Drivers caught breaking 20mph speed limit face major change

North Wales Live

19 hours ago

Since the introduction of the 20mph default speed limit in Wales, drivers caught breaching it have been offered an alternative to penalty points or an awareness course.
An enforcement operation named Operation Ugain was launched, offering drivers caught speeding a roadside course, instead of facing penalty points, a fine, or having to take a more extensive, expensive course.
This initiative was funded by the Welsh Government and run by Wales' four police forces, three fire services, 22 councils and the speed camera body GoSafe. The teams were deployed in January 2024 and ran until March this year.
However, GoSafe has now announced that the scheme has ended, meaning the option to avoid a fine or a course no longer exists. During its operation, statistics show that 371,315 vehicles were monitored, with 16,679 found to be exceeding the speed limit, indicating an average compliance rate of 96%.
Regarding how these drivers' offences were resolved, 99.2% of them were given an engagement session and 129 were prosecuted. The 20mph default law was enforced in September 2023, despite significant opposition and a petition signed by hundreds of thousands.
New data indicates that while it has extended journey times in Wales, it has also resulted in a decrease in average speeds. In January 2024, WalesOnline participated in a session to see how Operation Ugain functioned, reports Wales Online.
Two police officers and a PCSO stationed themselves outside Abergavenny fire station, where they used speed guns to monitor the speeds of passing vehicles. Any motorists who were pulled over were offered the opportunity to attend a brief 10-minute course inside the station.
They were shown a presentation about the damage speeding drivers could do and were able to leave without any fine or further action.
GoSafe's role is to reduce casualties on Welsh roads, and it works with all Welsh councils, as well as the NHS and fire services. It said enforcement would continue but the Operation Ugain element had now finished.
A spokesman said: "GoSafe use the "4E" method to improve road safety; engineering, education, engagement, and enforcement. Enforcement is always the last option and is considered where the risk to people is highest. We'll continue to use these methods to reduce the number of people killed or injured on Welsh roads."
The minimum penalty for speeding in Wales is a fixed penalty fine of £100 and three points added to your licence. Receiving 12 or more points within three years may disqualify you from driving.
If you're a newly qualified driver and receive six points during the first two years after passing your test, your licence will automatically be cancelled (revoked).
To get it back you'll need to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical tests again.
If caught by a speed camera you will be notified within 14 days.
As the driver, depending on the speed and your eligibility, once you've responded to the notice you'll be sent:
an option for a speed awareness course, which costs but will not result in penalty points
a fixed penalty notice
or a letter telling you to go to court
Police officers can also stop you for speeding. If that happens, they can give you a verbal warning, send you a fixed penalty notice, offer a speed awareness course or order you to go to court – you'll receive a letter explaining what to do.
GoSafe has enforcement cameras located at sites across Wales. The locations of those is based on collision data, risk of injury and or community concerns and we enforce across all speed limits; including 20mph limits.