A 20mph limit 5041The link also claims that "The start of every speed limit must be marked with a pair of signs. The pair of signs at the start of the limit are known as "terminal...
I am quite willing to concede that the limit within the zone is indeed 20mph - TSRGD 2002 does include signs to diagram 674 in the list of those which mark speed limits, so there is no argument on that point.
It has, however, been a long-established principle that a black-bordered rectangular white or yellow sign, or a white bordered rectangular blue sign is for infomation only.
I can site numerous examples of these infomation signs includ red speed limit roundals where those limits do not apply at that point - e.g. the advance warning of the 50mph limit at the southern end on the A3M and the count-down markers to a 30mph limit on the B3349 south of Odiham. Also, this ploy is used to site 30mph signs in build up areas where the rules do not permit placing 30mph signs. You refer to Leigh Park, so I buttume you are familiar with the white-bordered sign at the entrance to Bedhampton on the B2150 which incorporates a 30mph roundal. Also, where speed camera signs incorporate a reminder of the 30mph limit, the roundal is part of an information sign, whereas for higher limits the roundal is on an unbordered yellow background, so forming a repeater sign.
There was a case about a year ago, discussed in this NG, in which a traffic policeman successfully defended a speeding charge on the grounds that the terminal sign was enclosed in a "information box"
In summary, I am not disputing the need for 20mph zones - in fact I believe that 20mph is the correct limit for most residential roads. I just do not see why they should not be marked in the same way as every other speed limit.
JB
