DVLA warns drivers to monitor key legal limit as 'it's not always safe'

Motorists have been warned that they may be driving within a legal limit and yet still be putting themselves in danger.

Speed limits set the maximum speed you can driving in an area, meaning you will be breaking the law and could get a fine or points on your licence if you drive at speeds above the limit.

Many urban roads have a limit of 30mph or 20mph while the national speed limit on single carriageways is 60mph or 70mph on dual carriageways or motorways, although these can vary.

However, even those driving within the speed limit have been urged to take care. Advice on the Government website : "You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle.

"The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions."

The Highway Code warns against seeing speed limits as a target. The guidance states: "It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit."

The code includes some examples where you may need to reduce your speed, such as slowing down if a road user has joined your road at a junction ahead, to "allow them to get clear".

You may also need to drop your speed in slow-moving traffic, to ensure there is enough distance between you and the vehicle in front so you can stop safely if needed.

Drivers are also encouraged to leave enough space so they can manoeuvre if the vehicle in front breaks down or if an emergency vehicle needs to get past.

The Highway Code also states that you will need to drop your speed when going through traffic-calming measures, such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings.

The document states: "Maintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the calming measures.

"Give way to oncoming road users if directed to do so by signs. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas."

It's also good practice to drop your speed when approaching a bend, which may be sharper than they look, and at junctions and turnings, which can be partly hidden.

A calling for the standard penalty of 3 points on your driving licence that applies if you are caught speeding to be reduced to just 1 point on 20mph roads, for speeds up to 25mph.

The petition to Parliament states: "We feel that the current penalty of 3 points for speeding in 20mph areas is disproportionate. We think the current penalty treats these drivers the same as other drivers who speed at much higher limits.

"In areas like London, drivers can be penalised for doing 24mph in 20mph areas, which we feel is heavily punishing."

If the petition gets 10,000 signatures, it will get a Government response and if it can get 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate by MPs.