People in Wales have been fined a staggering amount of money for breaking 20mph speed limits

Owen Hughes & Owen Hughes & Branwen Jones
·2-min read
-Credit: (Image: Rob Browne)
-Credit: (Image: Rob Browne)


More than 6,000 drivers in Wales were caught speeding in 20mph zones in last month. The total paid out in fines has now topped £1.28m according to Go Safe's latest stats.

The new limit came in across the country last September and sparked the biggest backlash to any legislation introduced in Wales since devolution. In May, the number of Welsh drivers caught for speeding in 20mph zones surged to 4,286.

North Wales Live reports that the figure has now rocketed again. The statistics for June show a total of 6,603 were caught speeding. In north Wales, the top speed recorded was 82mph, while the average speed of those pinged was 32.4mph. In south and mid Wales the top speed recorded was 80mph and the average was 28.1mph.

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Since enforcement started 11,065 fines have been dished out in south and mid Wales. In north Wales, the total figure is 1,787. This money goes to the UK Treasury rather Welsh Government who implemented the default 20mph limit.

A review has been launched of the guidelines issued to councils on 'exception' roads. These are roads that can remain 30mph. It is expected there will be a significant increase in these exception roads once the review has been completed.

Welsh Government's transport minister Ken Skates - who was appointed this April - has admitted the default 20mph has left Wales more divided as he seeks to find a compromise that will improve safety and calm a drivers' rebellion. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

He indicated that the extent of "radical" changes to the current 20mph road policy would hinge on public opinion, but he anticipates a substantial decrease in the number of roads in Wales with this speed limit.

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