Speeding traffic causes great concern to many people. Speed limits are the maximum speed at which vehicles may legally travel. They are used to keep speeds to a level which is regarded as reasonable for the road and area concerned. Many drivers exceed the limits and in doing so put pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers at risk.

Reporting a speed problem

When a speed problem is reported to us it will be investigated to see whether interactive speed signs are justified or police enforcement of the speed limit is necessary. We work closely with the Police to ensure significant speeding problems causing concern to communities are dealt with effectively.

Remember that speeds appear much faster to a pedestrian at the road-side than they really are.

If you believe that traffic travels too fast along roads in your area you can help us by identifying when and where the problem occurs and report it on tel: 08449 80 80 80.

Reviewing speed limits

We generally support the policy of introducing appropriate speed limits but will only pursue a change in speed limit where this is generally supported by residents of the area or it is justified on road safety grounds. The speed limit chosen for a particular road must be appropriate for the conditions so that most drivers will obey the limit without the need for constant Police enforcement.

If it is decided to introduce a new speed limit or alter an existing one, a ‘Traffic Regulation Order’ is needed, which is a lengthy legal procedure which can take over a year to complete.

We are currently carrying out a review of all speed limits on the County's A and B Road network. This review will take five years and should be completed by 2012.

We are also carrying out a village speed review across the whole network. We are currently focusing on implementing lower speed limits in those villages that have 60mph limits. It is anticipated that villages that currently have 50mph and 40mph limits and meet the criteria for a reduced speed limit will start to be considered in 2009/2010. Following this, villages needing an extension to their speed limit where significant development has taken place beyond the end of current village speed limit signs will be considered.

Safety cameras

Safety cameras in the whole county and city area are managed by the Nottinghamshire Safety Camera Partnership. This partnership involves the Police, City and County councils, Highways Agency and the Magistrates Court service. However, within this partnership it is Nottinghamshire Police who are responsible for the operation of both fixed site and mobile speed cameras.

The Police make no money from speeding fines; payments go directly to the safety camera partnership. This pays for the installation, administration and maintenance of the cameras and an extensive education programme. The money cannot be used for any other purpose. To find out more please visit www.nottspeed.com

Further information

For general information about speed limits please tel: 08449 80 80 80

For information about safety cameras in Nottinghamshire, including locations, see www.nottspeed.com

For enforcement of speed limits please contact the Police.