The UK is well known across the world for having one of the best road safety records, anf this is partly due to the speed limits that govern out roads and motorways.
Speed limits came into force over sixty years ago when the thirty mile per hour limit weas introduced in build up areas, a practice that is still used today, although it has recently been reduced to twenty miles per hour around schools and nurseries.
The highway agency specifies the speed limits, and they take into consideration local circumstances.
20mph is often used where there is a high concentration of pedestrians, around crossings and close to schools.
30mph is used in built up areas; towns, cities and estates to protect pedestrians. You can tell a 30mph road by i there are street lights lining it.
40mph and 50 mph limits are used in less built up areas and where it is considered safe for drivers to use a higher speed. Speed limit signs are clearly placed.
The national speed limit is used on faster roads, 60mph on single carriageway roads and 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways.
Motorways also have rolling speed limits; these are used when the traffic is especially heavy or if there has been an accident. Speed limits are also imposed on the motorway if there are workers in the road, you need to be more aware of them and travel slower.
If you are driving in the UK make sure that you have valid Car Insurance. Cheap policies can be found online.