Safe Speed Forums

I was flashed (my first ever in 21 years of driving) on Sunday 10th April. I was driving at 40 in a 30 as I had not seen the change of sign nor any indicator that there were speed cameras. It was not a road I was familiar with as I was visiting somewhere new.
I was not intentionally speeding, I turned the car round to see the sign (as I was convinced I was still in a 40) and all I could see were two (one on each side of the road) very small 30 signs that had 40 signs on their reverse.
Q1. Shouldn't there have been an indication by using a larger sign that the speed was changing ?
Q2.Don't they have to warn you that there are cameras in action or position?
The 30mph was also in an awkward place as it was directly under (i.e., lower than a normal speed or road sign) a road lane sign which is what I was looking at as I was in unfamiliar territory and didn't know which lane to use.
Knowing my luck at the moment I am likely to get a NIP.
Do I have any defence at all ?

Unfortunately for strangers the presence of streetlights if there were some, without any sign indicating a different speed limit, mandates a 30 mph limit.
I would go and take photos of the site of the alleged offence to use in mitigation should you need to, but as there is no risk of a driving ban you may have to put this down to bad luck and a slight lack of observation.

A detailed explanation of the rules for speed limit signing can be found at:

http://www.abd.org.uk/speed_limit_signs.htm

and the official guidelines for the size and spacing of signs are at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/d ... 04746.hcsp

Repeater signs within 30 mph limits are generally prohibited, but if the terminal signs are below the recommended 600 mm diameter you may have a case. Get out there with your tape measure!

_________________
"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

Not quite correct. Streetlamps can't be used to indicate a speed limit without the correct terminal signs. No signs - no enforceable limit. There is no allowable repeater signs though so if you think you missed the terminal sign while driving drive at or below 30 mph until you see the next speed limit sign.

So "JJ", the 20mph limit through Kendal town centre cannot be enforced until signs showing "end of 20mph limit" are eventually put up?