More than 1,100 drivers were slapped with fines in April for breaking the unpopular 20mph speed limits, just weeks after an embarrassing U-turn was announced.
New research from the GoSafe foundation has found that 1,151 drivers were recorded as having broken the 20mph speed limit across Wales.
The average offence speed was 30.4 miles in Mid and South Wales, while North Wales saw slightly slower average speeds of 30.1mph, despite being on 20mph roads.
It follows the decision of the Welsh Labour Government to slash speed limits across the country on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph in a bid to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
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The Conservatives have vowed to scrap the 20mph speed limits
GETTYThe move was met with intense backlash from drivers, with more than 450,000 people signing a petition calling on the Government to remove the "disastrous" policy, shattering Senedd records.
The scheme, which cost the Government £34million, has since been scaled back with the new Transport Secretary Ken Skates announcing that the power would be put into the hands of the public.
Fines across Wales for breaking the lower speed limit are increasing with 522 being issued in March and 1,151 in April.
There are fears the average offence speed could be growing, with Mid and South Wales seeing speeds rise from 27.9mph in December to 30.4mph in April.
Similarly, the average offence speed in North Wales has grown from 28.8mph in March to 30.1mph last month, with no data from GoSafe between September and February.
Responding to the data, Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Transport Minister, said: “This ridiculous law from Labour has been a disaster from the start.
“The massive public opposition to this policy has only grown since its inception and these fines prove that despite Labour’s spin, 20mph is here to stay.
“The Welsh Conservatives would scrap this barmy policy and get Wales moving.”
As part of the new policies from the Government to ease tensions, local authorities will be listening to the Welsh population on whether there should be 20mph zones in their area.
There could be a push for more of these schemes in particular areas like near schools, hospitals and other areas where local people may be more vulnerable.
Roadside engagement sessions by GoSafe, Welsh Fire and Rescue Services, and other partners, will continue across the year to help people adjust to the change.
The scheme, which has been dubbed "Operation Ugain", was launched on January 8, with the Government wanting to identify where the 20mph speed limits are needed to protect road users.
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The law change originally took place in September 2023
GETTY
Speaking recently, new Cabinet Secretary for Transport Ken Skates, said: "The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads.
"What I am doing now is listening to what people want for the roads in their communities, and pressing ahead with refining the policy and getting the right speed on the right roads."
