You’ve seen it before — that plain white circle with a bold black diagonal stripe running across it. No numbers. No warnings. Just silence. It’s one of the most common yet misunderstood road signs in the UK — the national speed limit sign.
At first glance, it looks simple. But this quiet sign carries a powerful message — one built on trust and awareness rather than instruction. While most signs tell you exactly what to do, this one expects you to already know. It’s not just about driving; it’s about responsibility.
Here’s what it actually means:
- 60 mph on single carriageways.
- 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
That’s for cars, of course. Larger vehicles like vans, lorries, and those towing trailers must stick to lower limits. And if another sign posts a different limit, that takes priority.
But beyond the numbers lies something deeper. This understated symbol is more than just a rule — it’s a quiet test of maturity. It represents the freedom to make wise choices, to understand that safety depends as much on judgment as it does on law.
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