Speeding ticket for van

[Davisonp]

I just got a speeding ticket because vans have a different speed limit to cars. I was not aware of this, and nor is any van driver I have spoken to since, so just a heads up.

Vans have a limit of 50mph on country roads not 60mph like cars.

There is a van limit of 60mph on Dual Carrages not 70mph like cars.


There are now speed cameras that combine with ANPR cameras to determine the vehicle type and therefore the specific speed limit for the vehicle, which is what caught me.

 

[telectrix]

Pretty sure a condition of being issued a driving license is that you regularly update your knowledge of the highway code. So the excuse that somebody wasn't aware falls foul of that general requirement.
Always worth picking up a current HWC and giving it a read through. A lot is changing in all sorts of areas and all drivers need to be across that.
I drive a motorhome so have been aware of the speed changes for some time. But of course its the fuel economy (or lack of) when you push it over 50 or 60. The white vans I see doing 80+ must be drinking fuel to save a few minutes on their journey time.

not to mention the reduced engine life. rare i do more than 60 . nice steady 2500 rpm. diesel engine will do a million miles.

 

[Pat H]

Can't see why more folks aren't aware of things like that. Too little care nowadays.

 

[7029 dave]

Yes, this is the fact, if the van is not car derived the speed limits are different.

 

[Midwest]

Not to mention, fully loaded vans and stability issues, poor rear view and that a lot of van drivers don't own their vans, and some drive like idiots, makes a good reason to limit their speeds.

 

[stevethesparks]

There are speed limits?
Oops

 

[Midwest]

All joking aside, what causes most accidents is excess speed, i.e. not driving to the distance you can see to be clear.

 

[Davisonp]

Yes im afraid it true but i don't get this law , if you have a great big range rover you can go the 70 but if your in a little berlingo you can only go 60. !!! I also wondered if those average speed cameras know if you are in a car of a van ??

The have ANPR attached so they can get instant registration details.

 

[Davisonp]

Depends how fast you were going - you might get a speed awareness course, no points.

Someone I know was caught doing 43mph in a 30 zone and got a speed awareness course so 3 courses then points on the licence on the 4th time. I was caught doing 73mph on a dual carriage way and direct to points. No offer of speed awareness.

 

[Midwest]

The speed awareness courses are carried out by private 'for profit' companies, acting for the local police force; not all offer such courses and your driving history is taken into account.

Money for old rope, but I suppose if it prevents 'points means prizes', it something

 

[static zap]

Speed Awareness Courses !
Get to meet the bikers , you normally only greet on bends !
(My old favourite road now has 50 limits , now I drive something that will do 60 up-hill ! )
( 50 = 55 maybe still ?)
... Savings include Fuel ,and tyres on roudabouts ...
... I'm sure the fuel prices will climb some more ,(rather than a saving)

 

[ED17]

One of our lads got caught speeding on the way back from attending his speed awareness course!