Wrexham magistrate quits rather than enforce 20mph law

Nick Colbourne thinks the 20mph limit is unfair

A magistrate has stepped down because he does not agree with Wales' new 20mph speed limit.

Former police officer Nick Colbourne quit after 18 years in the role, declaring he would not punish motorists over a law he deemed unfair.

The 66-year-old felt "uneasy" about hitting drivers with a £100 fine, penalty points and court costs for breaking the limit.

The former Wrexham councillor said: "I'm not going to do it."

Mr Colbourne handed in his resignation last Monday, expressing concern for those who repeatedly broke the law.

"If you get 12 points, you're looking at a six-month ban under the totting up scheme," he said.

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"We all accept 20mph outside schools, but I don't think blanket coverage across Wales was the answer."

Welsh Labour ministers have previously disputed the suggestion the new limit is a "blanket" policy.

"If an idiot is going to drive through somewhere at say 60mph, they're going to do it whether the limit is 20 or 30," said Mr Colbourne, who served in Mold and Wrexham courts.

The former police office officer has been a magistrate for 18 years

Mr Colbourne said he had been considering leaving his role and the 20mph (32km/h) limit cemented his decision.

The Welsh government said the speed limit change was saving lives and making communities safer.

"We continue to work closely with emergency services and other agencies to engage with drivers about the benefits of slower speeds," a spokeswoman said.