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What's the speed limit for a van in the UK? On the whole it's exactly as clear-cut as you would expect, but with a few variations

2017-05-31 10:45

UK speed limits are a bone of contention for many drivers in the UK. Some believe they're set too high in some places, while others in different locations think they're too low. Either way, they're important, and help to keep you safe on the road. But what are the speed limits for vans? If you're borrowing or hiring a van, these are the important numbers you need to remember:

Built-up areas: 30mph
Single carriageways: 60mph
Dual carriageways: 70mph
Motorways: 70mph

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Yes, that's exactly the same set of speed limits for cars. But this set of restrictions only applies if the van you're driving doesn't exceed two tonnes when it's fully loaded. If it does get heavier than that, then you are bound by the speed limits that apply to goods vehicles that weigh no more than 7.5 tonnes, which are as follows:

Built-up areas: 30mph
Single carriageways: 50mph
Dual carriageways: 60mph
Motorways: 70mph 

So there's a 10mph drop in the limit on single and dual carriageways, while the other two limits stay unchanged. If you're towing a trailer with your van, again, the limits are different:

Built-up areas: 30mph
Single carriageways: 50mph
Dual carriageways: 60mph
Motorways: 60mph

If the MAM (maximum allowed mass) of your van and trailer exceeds two tonnes, the limits for goods vehicles below 7.5 tonnes apply here, too. 

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Some vans are designed to have a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 3.5 tonnes, and if they do, then they must have a speed limiter fitted by law. As a result, these vehicles will be restricted in their performance, while some examples may not even be able to reach their permitted maximum, thanks to the kind of speed limiter that they are fitted with.

Of course, while these are the speed limits set out by law, they aren't a target to achieve. You should always drive according to the road and weather conditions. And if you're carrying a large payload in the back of a van, then you should adjust your driving style to make sure your load doesn't move around unnecessarily.

Check out all our vans tips and advice right here...

Dean Gibson
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