Newtown to see increased enforcement on new 20mph speed limit roads

Residents of Newtown can expect to see increased enforcement measures on new 20mph speed limit roads as of next week.

This comes after Wales became the first UK nation to roll out a default 20mph speed limit in September, with most roads previously at 30mph now limited to 20mph.

GoSafe, a partnership between police forces, local authorities, and the Welsh Government, has been enforcing 20mph sites that were already in place prior to the September rollout.

However, starting on March 18, enforcement will be ramped up on roads that transitioned to 20mph as part of the default switch. Enforcement will prioritize engagement, but any emerging concerns about speeding will be reviewed and actioned accordingly.

Locations earmarked for 20mph enforcement will be listed on the GoSafe website, with any new 20mph sites added to the map before enforcement begins.

Drivers caught exceeding the 20mph limit could face a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points. GoSafe will work with highways authorities to ensure signage is appropriate and that roads are correctly designated as 20mph.

Speaking on the enforcement measures, a GoSafe spokesperson stated, “Enforcement will now be considered in all areas where there is evidence of road safety risk. The first response to 20mph speeding concerns will still be to use Operation Ugain, but we will assess any emerging concerns in these areas as we do in any other speed limit from 18th March 2024.”

Assistant Chief Constable Trudi Meyrick, Roads Policing Lead for Wales, emphasised the importance of an engagement-led approach to the rollout of the new 20mph speed limits. She stated: “Introducing enforcement in new 20mph areas is the next step of our engagement-led approach. We have continued to review driver behaviour and the response to the change in default speed limit, whilst engaging with communities across Wales with Operation Ugain.”

The default 20mph speed limit has faced opposition in Wales, with a petition calling for its reversal receiving over 467,000 signatures – the most in Senedd history. However, the Welsh Government asserts that the lower speed limit will save lives and reduce the strain on the NHS in Wales by £92 million a year.