The Welsh government has unveiled key plans to change the speed limit.
The default speed limit was reduced from 30mph to 20mph in eight areas across Wales as part of a pilot scheme. The findings from the scheme will be debated on July 12 as minister consider rolling out the new limit across Wales.
The changes would impact any drivers entering the country and would come in on September 17, 2023 if the proposals are approved. The plans would affect 30mph roads with streetlights fewer than 200 yards apart, though there would be some exceptions - as Wales Online reports.
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The changes are aimed at preventing accidents and improving air quality. Over the next 30 years the estimated costs total £33million but the government expects there to be savings of £58million from lower use of emergency services and hospital treatment — a net saving of £25million.
Enforcement measures being trialled vary across the pilot areas in St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire; Llanelli North in Carmarthenshire; St Brides Major in Vale of Glamorgan; central-north Cardiff; Cilfrew Village in Neath Port Talbot; Abergavenny in Monmouthshire; Severnside in Monmouthshire; and Buckley in Flintshire.
The government wants to encourage changes in behaviour before moving to speeding tickets. It says it is in agreement with police forces and the GoSafe speed camera service that there should be a period of education before drivers are penalised for going over the limit. Some drivers who are pulled over would be given the chance to sit with a police officer or firefighter and receive 15 minutes of roadside education, instead of getting a ticket.
There is no timescale for enforcement to begin but it is unlikely that a high number of speed cameras will be introduced — the government is not increasing its annual £2.5million funding to GoSafe. Roadside education has played a big part in the south Wales pilot areas and we understand it will soon be implemented in the north Wales zones. To a large extent, the onus to change will be on drivers.
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