Drivers are at risk of receiving fines of up to £2,500 this summer due to a little-known motoring rule involving speed limits for vans. Many motorists assume that the same speed limits apply to vans as to cars, but this is not always the case.
Speed Limit Variations for Vans
In the UK, speed limits for vans can differ significantly from those for cars. On certain roads, the maximum speed for vans may be 10 mph less than that for cars. The national speed limit is indicated by a white circle with a diagonal black line, but the actual limit depends on the type of road and vehicle.
Common Misconceptions
Maureen Bennett, founder of Bennett Removals in Islington, explains: "It happens all the time with customers hiring vans for the first time. People assume if they can drive a car, the rules must be exactly the same for a van, but they’re not." She adds that many drivers are unaware that speed limits change when driving a larger vehicle.
"When people are moving house, they’re already distracted thinking about keys, paperwork, parking and trying to get everything done in one day. They’re not necessarily thinking about whether the speed limit for the van is different to their own car," Bennett continues.
Specific Speed Limits
According to current regulations, speed limits for vans are as follows: up to 60 mph on a single carriageway, up to 70 mph on a dual carriageway (if a central reservation barrier is present; otherwise, it is 60 mph), and up to 70 mph on a motorway. However, some vans may be restricted to lower speeds, especially if towing a trailer or exceeding a certain laden weight. In such cases, the limits can be 50 mph on single and dual carriageways and 60 mph on motorways.
"Someone hires a van, joins a dual carriageway and naturally sits at 70 because that’s what they’ve done for years in their own car. But for most vans, the limit is actually 60 mph, and a lot of people only discover that after getting flashed by a camera," warns Bennett.
Drivers are urged to check the speed limits for their specific vehicle to avoid costly fines and penalty points.
