3. 60 MPH on 50 MPH variable speed - camera right next to speed limit change
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60 MPH on 50 MPH variable speed - camera right next to speed limit change
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Hi

New member here.

I recieved a NIP from Northamptonshire police for driving on 60 MPH by a variable speed limit of 50 MPH. On the M1 between J15 & J15A (towards London).

I remember getting the flash on the motorway, however, the speed camera was RIGHT NEXT to the sign stating that the speed limit changes to 50 MPH. No previous sign stated this (i remember it)! I checked on google maps and this is indeed the only overhead gantry sign On the M1 between J15 & J15A.

I checked on national highways website; and they write:

To allow drivers to reduce their speed sensibly and safely, the police ensure a minimum time delay between any change to the variable speed limit displayed and the actual enforcement of that new speed limit.
(link: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/variable-speed-limits/#:~:text=When%20the%20speed%20limit%20changes).

So would anybody know, is this a genuine arguement - that the police did not comply with the standards, and enforcing the new lower limit right away by the overhead gantry sign of the first mention of the lowered limit? And if yes, would the police accept it as mitigation, or I'll have to go to court?
« Last Edit: January 12, 2025, 09:04:06 pm by 8yeardriver »
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Re: 60 MPH on 50 MPH variable speed - camera right next to speed limit change
« Reply #1 on: »
The guidelines you have found mean that the cameras don’t start to enforce at the second the variable limit changes, there is a delay. It does not mean that the camera can’t be co-located with the camera. You have to have slowed down before you enter the new lower limit.
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I am not qualified to give legal advice in the UK. While I will do my best to help you, you should not rely on my advice as if it was given by a lawyer qualified in the UK.
Re: 60 MPH on 50 MPH variable speed - camera right next to speed limit change
« Reply #2 on: »
Imagine if it was a simple fixed sign showing "50" (reduced from National Speed Limit). The limit begins a the sign and you have to slow down by then. Same with your situation.
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Re: 60 MPH on 50 MPH variable speed - camera right next to speed limit change
« Reply #3 on: »
Quote from: 8yeardriver on January 12, 2025, 08:57:16 pm

... I remember getting the flash on the motorway, however, the speed camera was RIGHT NEXT to the sign stating that the speed limit changes to 50 MPH. No previous sign stated this (i remember it)! I checked on google maps and this is indeed the only overhead gantry sign On the M1 between J15 & J15A...

Did you not notice the lowered speed limit as you approached the gantry?  Surely it was visible from several 100 yards away and you should have adjusted your speed before passing under the gantry.

As others have said the guidelines about enforcing a changed limit apply to a time delay and not a physical separation between sign and camera.
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