Speed limits aren’t targets, traffic police warn drivers as they mount a month of action to educate motorists

Drivers are being warned that a speed limit is a limit, not a target, in a four-week safety campaign being mounted by traffic police across three counties.

They say that in some winter road conditions, including fog, snow and traffic flow, even driving at the speed limit could be too fast.

The warning is part of a four week THINK! Speed campaign from the Beds, Cambs and Herts road policing unit.

The traffic team’s Insp Phil Bloor said: “The speed limit is a limit not a target. There will be times when you need to drive under the speed limit in order to drive correctly for the conditions or layout of the road.

“Country roads, for example, may present unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions or animals in the road.

“I would urge anyone who drives to help us protect road users by reducing their speed and driving to the conditions of the roads.

“The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens.”

Motorists are urged to take the following advice:

Don’t assume it’s safe to break the speed limit because there is less traffic.

Don’t be tempted to put your foot down because the road ahead appears clear.

Drive at a speed suitable for the characteristics of the road and be aware that there may be unexpected hazards.