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The "Red Flag Act" relates to the regulation of road traffic laws in the United Kingdom, specifically known as the Red Flag Act of 1865. Its official name was the "Locomotives and Vehicles on Public Roads (Regulation of Use) Act.

This law was introduced as part of safety measures in the early development of the automobile. The Red Flag Law established the following regulations

Speed limits for motor vehicles on public roads were restricted to 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h) in urban areas and 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) in suburban areas.

As the vehicle traveled, a person was required to stand approximately 60 yards (54.8 meters) in front of the vehicle and wave a red flag to signal the direction of travel.

The Red Flag Law was criticized as hindering the development of the automobile industry, and the Locomotive Law of 1896 raised speed limits and eliminated the practice of pedestrians leading the way with red flags.

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