Massive hike in speeding fines as tourist season kicks off 'get 3 points as a souvenir'
North Wales Live readers have been discussing a surge in speeding fines as the number of drivers caught on 20mph roads soared last month. The 20mph default limit was implemented in Wales back in September 2023.
A six-month 'grace' period followed, during which North Wales police prioritised education over fines and penalty points. However, this approach shifted last spring when enforcement was ramped up, resulting in a significant increase in the number of speeding tickets issued.
In 2023, just over 25,000 speeding offences were recorded on 20mph and 30mph roads across North Wales. This figure nearly doubled to just under 57,000 in 2024. The number of fines peaked in August when almost 8,000 tickets were handed out, a sharp rise from 892 in June.
Following this period, the numbers gradually decreased month by month, dropping to 2,966 in January of this year. However, there has been a steady climb since then, with nearly 4,000 fines issued the following month and 4,950 in March.
This trend appears to be continuing, with the April statistics just released. These show that just under 6,000 drivers were caught speeding on 20mph roads in the region. This coincided with an influx of visitors to the area due to the Easter break and a prolonged spell of spring sunshine. There have been numerous reports of tourists falling foul of the speed limits, with North Wales Live highlighting one such case earlier this month.
It is currently unknown how quickly hundreds of North Wales roads will potentially revert back to 30mph - and what impact this will have on speeding offences. However, for the time being, drivers continue to be caught out by the thousands each month.
Commenter Ofcourseitis says: 'The criminalisation of a nation. The Welsh Government must be so proud of their achievement, preying on motorists with their anti motorist policies whilst destroying the economy behind a charade of safer roads.'
Hogangymraeg points out: 'If you break the speed limit you should expect to get a fine.'
Nexttheborder replies: 'Yes, but the limits should be sensible.'
Flipineck retorts: 'It's not just 20 mph roads. No matter the speed limit some drivers do not care and think they are above the law.'
Morpick writes: 'Visitors used to leave Wales with a stick of rock. Now they are likely to leave with points on their licences. Welcome to Wales!'
SnoopJohnnyJohn agrees: 'This crazy situation is to be expected during holiday periods due to the Welsh speed limit signage regulations being out of kilter with the rest of the UK.'
Brenden Bithell jokes: 'The new 'Tourist Tax' comes with 3 points as a souvenir.'
Pcplod asks: 'I find it hard to understand people who complain about a speed limit of 20 mph that helps road safety. Can someone explain why they do not support the 20 mph limit?'
Jennifer Thomas agrees: 'It's only 20mph in built up areas especially round schools. I can't understand why that's wrong? Most of the main roads are normal speed. You feel less stressed going a bit slower really. Enjoy your holidays.'
Howel Owen is angry: 'There are no warning signs as you cross the border into Wales reminding visitors / delivery drivers of this draconian law. It's a total money making racket costing thousands of people millions in fines and points.'
Tym Corbett replies: 'They are round white with a red edged with the numbers 2 and 0 in them? Similar to the ones in England?'
Christian Morris says: 'It's basically a tax.'
Craig Sheehan replies: 'It's not a tax, it's a law that if you break, then you pay. If you don't break the law - you don't pay.'
Don Nightingale agrees: 'It's simple, if you want to speed (whatever the limit) accept the risk. The rhetoric soon changes when friends or family are injured due to inappropriate driving.'
Tom Butterworth writes: 'How about a different headline? 'There was a spike in motorists breaking the speed limit, so fines were issued accordingly."
Do you think the 20mph speed limit will deter tourists from visiting Wales? Have your say in our comments section.
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