Explanatory note

These Regulations introduce variable speed limits to the M25 Motorway from junctions 5 to 7 and on associated spur road, slip roads and linking carriageways.

These Regulations also modify the way the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 (“the 1982 Regulations”) apply to the carriageways of the M25 between junctions 5 to 7 by introducing the concept of emergency refuge areas.

Regulation 3 modifies the 1982 Regulations for the purpose of the roads covered by these Regulations, by inserting the concept of an emergency refuge area.

Regulation 4 provides for variable speed limits to have effect on the roads specified in the Schedule. Where variable speed limit signs are in operation a vehicle may not be driven at a speed above the maximum indicated by each speed limit sign passed by a vehicle, until it passes a sign indicating that the national speed limit applies or the vehicle leaves the roads covered by the regulation. Where a speed limit changes less than ten seconds before a vehicle passes the sign and the sign had indicated a higher speed limit, the regulation allows a driver to proceed at a speed up to the maximum applicable before the change. Where the speed limit sign indicates a speed limit when it is passed by a vehicle but less than ten seconds previously it was either giving no indication of a speed limit or that the national speed limit applies, the sign is to be taken as giving no indication of a speed limit to the vehicle passing it.

Contravention of these regulations is an offence under section 17(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.