New driving law changes will see motorists fined for breaking 20mph speed limits within weeks
The speed limit changes were introduced on September 17
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The Welsh Government has confirmed when enforcement of the controversial 20mph speed limit road rules would be introduced, with changes to be made within months.
Drivers in Wales saw a major law change in September when almost all restricted roads had their default speed limit cut from 30mph to just 20mph.
The decision was met with widespread criticism from the public over fears it would create longer journeys and act as a money-making scheme.
The Welsh Labour Government has consistently backed the project, saying it will slash the number of injuries and fatalities on the roads.
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Speaking at a Senedd climate change committee meeting, Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, addressed the complaints and confirmed when the enforcement would begin.
The Member of the Senedd (MS) for Llanelli said: “The evidence is people are adapting their behaviour. What we don't want is to go in feet-first and create conflict.
“We want human relations to work out for people to adjust but we're reaching the stage where enforcement will begin.
“We've given a grace period but we will now start to enforce. We'll do it in the way we enforce other speed limits – by exceptions."
In a further statement, the Welsh Government said GoSafe has continued to enforce the original 20mph sites since the introduction in September.
The statement added: “GoSafe will begin selecting new sites (locations) for speed van and other enforcement (roads that were 30mph and are now 20mph) once the new speed limit has been in place for three months."
The 20mph speed limit changes were introduced on September 17, meaning enforcement of the scheme is expected to begin on December 17.
The road safety partnership GoSafe confirmed that there is an enforcement threshold for the new 20mph speed limit changes in Wales.
In a statement on its website, GoSafe said it would apply the National Police Chiefs’ Council guidelines which outline the enforcement thresholds of “not less than 10 per cent plus 2mph”.
However, while drivers get used to the new speed limits, Chief Police Officers have allowed an increase to 10 per cent plus four miles per hour on 20mph roads only.
This means GoSafe and Welsh police forces will only start to prosecute drivers if they drive at 26mph in a 20mph limit area.
The Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership stated that it would continue to engage with the public to review the available data.
It is believed this would ensure the thresholds remain appropriate in keeping all road users safe.
Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, has previously warned that setting the threshold at 26mph could send a “mixed message”.
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It is believed that drivers will only be charged if they travel at 26mph
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She criticised Labour’s decision to highlight the threshold, saying that the primary reason for the change was to emphasise safety for road users.