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bevan-matheson

The other day i was driving along the road and suddenly the speed limit sign lit up and speed limit changed. I braked suddenly but had to get of the brakes to avoid an accident. Can i still be charged with speeding in this instance.

Anon

Technically, this is an enforceable, but practically speaking it is very difficult for police to enforce. They would have to be measuring your speed at the precise time the speed sign changes and have proof of both. These rural intersection active warning signs (see page 15 of the current AA Directions magazine) activate when a vehicle approaches from a side road, and is intended to slow traffic to reduce the risk of a collision. On the open road the speed usually reduces to 70km/h and the signs are located a safe distance from the intersection so sudden braking should not be required. As always, drivers should drive to the conditions and judge the safe and appropriate speed.