Ministers confirm 20mph enforcement to begin

Newtown residents and motorists in Wales are being reminded that the new 20mph default speed limit in built-up areas will start to be enforced this month.

The law, which came into effect in September last year, aims to reduce accidents, noise, and pollution, as well as promote walking and cycling.

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The Welsh government has confirmed that enforcement will begin in January after an initial bedding-in period.

While not all drivers breaking the 20mph limit will initially be prosecuted, the most dangerous offenders will face legal action.

However, a motoring lawyer has raised concerns about the lack of 20mph signs, which has led to confusion among some drivers.

To catch speeding motorists, roadside teams will use speed monitoring equipment and provide them with a choice between a fine and points or roadside engagement.

A spokesperson for the Welsh government stated:

"Following the introduction of the new default 20mph speed limit in September 2023, there was an initial bedding in period to give people time to adapt to the change."

Wales became the first UK nation to lower speed limits in residential areas from 30mph to 20mph, with the aim of improving road safety.

Operation Ugain, led by Go Safe, will begin roadside engagement in some of Wales' new 20mph areas from Monday.

The initiative includes educating the public about the law change and taking enforcement action only when necessary.

Motorists should take note that driving more than 20mph in a built-up area could lead to a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points. However, the police are prioritizing education over punishment.

Go Safe also stated that if speeding continues on specific stretches of 20mph roads, additional preventative measures may be implemented, such as extra roadside engagement operations, speed calming measures, or more speed cameras.

Speed cameras installed in areas with the highest collision risks will be adjusted to the new speed limit, and enforcement will occur if there is evidence of low compliance.

It's important to mention that drivers caught doing 26mph or more on these new 20mph stretches by speed cameras will face prosecution. The National Police Chiefs' Council outlines that the enforcement threshold advice for these areas is 10% plus 4mph, rather than the usual 10% plus 2mph applied in other speed limit areas.

While the reduction of speed limits to 20mph affects 35% of Welsh roads, drivers should not be penalized if road signs display the old speed limit.

The law applies to areas where lamp-posts are no more than 200 yards apart.