More than 100,000 people have been caught breaking Wales' 20mph speed limit
Latest data from road safety partnership GoSafe revealed 112,699 offences were committed up to March 2025 following the introduction of the new default speed limit in September 2023.
The Welsh government changed every road that had a 30mph limit to 20mph unless it was given an exemption by the local authority.
After the legislation was introduced GoSafe suspended 20mph enforcement to give people time to adjust and to allow for road signage to be updated.
Now, monthly data published by GoSafe has revealed a year's worth of driving offences.
The highest speed recorded was 89mph in January 2025 in north Wales, with several cases of 88mph recorded across the country.
But the average speed recorded was about 28mph.
The number of speeding motorists peaked in August, with 7,958 offences recorded in north Wales and 7,326 in mid and south Wales.
The figures also show the number of speeding offences was lower in March 2025, 4,950 offences recorded in north Wales and 4,128 in south and mid Wales.
The most recent figures show the highest speed recorded was 62mph in mid and south Wales, while in north Wales the highest speed was 58mph in that same month.
Drivers are subject to enforcement at 26mph or over in locations where a 20mph limit applies.
The founder of the campaign group 20's Plenty for Us, Rod King, told The Independent the figures from GoSafe were not unexpected.
He explained 88,000 speeding prosecutions occurred on 30mph roads in 2023 meaning the level of enforcement in the past year is similar to what it was previously.
He said: 'I'm not shocked at all, these are big figures but it is only 5 per cent of drivers in Wales. The majority do not have a speeding ticket.
'In the first year there was a reduction in casualties on the 20mph roads, fewer people being injured and fewer deaths.'
'There is a lower risk when everyone is driving that bit slower,' he added.
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Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Latest list of 20mph roads in North Wales that could return to 30mph as huge variations in region
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Councils across Wales have been busy looking at which 20mph roads could revert to 30mph with a wide variation in how this is panning out around the country. Welsh Government changed the national default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph in September 2023. This decision ignited a massive public outcry and a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of individuals. Despite the early signs of a reduction in crashes and deaths on our roads there is still a clamour from many for changes to be made. Councils have always had the powers to keep some roads at 30mph but there have been wide discrepancies in how these powers have been used. For example Cyngor Gwynedd created over 80 'exception' roads - while other councils in North Wales had less than 10. Welsh Government adjusted the guidance last year under Transport minister Ken Skates - with the belief this would see more roads go back to 30mph. This is what has happened in some councils with Wrexham and Anglesey well on the way to making widespread changes. But Denbighshire and Ceredigion both announced they don't plan to make any changes after reviewing their 20mph roads. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Others like Flintshire started with a long list but have whittled this down. Here we look at where councils in north and mid Wales are up to in the process and which roads could change back to 30mph. Anglesey The council said: "The Authority received a number of requests during the national listening period (Apr-Oct 2024), which resulted in a list of 44 different sections/roads being requested. A number of these locations failed to meet the criteria to return the speed limit to 30mph following the assessments, therefore the final list of possible sites to return to 30mph was reduced to 25." They added: " Anglesey County Council is now consulting with the public on proposals for changing certain roads that are currently 20mph back to 30mph. Following a public consultation last year, and taking into account revised guidance from Welsh government, the council identified 25 roads or sections of road, which were potentially suitable for an increased speed limit." The full list of 25 roads under consideration: Amlwch A5025 Amlwch, Lon Parys to Ffordd Madyn Benllech, A5025 Bodffordd, A5 approach Bryn Du, unnamed Class 3 road Bull Bay, A5025 Caergeiliog, A5 Bryngwran approach Gaerwen, Lon Groes - industrial estate road Holyhead A5153, Parc Cybi Holyhead A5154, Victoria Road Llanddaniel, A5 approach Llanddaniel, Llanedwen approach Llanddaniel, level crossing approach Llandegfan, Ffordd yr Eglwys Llanfachraeth, A5025 Llanfaes, unmamed Class 3 road from the B5109 Llanfair PG A5025 near park and ride facility Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn, RAF Valley, Minffordd Road Llangefni, Industrial Estate Road Newborough, A4080 Malltraeth approach Pentraeth, B5109 Beaumaris approach Rhosmeirch, B5111 Coedana approach Rhosneigr, A4080 Llyn Maelog approach Talwrn, Old school road (Due to Closed School) Trearddur Bay, B4545 Lon St Ffraid East Ceredigion There will be no proposed changes to any existing speed limits. Conwy Conwy Council has drawn up a list of priority roads that will be assessed. A final decision has yet to be made on the following roads. B5115: B5115 from Brompton Avenue, Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay) through Llandudno Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5115 Colwyn Road, Llandudno to Conway Road, Llanrhos Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos Rhos Promenade and Marine Drive, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos (Rhos on Sea) Glan y Mor Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5106: B5106 from Gyffin through Tal y Bont B5106 Dolgarrog to Trefriw A547: A547 Llanddulas Road, Abergele A547 Abergele Road, from Wynnstay Road to the 40mph east of Highlands Road, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) A547 Conwy bridge A548: Foryd Road and Towyn Road, Tywyn (Towyn) and Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5383: Rotary Way, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) St Asaph Avenue, Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5113: Kings Drive to Llanrwst Road, Bryn y Maen B5279 Tyn y Groes Road Meirion Drive, Conwy B4406 Penmachno to A5 Conway Old Road to Bwlch Sychnant (Sychnant Pass) Maesdu Avenue, Deganwy Denbighshire The council has announced it has no plans to increase the speed limit on any of its 20mph roads Flintshire The council has said that it will begin the process of reverting some roads back to 30mph in July. It said more than 1,000 requests had been received and all had been assessed. They started with a long list of roads which have been nominated to have their speed limit changed. But this has - somewhat controversially - been slashed down after being looked at road chiefs. Katie Wilby, Chief Officer for Streetscene and Transportation, said: "Each road put forward by the public during the consultation was subject to a detailed assessment against the Welsh Government's criteria for setting 30mph speed limits. These assessments took into account road safety, the surrounding environment and traffic data. 'The majority of roads reviewed did not meet the required Welsh Government criteria to revert to 30mph and will therefore remain at their current speed limit." The roads being changed: • A548 Mostyn Road/Bagillt Road, Greenfield - This proposal also includes a small section of the B5121 Greenfield Road, Greenfield; • A5026 Lloc; • A5119 King Street, Mold: This proposal also includes a small section of A5119, Mold (To Sychdyn) Raikes Lane, Mold; • A5119 Aber Road Flint This proposal also includes Parc Aber Park Industrial Estate, Flint and Unnamed Roads in Parc Aber Park Industrial Estate; • B5444 Wrexham Road, Mold: Maes Gwern, Mold: This proposal includes Maes Gwern, Mold, Ffordd Nercwys, Mold and Mold Business Park; • B5125 Hawarden to Broughton. Gwynedd 30mph speed limits were retained on 85 roads in the county that could have switched to 20mph in 2023. As was expected given the large initial number of exception roads they are only consulting on a tiny number of additional routes. A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: 'Two locations in Gwynedd are currently part of a 28 day pre-consultation stage in the review process. "These being the A499 at Llanbedrog and the A496 at Bontddu." Powys It has been reported that the council has been consulting on possible changes and that the results of this will be presented in due course to cabinet. Wrexham These are the roads set for reversion to 30mph: B5445 Marford Hill, Marford B5445 Chester Road, Gresford A5152 Chester Road, Acton (A483 – Garden Village) A5152 Chester Road, Acton (Garden Village – City) Ty Gwyn Lane, Acton B5100 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton Jeffreys Road, Borras A534 Holt Road, Wrexham (Hullah Lane to Greyhound) A534 Holt Road, Borras (Greyhound to Link Road) A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham A541 Mold Road, Gwersyllt A525 Kingsmills Road, Hightown Kingsmills Loop (Old A525) Abenbury Road, Abenbury Cefn Road, Abenbury A525 Marchwiel Road/Bangor Road, Marchwiel A528 Overton Road, Marchwiel A525 Bangor Road, Cross Lanes B5130 Holt Road/Kiln Lane, Cross Lanes B5425 New Road/ Main Road/ Llay New Road, Rhosrobin Plas Acton Road, Pandy B5425 Llay New Road, Llay B5102 Straight Mile/ Croeshowell Hill, Llay Gegin Lane, Llay Higher Lane, Llay Chapel Lane, Llay Phoenix Drive, Brymbo New High Street, Brymbo Railway Road, Brymbo B5101, The Lodge B5426 Wern Road, Minera B5426 Minera Hall Road, Minera B5426, The Wern B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road, Rhosymedre A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair B5070, Chirk B5070, Chirk (buffer) B5605 Wrexham Road, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Johnstown Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Ruabon B5605 New High Street, Ruabon B5605 Bridge Street, Ruabon A539/B5605 Ruabon Roundabout B5097 Plas Bennion to Tatham Road Plas Bennion Road/ Copperas Hill Plas Bennion Road (buffer) Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
7 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Latest list of 20mph roads in North Wales that could return to 30mph as huge variations in region
Councils across Wales have been busy looking at which 20mph roads could revert to 30mph with a wide variation in how this is panning out around the country. Welsh Government changed the national default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph in September 2023. This decision ignited a massive public outcry and a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of individuals. Despite the early signs of a reduction in crashes and deaths on our roads there is still a clamour from many for changes to be made. Councils have always had the powers to keep some roads at 30mph but there have been wide discrepancies in how these powers have been used. For example Cyngor Gwynedd created over 80 'exception' roads - while other councils in North Wales had less than 10. Welsh Government adjusted the guidance last year under Transport minister Ken Skates - with the belief this would see more roads go back to 30mph. This is what has happened in some councils with Wrexham and Anglesey well on the way to making widespread changes. But Denbighshire and Ceredigion both announced they don't plan to make any changes after reviewing their 20mph roads. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Others like Flintshire started with a long list but have whittled this down. Here we look at where councils in north and mid Wales are up to in the process and which roads could change back to 30mph. Anglesey The council said: "The Authority received a number of requests during the national listening period (Apr-Oct 2024), which resulted in a list of 44 different sections/roads being requested. A number of these locations failed to meet the criteria to return the speed limit to 30mph following the assessments, therefore the final list of possible sites to return to 30mph was reduced to 25." They added: " Anglesey County Council is now consulting with the public on proposals for changing certain roads that are currently 20mph back to 30mph. Following a public consultation last year, and taking into account revised guidance from Welsh government, the council identified 25 roads or sections of road, which were potentially suitable for an increased speed limit." The full list of 25 roads under consideration: Amlwch A5025 Amlwch, Lon Parys to Ffordd Madyn Benllech, A5025 Bodffordd, A5 approach Bryn Du, unnamed Class 3 road Bull Bay, A5025 Caergeiliog, A5 Bryngwran approach Gaerwen, Lon Groes - industrial estate road Holyhead A5153, Parc Cybi Holyhead A5154, Victoria Road Llanddaniel, A5 approach Llanddaniel, Llanedwen approach Llanddaniel, level crossing approach Llandegfan, Ffordd yr Eglwys Llanfachraeth, A5025 Llanfaes, unmamed Class 3 road from the B5109 Llanfair PG A5025 near park and ride facility Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn, RAF Valley, Minffordd Road Llangefni, Industrial Estate Road Newborough, A4080 Malltraeth approach Pentraeth, B5109 Beaumaris approach Rhosmeirch, B5111 Coedana approach Rhosneigr, A4080 Llyn Maelog approach Talwrn, Old school road (Due to Closed School) Trearddur Bay, B4545 Lon St Ffraid East Ceredigion There will be no proposed changes to any existing speed limits. Conwy Conwy Council has drawn up a list of priority roads that will be assessed. A final decision has yet to be made on the following roads. B5115: B5115 from Brompton Avenue, Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay) through Llandudno Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5115 Colwyn Road, Llandudno to Conway Road, Llanrhos Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos Rhos Promenade and Marine Drive, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos (Rhos on Sea) Glan y Mor Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5106: B5106 from Gyffin through Tal y Bont B5106 Dolgarrog to Trefriw A547: A547 Llanddulas Road, Abergele A547 Abergele Road, from Wynnstay Road to the 40mph east of Highlands Road, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) A547 Conwy bridge A548: Foryd Road and Towyn Road, Tywyn (Towyn) and Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5383: Rotary Way, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) St Asaph Avenue, Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5113: Kings Drive to Llanrwst Road, Bryn y Maen B5279 Tyn y Groes Road Meirion Drive, Conwy B4406 Penmachno to A5 Conway Old Road to Bwlch Sychnant (Sychnant Pass) Maesdu Avenue, Deganwy Denbighshire The council has announced it has no plans to increase the speed limit on any of its 20mph roads Flintshire The council has said that it will begin the process of reverting some roads back to 30mph in July. It said more than 1,000 requests had been received and all had been assessed. They started with a long list of roads which have been nominated to have their speed limit changed. But this has - somewhat controversially - been slashed down after being looked at road chiefs. Katie Wilby, Chief Officer for Streetscene and Transportation, said: "Each road put forward by the public during the consultation was subject to a detailed assessment against the Welsh Government's criteria for setting 30mph speed limits. These assessments took into account road safety, the surrounding environment and traffic data. 'The majority of roads reviewed did not meet the required Welsh Government criteria to revert to 30mph and will therefore remain at their current speed limit." The roads being changed: • A548 Mostyn Road/Bagillt Road, Greenfield - This proposal also includes a small section of the B5121 Greenfield Road, Greenfield; • A5026 Lloc; • A5119 King Street, Mold: This proposal also includes a small section of A5119, Mold (To Sychdyn) Raikes Lane, Mold; • A5119 Aber Road Flint This proposal also includes Parc Aber Park Industrial Estate, Flint and Unnamed Roads in Parc Aber Park Industrial Estate; • B5444 Wrexham Road, Mold: Maes Gwern, Mold: This proposal includes Maes Gwern, Mold, Ffordd Nercwys, Mold and Mold Business Park; • B5125 Hawarden to Broughton. Gwynedd 30mph speed limits were retained on 85 roads in the county that could have switched to 20mph in 2023. As was expected given the large initial number of exception roads they are only consulting on a tiny number of additional routes. A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: 'Two locations in Gwynedd are currently part of a 28 day pre-consultation stage in the review process. "These being the A499 at Llanbedrog and the A496 at Bontddu." Powys It has been reported that the council has been consulting on possible changes and that the results of this will be presented in due course to cabinet. Wrexham These are the roads set for reversion to 30mph: B5445 Marford Hill, Marford B5445 Chester Road, Gresford A5152 Chester Road, Acton (A483 – Garden Village) A5152 Chester Road, Acton (Garden Village – City) Ty Gwyn Lane, Acton B5100 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton Jeffreys Road, Borras A534 Holt Road, Wrexham (Hullah Lane to Greyhound) A534 Holt Road, Borras (Greyhound to Link Road) A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham A541 Mold Road, Gwersyllt A525 Kingsmills Road, Hightown Kingsmills Loop (Old A525) Abenbury Road, Abenbury Cefn Road, Abenbury A525 Marchwiel Road/Bangor Road, Marchwiel A528 Overton Road, Marchwiel A525 Bangor Road, Cross Lanes B5130 Holt Road/Kiln Lane, Cross Lanes B5425 New Road/ Main Road/ Llay New Road, Rhosrobin Plas Acton Road, Pandy B5425 Llay New Road, Llay B5102 Straight Mile/ Croeshowell Hill, Llay Gegin Lane, Llay Higher Lane, Llay Chapel Lane, Llay Phoenix Drive, Brymbo New High Street, Brymbo Railway Road, Brymbo B5101, The Lodge B5426 Wern Road, Minera B5426 Minera Hall Road, Minera B5426, The Wern B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road, Rhosymedre A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair B5070, Chirk B5070, Chirk (buffer) B5605 Wrexham Road, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Johnstown Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Johnstown B5605 Ruabon Road, Ruabon B5605 New High Street, Ruabon B5605 Bridge Street, Ruabon A539/B5605 Ruabon Roundabout B5097 Plas Bennion to Tatham Road Plas Bennion Road/ Copperas Hill Plas Bennion Road (buffer)
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
Plans for tyre plant in Swansea opposed by nearly 1,000 people set to be rejected
Plans for tyre plant in Swansea opposed by nearly 1,000 people set to be rejected A company hoped to build the new facility at an industrial park but the plans didn't go down well in the area The UK generates millions of waste tyres each year which need recycling (Image:) A permit for a planned tyre incineration plant in Swansea which nearly 1,000 people opposed is to be turned down. A company called Tyregen UK Ltd wanted to process around 7,650 tonnes of waste tyres per year at Westfield Industrial Estate, Waunarlwydd. Tyregen UK said its tyre incineration method, called pyrolysis, would separate the oil and black powder which went into their manufacture. The powder would then be used by tyre companies in new tyres. Some of the gas captured as part of the process would be reused at the plant with the remainder treated before being released into the atmosphere via a chimney stack. Planning permission is in place to process waste tyres and plastics at the site, but Tyregen UK needed an environmental permit. A total of 975 people objected to the permit application - there was one letter in support - and Swansea Council has now published a draft decision turning down the application. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here Waunarlwydd councillor Wendy Lewis, who was one of the objectors, said she'd had lots of messages and was very grateful about the decision, which is subject to consultation until August 25. "It is a great relief," she said. Gowerton councillor Dai Jenkins, who lives in Waunarlwydd, was also against the permit plan. His objection said: "I realise this incinerator would be managed correctly, however, accidents happen, and if that was the case smoke would be all over Waunarlwydd and Gowerton, so on behalf of my ward residents I object to the granting of a licence." Article continues below Reacting to the draft refusal, Cllr Jenkins said he'd always believed the location of the proposed facility was wrong. "I don't know anyone in the village who is for it," he said. The council's decision said the refusal was on basis of what it felt was "insufficient technical competence" and "inadequate environmental management systems". The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Tyregen UK for comment. The company has previously said that the proposed 30m by 8m facility would be enclosed within a larger industrial building except for the chimney stack. Speaking last September a Tyregen UK spokesman said: "The operation is fundamentally about recycling, and therefore preserving the valuable components of a used tyre, so we absolutely won't be burning any tyres." Article continues below The council's decision will be final within five working days of August 25 if no consultation representations are received, and 15 days or longer if representations are received. Tyregen UK can appeal to the Welsh Government planning environment and decisions Wales (PEDW) body. It has been estimated that around 50 million waste tyres need recycling every year in the UK, and many are exported overseas.
