A Welsh village’s new “ultra” speed camera, enforcing a 20mph limit, has caught thousands of drivers breaking the speed rule in just one month. The camera, situated on the A5104 at Pontybodkin, photographed over 2,000 drivers exceeding the limit in a four-week period. This comes as enforcement has increased following the change in default speed limit to 20mph in September 2023.
Initially, a lenient approach was taken towards the new speed limit, focusing on educating drivers. However, enforcement has been stepped up this year, with GoSafe and the police collaborating to enforce the limit using fixed cameras and mobile vans. The stricter enforcement has led to a significant rise in the number of fines issued to speeding drivers, even though the 20mph limit has resulted in fewer road collisions and injuries.
North Wales Live reported a sharp increase in the number of drivers caught speeding in 20mph zones, with August seeing 7,958 offenses, up from 5,199 in July. The majority of fines were issued by fixed site cameras, with one camera on the A5104 at Pontybodkin catching 2,371 drivers, including one at 50mph – more than double the speed limit. Other hotspots for speeding included the A548 at Oakenholt and cameras at Sychdyn, A548 Maesglas, and Ffordd Gladstone, Hawarden.
Despite mobile cameras also issuing fines, the bulk of Notice of Intended Prosecutions (NIPs) were from fixed cameras. A review of the 20mph limit is underway, with some roads possibly reverting to the 30mph limit. Local councils in Wales are updating guidelines and seeking residents’ opinions on potential speed limit changes, including the evaluation of roads like the A5104 at Pontybodkin.
The surge in fines highlights the need for drivers to adhere to speed limits, especially in designated 20mph zones, to ensure road safety and avoid penalties. The strict enforcement measures aim to reduce speeding and promote safer driving practices across Welsh villages and towns.