A reporter from Wales Online recently conducted an investigation on speeding in Cardiff by using a speed gun to monitor drivers’ behaviour on some of the city’s busiest roads. Dylan Bilyard, equipped with a Bushnell velocity speed gun, took to three roads in Butetown near Cardiff Bay and targeted 100 passing cars. The results were staggering, with only four drivers found to be adhering to the 20mph speed limit. The average speeds recorded were 25.4mph on Lloyd George Avenue, 27.6mph on Callaghan Square, and 29.3mph on Tyndall Street. Some vehicles were caught exceeding the speed limit, with the highest speeds reaching 40mph on Tyndall Street and Lloyd George Avenue, and 38mph on Callaghan Square.
The data collected by Dylan highlighted a concerning trend of drivers ignoring speed limits, including taxis, buses, and even a police van. While it’s noted that police vehicles are allowed to exceed speed limits for policing purposes, the overall lack of compliance is troubling. In response to the findings, Cardiff Council has decided to revert four roads back to a 30mph limit, citing the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of Wales’ nationwide 20mph speed limit. Helen Gunter, a councillor for Butetown, expressed her worries about the implications of speeding in a residential area where pedestrians, including families with young children and students, frequently traverse the roads.
During interviews with individuals caught speeding, insights were shared on the mindset of drivers who exceed the speed limit. One tech manufacturer mentioned that speeding felt inconsequential to their daily driving routine, highlighting the importance of ensuring that consequences for speeding are effectively communicated and enforced. Another tradesman emphasised the need for a targeted approach towards reckless drivers, advocating for stricter penalties and bans to address dangerous driving behaviours. These perspectives underscore the complex factors contributing to non-compliance with speed limits and the challenges in promoting road safety.
Recent statistics from GoSafe reveal a concerning trend of drivers flouting the 20mph speed limit across Wales, with over 100,000 offenses recorded since enforcement began. While there has been a slight decrease in the number of drivers caught breaking the limit in mid and south Wales, the figures continue to rise, particularly in north Wales. In January 2025, 5,915 drivers were caught speeding, which decreased to 5,671 in February and 4,128 in March 2025. These numbers highlight the ongoing battle to ensure road safety and compliance with speed regulations across the country.
The investigation conducted by Dylan Bilyard sheds light on the challenges of enforcing speed limits and promoting responsible driving behaviour in Cardiff. The findings underscore the need for ongoing education, enforcement, and community engagement to address speeding issues and enhance road safety for all residents. As authorities grapple with the complexities of regulating speed limits and ensuring compliance, the public’s awareness and cooperation are vital in creating a safer and more responsible driving culture in the city.