Wales 20mph limit: Enforcement start date confusing, campaigner says

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Wales changed its default speed limit on 17 September 2023

By Catherine Evans
BBC News

Three months after Wales changed its default speed limit to 20mph, a campaigner has called its enforcement "hugely confusing".

Adie Parry, a town councillor in Buckley, Flintshire, led a petition against the new limit.

She said the rules on penalty notices were "vague" and unfair on motorists.

A GoSafe spokeswoman told BBC Wales there had been "some social media speculation about widespread 20mph enforcement beginning yesterday".

She urged the public to check the GoSafe website for any updates.

The Welsh government has been asked to comment.

Trials were held across Wales before the new default limit was set

What's changed?

On 17 September, Wales became the first UK nation to make its default speed limit 20mph (32km/h)rather than 30mph (48km/h).

It applies on all restricted roads, which are defined as roads with lampposts placed not more than 200 yards (about 180m) apart.

How is it being enforced?

A GoSafe spokeswoman said: "Where, prior to 17 September 2023, speed limits were 30mph but changed to 20mph... GoSafe continue to allow the public to get used to the change in limits.

"Where a local authority have concerns or a collision has occurred in these areas, we will review these, by exception."

"For areas which were subject to a 20mph limit prior to 17 September and remain 20mph and meet our site criteria, we continue to enforce."

"While speed limit signage and Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) needed to be amended, there was a period of no enforcement to allow Highways Authorities the time to make these changes, which accounts for the zero offences in September and October."

Adie Parry said the enforcement rules are unfair on areas which were part of the pilot scheme

So who can get fined and how much do they have to pay?

"For drivers who have not attended a speed awareness course in the previous three years and are not excessively speeding (31mph or below), they will be offered the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course," said the spokeswoman.

"These courses are independently accredited and assessed as having a positive impact in improving awareness of the speed limit they are driving in, and the risks of exceeding the speed limit."

"For those not eligible for a speed awareness course, they will typically be offered a conditional offer of fixed penalty. These amounts are set by the Home Office and all fine revenue is returned to His Majesty's Treasury."

"For those excessively speeding, they will be dealt with by Magistrates Court, who will decide on the fine and points as appropriate. For 20mph limits in Wales, this will be 40mph."

When does enforcement start?

The GoSafe spokeswoman told BBC Wales: "I am aware that there was some social media speculation about widespread 20mph enforcement beginning yesterday."

"However, I would urge the public to use official sources, ie. GoSafe Website/social media and the four police forces only as a source of information as the accuracy of other information cannot be assured."

Campaigner Ms Parry said the rules on existing 20mph roads were "hugely confusing because you're supposed to know with retrospect what every road in the country was prior to 17 September."

"It does feel quite targeted as a motorist that it's been made this wishy-washy to get you," she said.

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