The Welsh Government dialled down the speed limit last September – but since enforcement began in the spring, the number of speeding fines has rocketed, forcing some local authorities into a rethink
Wales has seen a spike in speeding offences since introducing its 20mph speed limit.
The new national law was introduced in September 2023 to cut collisions and accidents. When the law was introduced, drivers were initially given a grace period, but as of spring Go Safe changed its policy from education to enforcement. Now, the latest figures reveal drivers have been forking out on fines and collecting points across the new 20mph routes.
Fixed cameras and mobile vans have been installed to catch people who drive over the limit. And the summer months saw a huge spike in speeding offences with 7,958 people fined in August. This figure is up from April when only 251 drivers were fined.
Taking a closer look, most of the fines dished out were from seven fixed cameras, with almost a third coming from one camera. This camera was situated on the A5104 at Pontybodkin in Flintshire. The next highest was on the A548 at Oakenholt. This camera snapped 1,181 drivers speeding at 26mph or higher.
While the 20mph limit has seen a cut in collisions and injuries on roads, the Welsh Government are conducting a major review of the new law. Local authorities are consulting with residents and some councils have already drawn up a list of roads that they consider should be switched back. The A5104 at Pontybrookin is on the list to be reviewed.