Office of Public Sector Information

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument)

This Instrument makes a number of amendments to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

Part 1 is the Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations 2008 which amend the Traffic Signs Regulations 2002 (“the Principal Regulations”). Regulation 3 adds a new sign to Schedule 4 of the Principal Regulations that is similar to the sign in diagram 880 in that Schedule but containing a national speed limit roundel. Regulation 4 amends cross-references from the Principal Regulations to the Traffic Signs General Directions 2002 (“the Principal Directions”) to reflect the amendments made by Part 2 of this Instrument.

Part 2 is the Traffic Signs (Amendment) General Directions 2008 which amend the Principal Directions.

Direction 3 amends direction 8(1) of the Principal Directions to permit the sign shown in diagram 675 (end of a 20mph zone and notification of new speed limit) to be used to indicate the point where a speed limit (other than a national speed limit) begins.

Direction 4 amends direction 10(2) of the Principal Directions so that a sign shown in diagram 671 indicating the national speed limit is not required where a sign shown in diagram 675 is displayed as varied by the permitted variation shown in item 4 of the table below that diagram. The permitted variation is to replace the 30mph speed limit roundel with a national speed limit roundel.

Direction 5 amends direction 11 of the Principal Directions so that an additional sign shown in diagrams 670 or 671 may be placed on each approach to an enforcement camera, even if this affects the regular spacing of repeater signs.

Direction 6 extends direction 18 of the Principal Directions to enable road markings indicating the speed limit to be placed in conjunction with the diagram 880 sign.

Direction 7 amends direction 32 of the Principal Directions to clarify its applicability to both fixed and mobile enforcement cameras and to the new diagram 880.1 sign (which may only be placed on unlit roads subject to a national speed limit). An additional diagram 880 or 880.1 sign is also now permitted on each approach to an enforcement camera.

This Instrument was notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC (OJ No. L204, 21.7.98, p37) as amended by Directive 98/48/EC (OJ No. L217, 5.8.98, p18). Copies of the Directives can be obtained from the Stationery Office and may also be accessed at the European Union website at www.europa.eu.int.

A full Impact Assessment of the effect this instrument will have on costs for the business and voluntary sectors has been produced and is available from the Speed Management Branch, Department for Transport, Zone 2/13 Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR and may be accessed on the Department’s website at www.dft.gov.uk. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.