Closed
Lack of speed limit change signage
Reported via desktop in the Sign issue (NH) category anonymously at 10:46, Fri 18 March 2022
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 3398003.
Since the variable speed limit has been introduced on the Orwell bridge during bad weather i have heard many stories from local people concerning the lack of reduced speed limit signage. If you are travelling in lane 2 of the carrigeway it is not always possible to see the illuminated 40mph signs in lane 1 as the road is heavily used by LGV's due to its proximity to the port of Felixstowe. As a twice daily user of the bridge i have crossed east and westbound a few times and have noticed that the speed limit signs have been completely obscured by large vehicles. If the illuminated signs on the shoulder of lane 1 were repeated in the central reservation lan i feel that it would be a lot easier for drivers to observe the posted limit. I thought that when entering a change of speed limit the signage had to be place on both sides of the road to create a 'gateway' into the change. The endorsement and subsequent fine for travelling at 60mph on a 40mph is considerable and could have major implications for people that require a licence for employment and are trying to abide by the law.
Updates
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Thank you for contacting National Highways about speed limit signage on the Orwell Bridge. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
The ability to reduce the speed limit to 40mph has successfully enabled us to keep the Orwell Bridge open during periods of poor weather for over a year. All speed limit signing at the bridge complies with current regulations and the signs are visible to those travelling on the bridge.
The central reservation on Orwell Bridge is not wide enough to erect speed limit signs. As a result, we have mounted higher signs in the nearside verge at both ends of the bridge, where the 40mph restriction begins.
Suffolk Police are satisfied that the overall scheme to vary the speed limit does legally permit the enforcement of both the 40mph and 60mph speed limits. Concerns relating to the enforcement of the speed limit or the speeding ticket, should be brought to the attention of Suffolk Police. Details for contacting them can be found on their website at https://www.suffolk.police.uk/ contact-us.
Thank you again for contacting us. If you need more information about this, please feel free to contact our Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or by email at info@highwaysengland.co.uk.
Kind regards
National Highways
State changed to: Closed
Posted anonymously at 14:46, Tue 22 March 2022
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.