The implementation of the 20mph speed limit in Wales has stirred controversy, leading to a review of the threshold for issuing fines. Initially, a more lenient approach was taken, focusing on educating drivers rather than immediate enforcement in the first six months. To give drivers some leeway, the threshold for speeding offenses on 20mph roads was set at 10% plus 4mph, allowing enforcement to start at 26mph, an increase from the standard 10% plus 2mph threshold for other speed limits.
Despite the slightly higher threshold, the number of offenses on 20mph roads has seen a surge as enforcement efforts have intensified. Chief Police Officers, a group comprising policing chiefs from different forces, are now set to review this threshold in March next year. There is a possibility that the threshold could be lowered back to 24mph, potentially leading to more stringent penalties for offenders. The police chiefs will keep a close eye on the situation and may conduct an earlier review if necessary.
Simultaneously, there is an ongoing review to identify more exception roads in Wales that will revert to a 30mph speed limit. Local councils are gathering feedback from the public to determine where speed limit changes should be implemented. By the time the chief officers conduct their review in March, most of these speed limit adjustments are expected to be finalized.
A spokesperson from Go Safe stated that they adhere to the NPCC guidelines, which specify enforcement thresholds of at least 10% plus 2mph. However, they have been allowed to apply a threshold of 10% plus 4mph for 20mph roads to concentrate on significant speed limit violations. Regarding future reviews, the spokesperson mentioned that the increased enforcement threshold is slated for review in March 2025, with the possibility of an earlier assessment if needed.
Go Safe highlighted their collaborative work with councils across Wales to avoid setting up enforcement sites on roads likely to undergo review. As the authorities strive to maintain road safety and ensure compliance with speed limits, drivers in Wales will need to stay informed about any upcoming changes in enforcement policies and speed limit regulations.