In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a road with a system of street lighting and no signs indicating another limit will generally have a 30 mph speed limit. You will not normally see 30 mph repeater signs on these roads, so the presence of street lights is an important clue that you may be on a 30 mph restricted road.
There are exceptions, so always look carefully for signs showing a different limit. Wales is also different, where the default speed limit on restricted roads is generally 20 mph. Wherever you are driving, never assume the limit from the street lights alone if signs indicate otherwise.
Quick Self-Test
In England, you’re driving on a road with street lights and there are no signs showing another speed limit. What is the usual speed limit for a car?
A) 20 mph
B) 30 mph
C) 40 mph
D) 60 mph