Speed Limits

Can a fire appliance legally exceed the speed limits?

The simple answer is yes it can under the Road Traffic Regulations act 1984 (amended November 2006) Section 87 - Exemption of Fire Appliances From Speed Limits

(1) No statutory provision imposing a speed limit on motor vehicles shall apply to any vehicle on an occasion when-

It is being used for fire and rescue authority purposes, for ambulance purposes or for police or Serious Organised Crime Agency purposes

It is being used for other prescribed purposes in such circumstances as may be prescribed, or

It is being used for training persons to drive vehicles for use for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) above, If the observance of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion.

(2) Subsection (1) above does not apply unless the vehicle is being driven by a person who- (a) Has satisfactorily completed a course of training in the driving of vehicles at high speed provided in accordance with regulations under this section, or (b) Is driving the vehicle as part of such a course.

What are the speed limits under non emergency conditions?

A fire appliance will be driven under normal road conditions and obeying the speed limits imposed on such roads.