Drivers are well aware that driving too fast and over the speed limit is against the rules, with fines and penalty points likely. However, road users may not be aware that they could be slapped with fines of up to £100 for simply driving “too slowly” on certain roads.
Minimum speed limits are rare in the UK, and road users are unlikely to face issues driving slowly around housing estates and built-up areas. However, they do exist in certain areas such as tunnels and could even trip up road users on busy motorways. According to experts at ChooseMyCar.com, road users “pulled over” for breaking the simple rule also risk being hit with penalty points on their licence in a major blow.
ChooseMyCar.com said: “While speeding is known to be dangerous and can lead to a fine, you may also be punished if you’re found to have driven too slowly.
“Minimum speed limits are rare, but are occasionally enforced on motorways at 30 miles-per-hour, although you will likely be pulled over if you drive at that speed on a motorway.
“While you may need to drive slower in some instances, such as poor weather, it can also disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of accidents, and may lead to a fine of up to £100, alongside three points on your licence.”
Experts at the RAC stressed that minimum speed limit rules only tend to exist in places where going too slowly can cause increased congestion. The rule could also be a factor in places where there is a high risk of a crash.
In certain circumstances, minimum speed limits can be marked by blue, circular signs next to the road. In these cases, the end of the minimum limit is signalled by the same sign fitted with a red diagonal line.
But, specialists added that not every road will have a minimum speed limit sign even if there are some rules around how slow motorists are allowed to travel.
The RAC explained: “Although there isn’t an official minimum speed limit on most motorways, travelling too slowly can be considered dangerous and you might attract the attention of the police.
“In this case, you’d usually be let off with a verbal warning, but you could be prosecuted for careless driving.”