly prohibited (Para. 6(1) in Part III).
Printed in England by McCorquodale & Co. Ltd., London
and published by
Her Majesty's Stationary Office: 1969
