Drivers ignoring 'controversial' 20mph speed limits despite major law changes
A petition calling for a U-turn has attracted more than 460,000 signatures
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Speeding has been more common on 20mph roads than on roads with a 30mph speed limit, despite Wales introducing new laws earlier this year.
New data has found that the average percentage of cars exceeding the speed limit on 20mph roads was a staggering 86 per cent in 2021.
In contrast, the average percentage of people speeding on 30mph roads was 51 per cent, with the vast majority of drivers breaking the speed limit.
The proportion of cars speeding is substantially higher on roads with a 20mph limit, despite a number of areas praising the roads for boosting driver safety.
WATCH NOW: Locals give their verdict on 20mph speed limits
Shockingly, there were days were 90 per cent of vehicles exceeded the 20mph limit, Government data shows.
In 2021, there were 43 days when the limit was exceeded by 90 per cent of cars, peaking on January 1, when 92 per cent of cars broke the limit.
Those involved with the project to cut the speed limits said drivers would initially be given an adjustment period where they wouldn’t be fined, but instead reminded of the rules.
Police forces around Wales and the GoSafe road safety charity said it would enforce the 20mph like any other speed limit.
It stated that people who are caught “speeding significantly over 20mph” will risk a fine and penalty points on their driving licence.
Drivers are being warned as the research suggests that the festive period sees the greatest levels of non-compliance.
A total of 91 per cent of cars on 20mph roads and 63 per cent of those on 30mph roads were found to have broken the speed limit on Christmas Day in 2021.
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, analysed the data, saying there were a number of benefits and drawbacks for motorists.
He said: “It’s interesting that roads with lower limits tend to experience a higher percentage of speeding vehicles.
“However, while speeding is more common, other studies have shown that lowering the limits has helped to reduce the average speeds of drivers.
“So although their introduction has been controversial, they could bring noteworthy improvements in road safety.”
This comes as Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said a petition on the future of the 20mph scheme would not be heard until March, despite receiving overwhelming support.
The petition has attracted more than 460,000 signatures, calling on the Government to “rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law”.
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The petition is not expected to be debated until March 2024
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Drakeford indicated that the petition would only be debated once it had concluded, which is set to end on March 13, 2024.
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