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Speed Limits


Mel E

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The amazing 28 postings to Kate's problem with the speed camera include a large number of erroneous replies. So, for the record, here is the definitive answer (it was given in a bit more detail in June 2005 MMM, page 16): 1. Any motorhome with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM - the same as Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW) as displayed on the vehicle's plate, of more than 3500Kgs MUST be rigistered as Private HGV and NOT as Private Light Goods (PLG). However, it is still treated as a motorhome and the standard MoT test for cars and motorhomes applies, and not that for commercial vehicles. (Different arrangements apply to very large motorhomes with a MAM of over 7500KGs) 2. The same speed limits as for cars apply to motorhomes with an unladen weight of up to 3050Kgs. Above this weight, lower limits apply - 60 rather than 70 on dual carriageways and 50 rather than 60 on single carriageways, but still 70 on motorways. The unladen weight is defined in the legislation as excluding passengers, liquids, and removable tools and equipment and would therefore be taken to exclude water (fresh and waste), fuel, and gas cylinders - indeed anything that can be removed from the motorhome without the use of tools. (Note that the speed limits for commercial vehicles are different and change at a different weight limit!) It is, of course, entirely possible for a motorhome of up to 3500KGS MAM (and therefore registered as PLG), to have an unladen weight of over 3050KGS - all it needs is to have a heavy awning and a few other extras fitted. SO BEWARE!! Unfortunately, the Unladen Weight is not displayed on the vehicle plate, is not on the DVLA details, and is probably known only approximately even to the original converter - and even this is probably not relevant, since the addition of an awning or a scooter rack would add to the unladen weight. Throughout the rest of the EU, speed limits are defined in terms of MAM - and 3500KGS is a common change point. Thus, in Germany, for example, MUCH lower limits apply to motorhomes with a MAM of over 3500KGS (and the same lane restrictions apply as apply to Heavy Goods Vehicles). If you are trapped by a UK speed camera and believe you are 'in the clear' in terms of this legislation, you should write to the Chief Constable of the relevant force, quoting the relevant legislation as the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 Part VI and Schedule 6, asking why they have charged you with driving at a perfectly legal speed as defined in the legislation. Let them sort out the unladen weight!
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Mel E, What a confusing and laughable (if it wasn't serious..) Mess. If a limit is based on information that we have no way of knowing i.e Unladen Weight.what chance do we have against a punitive 'headhunter' with a laser gun ?? My advice is Contest every case,until the Law is at least defineable by the victims as well as the 'headhunters'. If it is safe for a car to do 60mph,then it is also safe for a Motorhome,and after all thats what we are really talking about, SAFETY,aren't we ? no wonder she got 28 replies,there but for the grace of God go 'I' RayJ
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