Enforcement of Wales' 20mph speed limit gets underway
The new limit for residential areas will be enforced after a 'bedding in' period.
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
The enforcement of the 20 mile-per-hour speed limit on residential roads in Wales begins today.
The measure was introduced back in September, bringing the limit down from 30mph on the majority of streets.
It's designed to improve road safety and local authorities have the right to exempt certain roads - keeping them at 30mph.
After an initial 'bedding in' period, it's understood fines and penalty points will be issued from today.
Speaking at the time of the rollout in September - Wales' deputy Climate Change Minister, Lee Waters, said the move will save money. He said: "It's about £52m to introduce but we know that will pay for itself three times over in the first year alone from reduced costs to the NHS."
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said that people would soon get use to the change - like other safety improvements from the past. He said: "I'm old enough to remember the introduction of the breathalyser and of seatbelts in cars.
"They were both controversial at the time, they were opposed by people but now people wouldn't think of going back on the gains that were made."
The change in the law hasn't been without it's critics.
Stephen Clark has been campaigning on the issue. He said: "It's very difficult to adjust to this new speed limit because you're constantly having to monitor your speed.
"20mph is definitely safer. But its safer in the places where its required."
A petition calling for the 20mph change to be scrapped has also reached more than 460,000 signatures.