More than 85,000 drivers in Wales were caught speeding over the last 12 months, according to new data, as the Conservatives call for Labour to scrap the controversial 20mph speed limit regime.
Following the Welsh Government’s decision to introduce new speed limits in September 2023, research shows how drivers across the country adapted to the new 20mph speed limits.
Data from the GoSafe road safety partnership found that 48,337 drivers exceeded the limit in Mid and South Wales, while 36,710 people were caught in North Wales, although enforcement started later.
The average offence speed in December in Mid and South Wales was 27.9mph and 28.5mph in North Wales, although this is significantly lower than the peak seen in April and May.
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More than 85,000 offences were recorded of Welsh drivers breaking 20mph speed limits across 2024
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The highest offence speed seen in 2024 was a shocking 88mph in Mid and South Wales in May 2024. The same speed was caught in North Wales in May and July.
At present, drivers could be slapped with a fine or other enforcement if they travel at 26mph or over when in a 20mph speed limit zone.
There have been suggestions in recent weeks that police chiefs across Wales could agree to an amendment in the rules to start enforcement at 24mph.
In response to the 2024 data, Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said the motoring rules were a political misstep for Labour and harming Welsh drivers.
He added: “The Welsh Labour Government imposed a 20mph limit against the wishes of people in Wales.
“Then they admitted they got it wrong but very little has been done since.
“Tens of thousands of safe drivers trying to get to work have been fined and given points.”
Preliminary data from the Welsh Government suggests that the number of serious casualties or fatalities has dropped by 23 per cent since the lower speed limits were rolled out.
Scotland has also now taken guidance from the Welsh example by planning to roll out 20mph speed limits across the country by the end of 2025.
Transport Scotland noted that the average person is seven times more likely to be killed if they are hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph rather than 20mph.
Scotland aims to reduce speeds in towns, cities and villages by 2025, with the new 20mph limit being implemented “where appropriate”.
Millar, who is the MS for Clwyd West, said that everyone across Wales supports a 20mph speed limit outside schools and areas where vehicles could be a danger to pedestrians.
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The fastest speed breaking the limit in 2024 was a staggering 88mph
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However, he said the 20mph speed limits were part of Labour’s “anti-motorist” policies which he claimed also included a freeze on “new road building”.
He continued, saying: “I and my team will stand up for motorists who need their cars to get to work.”
