Road works signs

Mandatory speed limit ahead

What does this sign mean?

A speed limit shown in a red circle at road works is a legal limit that you must not exceed, not an advisory figure. Temporary limits are set because lanes are narrower, workers may be close to traffic and the surface or alignment may have changed. Slow to the new limit before you reach it rather than braking at the sign, and keep to it until an end-of-works sign restores the normal limit. Temporary limits at road works are enforced in the same way as permanent ones, which is the point theory test questions make.

Highway Code references

• Rule 124 from General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)
• Rule 288 from Road works, level crossings and tramways (288 to 307)

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