These regulations establish a permanent 50 mph speed limit on the northbound off-slip road at junction 7 of the M23 motorway in England and Wales, starting March 31, 2025.
The regulations cite the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as their legal basis and state that representative organizations were consulted.
An exemption exists if another speed restriction is already in place.
The regulations' enforcement is an offense under section 17(4) of the 1984 Act, and a full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the projected absence of significant impacts.
Arguments For
Improved Road Safety: Reducing speed limits in areas prone to accidents can lead to fewer collisions and injuries.
Congestion Mitigation: Lower speed limits can sometimes improve traffic flow, especially during peak hours, by reducing fluctuations in vehicle speeds.
Environmental Benefits: While not a primary focus here, minor reductions in speed can offer small benefits by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Legal Compliance: The regulations are made under the authority of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, providing a legal basis for the speed limit change.
Arguments Against
Driver Inconvenience: The reduced speed limit might cause frustration and delay for drivers accustomed to higher speeds.
Enforcement Challenges: Effective enforcement of the new speed limit requires adequate resources and consistent monitoring.
Lack of Comprehensive Impact Assessment: The explanatory note mentions no significant impact was foreseen, but a more thorough cost-benefit analysis could be beneficial.
Potential for Non-Compliance: Some drivers may disregard the new limit leading to issues of road safety.
(1) These Regulations may be cited as the M23 Motorway (Junction 7) (50 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit) Regulations 2025.
(2) They come into force on 31st March 2025.
(3) They extend to England and Wales.
This section details the regulations' citation, effective date, and geographic scope.
The regulations are officially titled "M23 Motorway (Junction 7) (50 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit) Regulations 2025" and take effect on March 31, 2025.
Their application is limited to England and Wales.
- Interpretation In these Regulations— “A23” means the A23 trunk road; “M23” means the M23 motorway; and “Shepherd’s Hill Road Overbridge” means the section of the B2031 Shepherd’s Hill Road which spans the M23.
This section clarifies the terminology used throughout the regulations. "A23" refers to the A23 trunk road, "M23" to the M23 motorway, and "Shepherd’s Hill Road Overbridge" specifically denotes the portion of the B2031 Shepherd’s Hill Road crossing over the M23.
- Imposition of 50 miles per hour speed limit Subject to regulation 4, no person may drive any vehicle at a speed exceeding 50 miles per hour on the length of the M23 junction 7 northbound off-slip road beginning at a point which is 212 metres south of the centre of Shepherd’s Hill Road Overbridge and ending at the point where the slip road joins the A23.
This section imposes the core regulation: a 50 mph speed limit.
This limit applies to the northbound off-slip road at junction 7 of the M23, starting 212 meters south of the Shepherd’s Hill Road Overbridge and continuing to where the slip road merges with the A23.
However, this regulation is subject to the conditions outlined in regulation 4.
- Exemption Regulation 3 does not apply in relation to a length of road if a speed restriction is in force by virtue of an order or notice under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
This section provides an exemption to the 50 mph speed limit.
The regulation does not apply if another speed limit is already in place due to an order or notice under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
The pre-existing speed limit takes precedence.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport Lilian Greenwood Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Transport 3rd March 2025
This section contains the signature and authentication details, confirming the regulations' official authorization by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lilian Greenwood, from the Department for Transport on March 3, 2025.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations impose a permanent speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the northbound M23 off-slip road at junction 7 leading onto the A23. Contravention of these Regulations is an offence under section 17(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. A full impact assessment has not been produced for these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside the Regulations at www.legislation.gov.uk.
The explanatory note summarizes the regulations' key aspects, clarifying that they establish a permanent 50 mph speed limit on the specified M23 off-slip road.
It also states that violations constitute an offense under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and a full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of foreseen significant impact.
An Explanatory Memorandum provides further details and is available online.
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