Drakeford: Drivers confused by 20mph signs should not face fines
From Monday, drivers caught speeding in 20mph zones could face fines or points on their licence
Last updated 29th Feb 2024
The First Minister Mark Drakeford says drivers who are "genuinely confused" about 20mph signage should not be prosecuted if caught speeding.
Mark Drakeford gave his first press conference of the new year, as enforcement of the new 20mph starts across Wales.
He says drivers who "deliberately" drive "well above" the new speed limit could face consequences, such as fines or points on their licence.
But he also said if drivers are caught out due to confusing signage, they should not face the same consequences.
"If the police find somebody driving above 20mph, and the reason is they are genuinely confused about that, I don't think in those circumstances of genuine confusion, the police will move towards enforcement".
There have been complaints about how confusing it can be to work out if you are driving in a 20mph zone.
We asked people in Cardiff what they thought about the 20mph limit enforcement.
One man from Cardiff told us "It is very easy not to realise that you're in a 20mph limit".
"You can go from 20 to 30 to 40 without realising it, and I think it creates more danger than it avoids".
Ian from Roath told us he is looking forward to enforcement coming into place, saying "I have to say i have seen the rules flouted.
"There are some young guys who go along those roads, they go along far too fast and they wouldn't be able to stop if somebody stepped out, especially at night.
"If they get fined or something they would think twice won't they. Who needs to go that fast anyway?".
The First Minister says he understands that some drivers could get confused and that education, not enforcement, would help them to understand.
"If there are examples, genuine examples, where people just have misunderstood that this piece of road that they are on is now a 20mph limit, I think that will be resolved through the way that the police intend to respond.
"But it would need to be genuine confusion, rather than just a claim to be confused."