Wales celebrates one year anniversary of mandatory 20mph rollout but has it been a success?
Speeding can incur a £100 fine
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The mandatory 20mph limits in Wales launched by the Labour Government has been a “total disaster” with drivers paying the price, experts have warned on the one -year anniversary of the scheme.
The nationwide 20mph speed limit in residential areas was introduced on September 17, 2023 with drivers forced to adhere to slower speeds or pay the price.
But since then, drivers have been left furious over the impact the lower speeds have had on journeys and the subsequent fines with motorists facing a minimum fine of £100.
Wales was one of the first countries in the world to pass a law changing the speed limit on restricted roads to 20mph. Since then the Welsh Government has handed out roughly £1.1million in fines this year alone.
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Highway authorities can change roads back to 30mph
PAThe restrictions are in place across residential and built-up areas where there are lots of people.
They often have streetlights on them, placed no more than 200 yards apart and have historically been a 30mph speed limit before being changed.
Commenting on the year anniversary Andrew RT Davies, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “One year on, it’s clear that Labour’s 20mph policy has been a total disaster.
“The Labour architects of this policy now admit that it has been badly implemented, but still this hugely unpopular measure remains in place.”
He added: “The answer is simple: The policy must be scrapped, and 20mph zones should be limited to common sense areas like outside schools and hospitals.”
After receiving mainly negative feedback from drivers, the Welsh Government revised some of its rules to allow local authorities the power to change streets back to 30mph if they see it as necessary.
The Welsh Government detailed: “In 2024, the public have had a chance to suggest where they feel changes should be made.
“Highway authorities are now using our revised guidance to assess these suggestions. Any change in speed limits will need to be made through a traffic regulation order. This process will take several months to complete.”
The Government explained that lower speed limits were hoped to reduce the number of collisions and severe injuries from people speeding.
It also looked to encourage more people to walk and cycle within the community and help to improve health and well-being while making streets safer.
In response to the one-year anniversary, drivers up and down the country have been protesting.
One person shared on social media: “I’m a great believer in standing up for what you believe in. In Wales, for the last year we have had to suffer the Senedd decision that the default speed in Wales should be 20 mph.
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20mph were rolled out one year ago
PA“Business is suffering, road rage seems to have increased and all in all it’s a disaster. Totally agree around primary schools it should be 20.. maybe only in school time… that’s another story!”
Someone else shared: “Bringing in a blanket 20 mph restriction in Wales was a disastrous decision that has done more harm than good and will cost an estimated £4.5billion over the next 30 years!
“Remember 469,571 people signed the petition wanting these 20mph restrictions rescinded, that number has probably doubled, or even trebled, now we are being forced to drive slower than cyclists!!”