When traveling to England, one of the small but important details that might catch your attention is how speed limits are displayed on the road. If you’ve ever driven in Europe and suddenly find yourself confused by unfamiliar signs while navigating British highways, you’re not alone. A common question from international visitors and even some residents is whether England uses miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (kph) for speed measurements. Understanding the country’s use of mph versus kph can help make driving in England safer and more predictable for everyone.
England Uses Miles Per Hour (MPH)
England, as part of the United Kingdom, officially uses miles per hour (mph) for road speed limits. This applies to all road signs, speedometers in most vehicles, and official transport regulations. If you’re driving on a British motorway or a small country lane, the speed limit you see will always be expressed in mph, not kph.
This makes the UK one of the few countries in the world that continues to use mph rather than switching to the more globally common kilometers per hour. Other nations that also use mph include the United States, Liberia, and a few Caribbean islands. For most other countries especially those in mainland Europe kph is the standard.
Why England Still Uses MPH
The use of mph in England is largely due to tradition and legal frameworks. When the UK began modernizing its road systems in the 20th century, it adopted standardized signage and regulations based on miles and yards. Even as the metric system gained global dominance and was partially adopted in British education and industry, road transport remained one of the few sectors where imperial measurements prevailed.
There have been discussions about switching road signs to kph, particularly when the UK joined the European Economic Community in the 1970s. However, the cost of changing signs, public confusion, and cultural attachment to the imperial system prevented such a change. As a result, mph remains the standard today.
What It Means for Drivers
For local drivers, the use of mph is second nature. British driver education, licensing, and car manufacturing all reinforce the use of miles. But for tourists and international drivers especially those from metric countries understanding how to interpret speed limits is crucial for safety and legal compliance.
Car Speedometers in England
Most vehicles in England come equipped with speedometers that show speed in mph. Some newer or imported models may include dual scales, showing both mph and kph, but the primary unit used by British drivers is miles per hour. When renting a car in England, you should always assume the dashboard is calibrated in mph unless stated otherwise.
Common Speed Limits in England
- Motorways: 70 mph (approximately 113 kph)
- Dual carriageways: 70 mph
- Single carriageways: 60 mph (approximately 97 kph)
- Urban areas: 30 mph (approximately 48 kph)
- Residential or school zones: 20 mph (approximately 32 kph)
These limits are strictly enforced with speed cameras, especially in urban and residential zones. Ignorance of the system is not considered a valid excuse for speeding violations.
Comparison: MPH vs. KPH
Understanding the difference between mph and kph is helpful if you’re visiting from a country that uses the metric system. One mile is equal to approximately 1.609 kilometers. That means a speed limit of 60 mph is about 97 kph. The numerical values may look lower in mph, but the actual speed is the same.
Here’s a quick reference chart:
- 20 mph ≈ 32 kph
- 30 mph ≈ 48 kph
- 40 mph ≈ 64 kph
- 50 mph ≈ 80 kph
- 60 mph ≈ 97 kph
- 70 mph ≈ 113 kph
It’s important not to confuse the two units. Mistaking 70 kph for 70 mph could result in driving far below the allowed speed, while the opposite mistake could make you unintentionally speed and risk fines or accidents.
Driving Abroad vs. Driving in England
Many European drivers are used to kph and may find the switch to mph confusing at first. While mainland Europe adopted the metric system decades ago, the UK maintained its traditional approach. Visitors should familiarize themselves with speed conversions or rely on GPS navigation systems that show both units.
Some navigation apps offer automatic conversion and warnings when you exceed local speed limits. These tools can be especially useful if you are not accustomed to reading mph signs.
Other Imperial Units Still in Use
Speed isn’t the only area where England continues to use imperial measurements. You may also find:
- Distance measured in miles and yards
- Height or clearance signs in feet and inches
- Beer sold in pints
- Body weight sometimes given in stones and pounds
Although many aspects of daily life in England use metric units such as food packaging (grams, liters) and temperatures (Celsius) the transportation sector remains largely imperial.
Road Signs and International Visitors
British road signs are designed to be clear and consistent, but international visitors should still take a moment to understand them. Speed limits are marked with circular signs that have a red border and a number indicating mph. No unit is written explicitly; it is simply understood to be mph unless otherwise noted.
Motorways and major roads also have advisory signs to help drivers adjust their speed based on conditions such as traffic or weather. These digital signs display mph as well, keeping in line with national standards.
Will the UK Ever Switch to KPH?
The possibility of switching from mph to kph in England remains unlikely in the near future. While many sectors have adopted the metric system, the cultural identity and financial cost of changing the national road system make it improbable. The majority of the public is accustomed to mph, and such a change would involve updating tens of thousands of signs, re-educating drivers, and revising legislation.
Despite being part of Europe for decades, the UK was granted exemptions regarding road measurements. Now, following Brexit, there is even less incentive to align road speed units with continental Europe.
England’s use of miles per hour continues to be a defining feature of its road system. Whether you’re a local driver, a tourist on a road trip, or a temporary resident, understanding the difference between mph and kph is essential for staying safe and following traffic laws. While the rest of the world may lean towards kilometers per hour, England sticks with tradition and for the foreseeable future, that’s unlikely to change.
If you plan to drive in England, take a few minutes to get familiar with speed limits, conversions, and local road etiquette. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your travel experience.