The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 means that Wales has become the first country in the UK to reduce speed limits in built-up areas from 30mph to 20mph.
The change came into force on the 17th of September 2023.
The 20mph limit is in force for all restricted roads, unless an exemption applies, which are defined as ones with lamp posts placed not more than 200 yards apart.
They are typically located in residential and built-up areas of high pedestrian activity.
There is an interactive map on the Data Map Wales website showing the roads that have been affected by the change.
In respect of road signs, 20mph signs will NOT be needed where the default is now 20mph. Speed limit signs will be in place where the speed limit changes. You should note that not all signs will have been changed on the 17th of September.
Local authorities are making efforts to get all signs in place as soon as possible.
Welsh ministers have stated that from the evidence they have collated decreasing the speed will reduce collisions, reduce injuries, and save lives which will help improve quality of life and make our streets and local communities safer for all.
Further it is estimated that the default 20mph speed limit could result in 40% fewer collisions, 6 to 10 lives saved and 1200 to 2000 people avoiding injury.
It is hoped that the change will also make the streets safer for playing, walking and cycling, encourage more people to walk, make our communities safer, improve our health and well-being and reduce noise pollution.
The new speed limit has changed the speed on approximately 35% of Welsh roads. There are approximately 3% of 30mph roads that will not be reducing their speed limits, because local authorities can and have made exemptions.
From Sunday 17th September 2023, if you are caught driving over 20mph in a 20mph zone, you could receive a Fine, Penalty Points, and/or a driving disqualification.
The police have stated that their response will be proportionate and reasonable while drivers get used to the changes and that the focus in the first 12 months will be on educating drivers.
If you receive 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period, you are liable to a driving disqualification, known as ‘totting-up’, unless you can argue that such a disqualification would cause you exceptional hardship.
If you are caught by a speed camera, the level of speed you were travelling will determine whether you will be sent an option for a Speed Awareness Course, a Fixed Penalty Notice, or a letter requiring your attendance at Court.
The policy concerning Speed Awareness Courses will vary depending on the Police Force that is dealing with the offence, but generally a Speed Awareness Course will not be offered to drivers if they have been on a Speed Awareness Course in the preceding 3 years, if the driver has exceeded the speed limit beyond a specified amount, and/or if the driver is facing multiple offences.
Should you have any queries about the above, or any other driving matters, such as driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, driving whilst disqualified or dangerous driving (please note this is not an exhaustive list), please do not hesitate to contact our Criminal Department for a fixed fee consultation for any further advice.