More than 85,000 were caught breaking Wales’ 20mph default speed limit in 2024. The latest figures show that across Wales in 2024 there were 85,047 drivers caught.
The law came into force on September 17, 2023, with a warning from authorities that they would not begin fining or enforcing the law immediately while drivers got used to the change. Figures are released in two batches with one for south and mid Wales and the other for north Wales. Enforcement began in December 2023 but only in mid and south Wales while enforcement in north Wales began in March 2024.
The highest figure in south and mid Wales was in August 2024 when 7,326 drivers were clocked breaking the new default limit. In north Wales August was also the highest figure with 7,958 drivers caught. The figures, collated by GoSafe, also show the highest speeds recorded and average speed.
The highest speed in mid and south Wales was a driver recorded at 88mph in May 2024. Two drivers were caught at 88mph in May and July 2024 in north Wales. The highest average speed in south and mid Wales was 30.4mph in April 2024 and in north Wales the average was 32.4mph in June 2024. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
As part of the rollout of the hugely controversial law, which saw the biggest petition in Senedd history created, a scheme called Operation Ugain was set up. That is a a joint effort, funded by Welsh Government, between Wales’ four police forces, three fire services, 22 councils, and GoSafe. Teams go around Wales and use speed cameras to check the speeds of drivers. If someone is caught speeding they are invited to a nearby public building to watch a presentation rather than receive points or a fine. We joined the team enforcing that, which is available to read here.
The 85,047 drivers caught in 2024 covers drivers caught via speed cameras and speed checks across Wales. Figures specific to Operation Ugain show that in 2024 a total of 322,938 drivers had their speeds checked and 309,395 were being driven at a speed under the current enforcement threshold, which is currently 26mph in a 20mph area. GoSafe say 13,543 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit during their checks.
Since the law was brought into force the Welsh Government has said it is reviewing the scheme and has admitted some speeds will return to 30mph. You can read more on that here. In 2024 people were asked to contact their councils, who have the legal power to change speeds, to report roads they think should be changed to, or from, 20mph. That process is ongoing with some councils with some already changing roads back and others taking longer with the process. The Welsh Government is also looking at speeds on the roads it has control over. You can read more on that here. Transport minister Ken Skates has said he has provided £5m for councils who want to change roads from 20mph.