<P> Road speed limits in the United Kingdom are used to define the maximum legal speed (which may be variable) for vehicles using public roads in the UK, and are one of the measures available to attempt to control traffic speeds . The speed limit in each location is indicated on a nearby traffic sign or by the presence of street lighting . Signs show speed limits in miles per hour (mph) or use the Clearway (or national speed limit (NSL)) symbol . </P> <P> The national speed limit is 70 mph (112 km / h) on motorways, 70 mph (112 km / h) on dual carriageways, 60 mph (96 km / h) on single carriageways and generally 30 mph (48 km / h) in areas with street lighting (restricted roads). These limits may be changed by road signs and apply to cars, motorcycles, car - derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight (MLW), and to motorhomes or motor caravans not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight . Other classes of vehicles are subject to lower limits on some roads . </P> <P> Speed limits in the UK are used to define maximum desirable traffic speeds for the purposes of road safety (to reduce the number of road casualties), to reduce negative environmental impacts of traffic, to increase fuel use efficiency and to satisfy local community wishes . </P>

National speed limit on a single carriageway uk