Latest news with #NorthWalesPoliceandCrimePanel
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Money from 20mph fines 'should be used to fix potholes'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers have been actively expressing their opinions following a recent discussion by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel on the default 20mph speed limit. The chairwoman of the police panel has urged councillors to petition their local authorities for the installation of additional fixed speeding cameras to apprehend those flouting the 20mph limit. During their June meeting at Conwy's Coed Pella headquarters, the North Wales Police and Crime Panel learnt about instances where drivers were clocked at speeds of 51mph, 61mph, and even 83mph in areas with a 20mph restriction. Supt Simon Barrasford delivered a briefing on road policing to the panel, providing updates on speeding incidents since the implementation of the 20mph standard speed limit in Wales. The panel was informed of the difficulties police encounter in enforcing the new limit, particularly with many motorists and holidaymakers entering from England, where the traditional 30mph limit remains. However, the revelation that all "top five fixed camera locations" are situated in Flintshire led Supt Barrasford to advise that councillors could request additional cameras for their districts, potentially supported by funding from the Welsh Government. One reader, Newiboy suggests: "All the money from the fines should be put to filling potholes it the the Welsh government's fault that it is no longer safe to drive at 30mph due to failing to provide local authorities with the cash to repair roads." AlbertKelly adds: "Yet again there are numerous comments about this being a 'money making scheme' but yet again ignoring the fact that you have complete choice as whether or not you break the law. Abide by the law and you won't pay a penny - the vast majority of the population are quite capable of doing this." Forestdragon believes: "The councils are in no hurry to reinstate 30 on the through-routes, though, are they? How long do we have to wait for that? Several of the most productive roads named are likely to be reversed, for example the A5104 Pontybodkin to Coed Talon, and the A5119 Flint, Northop Road. Surely it's unethical to continue to enforce 20 on these roads simply because they are dragging their feet with the restoration?" Notspendingmymoneyonwaleseveragain writes: "After a 5 hour (60 mile) journey to have a long weekend in a place I used to love (North Wales). I got a £100 fine and 3 points and I have no idea where the 30 in a 20 zone happened (exactly 30 mph!), don't remember seeing a sign. I'm no loss to Wales really, but I CBA risking more points just to spend my cash there!" Poshscouser says: "I find this 20 mph to be quite nonsensical and dangerous insofar as personally being tailgated by imbeciles who refuse to accept the 20 mph limit." Indigodebz comments: "As a huge majority don't keep to 20mph and it's impossible to draw any conclusions. We will also not know if drivers change their route and have an accident on another faster road. Certainly my cycling route on country lanes at the back of the village is busier with cars and I am more in fear of being hit by a driver than ever." Angleseygirl writes: "Well if this article doesn't just prove what we've all been saying! The 20 mph is purely for catching drivers as a money making machine and nothing to do with safety!" Morpick agrees: "Was supposed to be about Road safety or so the story goes. In reality it is just a money making scam." Jimmyj adds: "Hope the councils and go slow I mean sorry Go safe don't spend to much as after Labour removed next year at the Senedd elections. This 20mph nonsense will be overturned by Reform." Confusing says: "Everybody now needs a car with cruise control hit 20 press the button. Then they won't be able to take the money off you, although they're probably come up with another way." Steamnut thinks: "So there is money for cameras but not repairing potholes? Shows where the priorities are. Also, they are playing with the numbers. One year of numbers were used to show serious injuries down by 19.4% and slight injuries down by 43.9%. And, at the same time they discounted 'fatalities had increased on these roads by 200%'. You cannot pick and chose just to win the argument. Once we have five years of figures we will be able to see the clear trends. A more important figure is the number of disqualified and uninsured drivers on our roads that are repeat offenders and which rarely go to jail." Do you believe that the 20mph speed limit is working or not? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.
North Wales Live
03-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Money from 20mph fines 'should be used to fix potholes'
North Wales Live readers have been actively expressing their opinions following a recent discussion by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel on the default 20mph speed limit. The chairwoman of the police panel has urged councillors to petition their local authorities for the installation of additional fixed speeding cameras to apprehend those flouting the 20mph limit. During their June meeting at Conwy's Coed Pella headquarters, the North Wales Police and Crime Panel learnt about instances where drivers were clocked at speeds of 51mph, 61mph, and even 83mph in areas with a 20mph restriction. Supt Simon Barrasford delivered a briefing on road policing to the panel, providing updates on speeding incidents since the implementation of the 20mph standard speed limit in Wales. The panel was informed of the difficulties police encounter in enforcing the new limit, particularly with many motorists and holidaymakers entering from England, where the traditional 30mph limit remains. However, the revelation that all "top five fixed camera locations" are situated in Flintshire led Supt Barrasford to advise that councillors could request additional cameras for their districts, potentially supported by funding from the Welsh Government. One reader, Newiboy suggests: "All the money from the fines should be put to filling potholes it the the Welsh government's fault that it is no longer safe to drive at 30mph due to failing to provide local authorities with the cash to repair roads." AlbertKelly adds: "Yet again there are numerous comments about this being a 'money making scheme' but yet again ignoring the fact that you have complete choice as whether or not you break the law. Abide by the law and you won't pay a penny - the vast majority of the population are quite capable of doing this." Forestdragon believes: "The councils are in no hurry to reinstate 30 on the through-routes, though, are they? How long do we have to wait for that? Several of the most productive roads named are likely to be reversed, for example the A5104 Pontybodkin to Coed Talon, and the A5119 Flint, Northop Road. Surely it's unethical to continue to enforce 20 on these roads simply because they are dragging their feet with the restoration?" Notspendingmymoneyonwaleseveragain writes: "After a 5 hour (60 mile) journey to have a long weekend in a place I used to love (North Wales). I got a £100 fine and 3 points and I have no idea where the 30 in a 20 zone happened (exactly 30 mph!), don't remember seeing a sign. I'm no loss to Wales really, but I CBA risking more points just to spend my cash there!" Poshscouser says: "I find this 20 mph to be quite nonsensical and dangerous insofar as personally being tailgated by imbeciles who refuse to accept the 20 mph limit." Indigodebz comments: "As a huge majority don't keep to 20mph and it's impossible to draw any conclusions. We will also not know if drivers change their route and have an accident on another faster road. Certainly my cycling route on country lanes at the back of the village is busier with cars and I am more in fear of being hit by a driver than ever." Angleseygirl writes: "Well if this article doesn't just prove what we've all been saying! The 20 mph is purely for catching drivers as a money making machine and nothing to do with safety!" Morpick agrees: "Was supposed to be about Road safety or so the story goes. In reality it is just a money making scam." Jimmyj adds: "Hope the councils and go slow I mean sorry Go safe don't spend to much as after Labour removed next year at the Senedd elections. This 20mph nonsense will be overturned by Reform." Confusing says: "Everybody now needs a car with cruise control hit 20 press the button. Then they won't be able to take the money off you, although they're probably come up with another way." Steamnut thinks: "So there is money for cameras but not repairing potholes? Shows where the priorities are. Also, they are playing with the numbers. One year of numbers were used to show serious injuries down by 19.4% and slight injuries down by 43.9%. And, at the same time they discounted 'fatalities had increased on these roads by 200%'. You cannot pick and chose just to win the argument. Once we have five years of figures we will be able to see the clear trends. A more important figure is the number of disqualified and uninsured drivers on our roads that are repeat offenders and which rarely go to jail."
North Wales Live
02-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Anti-social behaviour is on the decline in North Wales, policing boss says
Anti-social behaviour in North Wales is on the downturn, says the area's police and crime commissioner after visiting towns across the region. A report to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel backed the claims and was presented to members at a meeting at Conwy 's Coed Pella HQ. The report from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin says anti-social behaviour (ASB) is down by 4.6% from last year, whilst police attendance at incidents had increased by 5%. Earlier this year, Mr Dunbobbin attended a Llandudno residents' meeting organised by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders after a spate of vandalism in the resort. Gangs of youths had been accused of smashing up shelters on the promenade, stealing from hotels, and vandalising Venue Cymru. Mrs Finch-Saunders and Mr Dunbobbin later rowed, disputing crime figures in the town, with the commissioner complaining about Mrs Finch-Saunders instructing residents to log incidents with her office. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. But presenting to the panel, Mr Dunbobbin explained he had attended a Home Office briefing in May on keeping town centres safe as part of a neighbourhood policing campaign. He also revealed he'd visited towns across North Wales, including Llandudno. 'Over the last six months, I have been proactive in engaging with local communities to listen to concerns affecting them around ASB, including visits to Prestatyn, Llandudno, Llangefni, and Buckley,' said Mr Dunbobbin. 'In addition, I have also been out on patrol with officers in Holyhead and Deeside to understand how local police teams are tackling ASB and also joined a sergeant on patrol in Rhyl, during ASB Awareness week, to look at how they are implementing the Clear Hold Build approach to tackling ASB and low-level crime there.' He added: 'Analysis of ASB shows that incidents have reduced by 4.6% this year across North Wales compared to last year; low level behaviours continue to account for most events. Although recorded incidents have reduced, attendance has increased by 5%, and I hope this shows the level of policing commitment to victims of ASB.' The commissioner also revealed he had visited Rhosmeirch, Anglesey, in February, where police had put in place a 'community alert messaging system'. The crime commissioner's report also detailed £92,080.94 – increasing to £200K in 2025/26 – to fund various community schemes aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, including the relaunch of a 'Summer Sports' project for young people during school holidays.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Wales Online
Anti-social behaviour is on the decline in North Wales, policing boss says
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Anti-social behaviour in North Wales is on the downturn, says the area's police and crime commissioner after visiting towns across the region. A report to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel backed the claims and was presented to members at a meeting at Conwy 's Coed Pella HQ. The report from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin says anti-social behaviour (ASB) is down by 4.6% from last year, whilst police attendance at incidents had increased by 5%. Earlier this year, Mr Dunbobbin attended a Llandudno residents' meeting organised by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders after a spate of vandalism in the resort. Gangs of youths had been accused of smashing up shelters on the promenade, stealing from hotels, and vandalising Venue Cymru. Mrs Finch-Saunders and Mr Dunbobbin later rowed, disputing crime figures in the town, with the commissioner complaining about Mrs Finch-Saunders instructing residents to log incidents with her office. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox. But presenting to the panel, Mr Dunbobbin explained he had attended a Home Office briefing in May on keeping town centres safe as part of a neighbourhood policing campaign. He also revealed he'd visited towns across North Wales, including Llandudno. 'Over the last six months, I have been proactive in engaging with local communities to listen to concerns affecting them around ASB, including visits to Prestatyn, Llandudno, Llangefni, and Buckley,' said Mr Dunbobbin. 'In addition, I have also been out on patrol with officers in Holyhead and Deeside to understand how local police teams are tackling ASB and also joined a sergeant on patrol in Rhyl, during ASB Awareness week, to look at how they are implementing the Clear Hold Build approach to tackling ASB and low-level crime there.' He added: 'Analysis of ASB shows that incidents have reduced by 4.6% this year across North Wales compared to last year; low level behaviours continue to account for most events. Although recorded incidents have reduced, attendance has increased by 5%, and I hope this shows the level of policing commitment to victims of ASB.' The commissioner also revealed he had visited Rhosmeirch, Anglesey, in February, where police had put in place a 'community alert messaging system'. The crime commissioner's report also detailed £92,080.94 – increasing to £200K in 2025/26 – to fund various community schemes aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, including the relaunch of a 'Summer Sports' project for young people during school holidays. Public notices in your area
North Wales Live
02-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
'The smell in the town centre is pungent. People don't realise they're funding organised crime'
A police panel heard how residents in Ruthin complain of pungent cannabis smoke in the streets, with the drug blamed for financing serious, organised crime. Speaking at a North Wales Police and Crime Panel meeting, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin gave an update at Conwy 's Coed Pella HQ. The panel was updated on various police developments by the crime commissioner, which included Project Draig, a campaign 'raising awareness and capturing the response to SOC (serious and organised crime)'. But meeting chairwoman Patricia Astbury spoke on the subject and said she was 'frustrated' by cannabis users, whom she accused of funding serious and organised crime through drug use. Ms Astbury also used the streets of Ruthin as an example of how 'pungent' the smell of the drug is in some North Wales towns. 'I don't think communities out there really understand how this SOC (serious and organised crime) can impact upon our lives,' she said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. 'It is Insidious, isn't it, what happens? And I listen, and I don't get why they don't understand how, for example, cannabis - the use of cannabis – that's all connected, isn't it? And that just seems to be an accepted part of life now, that you can go down a street, and you hear people in Ruthin saying the smell of cannabis is strong.' She added: 'I know local policing are doing something about that. They've just done an exercise in the south of the county, haven't they, where you started off in Ruthin, and that was one of the things people were saying. 'You walk up the streets and the smell is pungent.' And people just don't understand the impact when they are using cannabis, for example, that they are actually funding serious, organised crime eventually. I know it is a small thing, but I get cross sometimes. Why don't you understand what you're doing? It is frustrating.' Mr Dunbobbin responded: 'Not long after the results of the election last year, and I was spoken to by various media outlets. They said, 'What is your main priority for North Wales?' And my answer was serious, organised crime because everything else intrinsically links into that, with so many things, so many different strands. I know that is really much a priority of this force, with the chief constable there.' 'We've got Operation Draig (Project Draig), isn't it, chief? So there is a real emphasis on tackling that issue.'
