Motorists in Wales face fines or education as 20mph speed limits enforcement begins

The 20mph speed limits that were implemented across Wales in September last year will now be actively enforced, as the three-month grace period has concluded.

The Welsh Government initially focused on educating motorists about the new speed limits, but as of today, Monday, January 8th, roadside teams will begin monitoring and enforcing the law.

Motorists found exceeding the limit will have the choice between receiving a fine with points on their license or participating in a roadside education session to learn about the new rules.

Supporters of the law argue that it will make Wales safer and more environmentally friendly.

However, critics contend that the policy is unpopular and could negatively affect the Welsh economy.

Enforcement of the 20mph limit has faced challenges, including confusion among drivers due to unclear signage.

The legislation makes Wales the first UK nation to lower speed limits in residential areas to 20mph, a trend that is growing in other parts of the UK, including the Wirral, where 1,000 are being reduced to 20mph.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this morning, Lee Waters, the Welsh Government Minister responsible for the rollout of the 20mph speed limit, announced the commencement of the next phase in its introduction.

He mentioned that after providing over three months for people to adapt, the police have begun enforcement.

Mr Waters emphasised that the approach would be education-led, with no financial incentive for fines since the ‘money won’t stay in Wales’.

He said the primary objective remains saving lives, as highlighted by the charity Brake’s statistics.

Mr Waters mentioned that “Operation Ugain,” which is Welsh for 20, involves collaboration between the police, councils, community speed watch groups, and the fire & rescue services.

Motorists caught speeding will be given a choice between receiving a fine and points on their license or participating in a roadside engagement session, which may be conducted by fire officers with experience in responding to road traffic collisions.

Regarding enforcement guidelines, he said the focus will be on drivers traveling 10% above the speed limit, plus 2mph.

However, this will temporarily increase to 10% plus 4mph, meaning prosecution will start at 26mph in a 20mph limit zone.

Additionally, a review is underway to assess the implementation of the new speed limit and whether local authorities are confident in using their powers to exempt certain road stretches that may be more suitable for a 30mph limit, or if further guidance is necessary.

Conservative MS, Natasha Asghar MS, the Shadow Minister for Transport, said:

“This month, an idea which should have remained as a footnote within the Labour Party’s manifesto and has been questioned, condemned, and refuted by hundreds of thousands of people across the country will be implemented with the full force of the law in Wales.

“Labour and Plaid’s blanket 20mph speed limit is not only vastly unpopular, it is also slowing our country down and damaging our economy.

“The Welsh Conservatives would scrap this policy and save the Welsh economy billions of pounds.”