Spike in Welsh drivers caught breaking 20mph limit as enforcement steps up

There has been a spike in the number of drivers caught exceeding the 20mph limit in Wales - but most motorists are still being warned rather than prosecuted. Most roads throughout Wales that were 30mph changed to 20mph last September.

It has proved controversial with protests and petitions against the change and polling showing it remains an unpopular policy. There has been a gentle approach to enforcement since the speed limit change with a greater focus on education rather than fines and penalty points.

But there was a change from March 18 - with more enforcement on new 20mph roads under the Operation Ugain scheme run by GoSafe Wales. This saw mobile speed cameras on new 20mph roads where speeding had been identified as an issue.

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It has meant a spike in the number of vehicles monitored and subsequently in those caught exceeding the limit. There were 24,714 checks in March - with 655 drivers over the current threshold limit of 26mph.

It compares to 272 drivers over the limit in January from 9,775 checks and 460 from 14,874 checks in February. It has meant a 97% compliance rate in each of the months.

The average speed offence last month was 28.5mph while the highest speed recorded was 45mph. Of those caught, 99% (649 drivers) had a short engagement session at the roadside - while just six drivers were prosecuted.

Operation Ugain

Operation Ugain uses speed monitoring equipment to identify people travelling over the speed limit, before police officers stop the vehicle and give the driver a choice between roadside engagement or points and a fine. While drivers will be offered the free engagement as an alternative, they can refuse, which will then result in prosecution. For those exceeding the speed limit to a greater degree, they will not be eligible for an engagement session and will be prosecuted.

If drivers choose the engagement, The Welsh Fire and Rescue Services will deliver a free presentation that lasts approximately 10 minutes. It aims to inform people on the change in default speed limit, the reasons behind the change, and how they can identify the roads it applies to.

GoSafe Wales said: "Enforcement in 20mph areas started to be reintroduced at the beginning of November 2023. This was in existing 20mph enforcement locations that weren’t affected by the legislation change and had the correct signage in place.

"GoSafe temporarily suspended 20mph enforcement in September 2023 following the legislation change. The decision was made for several reasons. This included allowing people time to adjust to the change, to allow Highways authorities to adjust road signage and Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO), and due to roadside engagement sessions being prioritised. This data monitoring period stopped on 18 March 2024, following approval from Chief Constables, and any concerns of speeding in 20mph are treated as in any other speed limit.

"Roadside engagement sessions have continued to be run by GoSafe, Welsh Fire and Rescue Services, and other partners, to help drivers adjust the change. These sessions will continue throughout 2024 with dedicated teams working under GoSafe to deliver them under the name ‘Operation Ugain’."

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