A LAWYER has explained why some speed limit signs are green and what it means for your driving.
The unusual signs have been popping up across Britain but occupy a bit of a legal grey area.
Daniel ShenSmith, a YouTuber and qualified barrister, explained the meaning of the signage on his channel.
In his latest video, he said that he had been sent a picture of the signs by several fans asking him to clarify what they should do in response.
In contrast to a standard sign, which has the mph figure encircled by a red border, these versions have the number surrounded by a green circle.
Underneath the words “advisory speed limit” are written across a white background.
As the text suggests, Daniel revealed that these signs are actually a form of traffic calming measure.
They are often put up on busy roads where they run close to places like schools or residential areas to try and get drivers to ease off the accelerator.
However, they are only “advisory” and do not enforce a new speed limit, with the green signs often displayed next to or underneath normal red signs.
For example, the standard speed limit for roads in built-up areas is 30mph unless indicated otherwise.
On such a road, the limit will remain 30mph but a sign may be erected advising drivers to travel at 20mph instead.
Daniel said: “I cannot find anything in law to say that a green-bordered sign is enforceable.
“It has to be a red, circular border to be an enforceable speed limit
“I’ve done a little bit of research into this and they seem to be popping up in various places like schools to calm the traffic…which is never a bad thing.”
However, drivers also need to watch out as you can actually land yourself in hot water for driving too slowly.
Since the signs are not enforcing the lower limit, if you slow down so much or so unexpectedly that you disrupt traffic or even cause an accident, then you could be given a fine.
It comes after drivers were warned over a £410 “stealth tax” that could turn their everyday motor into a “luxury vehicle”.
