The signs for the new 40mph limit on the A25 from the area between the A248 to Newlands Corner are a mess. The installers have confused repeaters with terminal signs. They’ve used them in the wrong place erecting terminal signs instead of repeaters and vice versa. These signs are not interchangeable. The signs marking the start of the 40mph limit from the national speed limit on the A248 just before its junction with the A25 are still small repeaters (as noted February 19, Shere Circular).
On the A25 towards Newlands Corner are repeaters and terminal signs. In one place there are back to back 40mph terminal signs. No wonder the installers ran out of these signs and had none left to correctly mark the start of the 40 mph limit on the A248.
See Traffic Signs Manual, chapter 3 Regulatory Signs, section 14 Speed Limits.
14.1 Traffic authorities have a duty under section 85 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to erect and maintain prescribed speed limit signs on their roads in accordance with the Secretary of State’s directions; i.e. the signs must be prescribed by and provided in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 unless they have been specially authorised. Signs that do not strictly follow the Regulations and the Directions (see para 1.4 in respect of Northern Ireland), or have not been specially authorised are not lawfully placed and the speed limit might be unenforceable. To avoid the risk of failed prosecutions, it is of the greatest importance that speed limits be signed lawfully. It is equally important that speed limits be signed clearly and in accordance with this guidance, so that at no time will drivers be in any doubt about the prevailing limit.
Walking Matters 