Drivers caught flouting the 50mph speed limit on the M4 through Newport will begin to receive fines from today, more than a year since average speed cameras were installed.
Motorists exceeding 50mph between junctions 24 and 28 on the M4 will be fined from Thursday, November 17, the Welsh Government confirmed earlier this month.
The cameras were installed to reduce air pollution in five built up areas in Wales last year, and became active at four of the locations in October 2021. The locations for reduced speed limits to 50mph are on the A494 at the border and St David’s Interchange, the A483 at Wrexham, the M4 at Port Talbot and A470 at Pontypridd.
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But the cameras at the M4 in Newport were not working due to IT issues, the Welsh Government said. According to the government nitrogen dioxide levels have fallen in all five areas since the cameras were installed.
The speed limits, which came into place following Welsh Labour’s decision to scrap plans for an M4 relief road through Newport, also aim to improve journey times and reduce the number of collisions that cause stand-still traffic. A description of the plans on the Welsh Government website reads: "We have a legal duty to comply with air quality standards to improve public health.
"Outdoor air pollution is recognised by the World Health Organisation as the largest environmental threat to health. We understand that speed limits may be unpopular. However, through our investigations we know they are likely to be the quickest and most effective way to reduce NO2 levels. It’s essential that drivers comply to the speed limit to reduce NO2 levels."
The Welsh Government aims to issue advisory notices to drivers who drive quicker than the 50mph speed limit and fine drivers who travel significantly quicker than the 50mph speed limits.
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