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Speed feedbackUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

45. Speed feedback

Speed feedback is a traffic-safety system that measures an approaching vehicle's speed and displays it back to the driver. The display may show the measured speed together with a message, colour or symbol indicating whether the vehicle is travelling within the applicable speed limit.

Speed feedback displays are intended primarily to make drivers aware of their speed and encourage them to slow down when necessary. They normally serve a preventive or educational purpose rather than establishing a new speed limit.

Speed feedback
Vehicle-activated speed display beside road B5151. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Rept0n1x • CC BY-SA
What does a speed-feedback display show drivers in the United Kingdom?

Some UK vehicle-activated signs display a driver’s measured speed in mph or issue a slow-down message. The display should be distinguished from the legally recognised speed-limit and variable-limit signs.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,124; vehicle-activated speed information

🔗 beta.southglos.gov.uk • South Gloucestershire Council: speed indicator devices and speed-limit reminders, pp 1–2

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: speed limit signs (Great Britain)

Does the number on a speed-feedback board set the legal speed limit in the United Kingdom?

No. A speed-feedback reading is different from a mandatory signed speed limit. In the UK, a legally prescribed variable limit can be binding when displayed using the required regulatory format; do not confuse it with a radar reading of your own speed.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,124; vehicle-activated speed information

🔗 beta.southglos.gov.uk • South Gloucestershire Council: speed readings and speed-limit reminders

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: speed limit signs (Great Britain)

Is every speed-feedback board an enforcement camera in the United Kingdom?

No. Many feedback signs are installed for education and speed awareness. Speed enforcement may occur separately or nearby, so do not assume there is no enforcement; observe the legal limit regardless of whether you see a camera.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,124; vehicle-activated speed information

🔗 westsussex.gov.uk • West Sussex County Council: vehicle-activated signs, updated 8 July 2026

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: speed limit signs (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...