Wales-wide 20mph speed limit - what you need to know

On Sunday 17th September 2023, the Welsh Government passed legislation reducing the speed limit in built up areas to 20 mph. Most of those areas which were previously 30mph zones are now 20mph zones, unless signposted otherwise.

While we appreciate the annoyance this has caused to a lot of the Welsh population, this is now the law.

Speeding

The speed limit lowering from 30 mph to 20 mph was a drastic change for all drivers. With this, a lot may be tempted to continue at the previous speed. Some may struggle to keep the car at 20 mph and choose to drive slightly faster for ease or out of habit.

These choices come with risks of criminal conviction. Should a vehicle drive between 21 mph and 30 mph in a 20 mph zone, the possible penalty is up to 3 penalty points on your licence and a band A financial penalty.

A band A fine starts at 50% of your relevant weekly income and can go up to 75%

If in doubt proceed on the basis that an area subject to the 20mph speed limit if;

1. There are no speed limit signs or repeater markers
2. There is regular street lighting

Those areas clearly marked with speed limit signs and repeaters and dual carriageways etc remain unaffected.

Using your phone while driving

As the speed has reduced significantly, many may feel it is now safe to check their phones whilst driving. A simple reach to change a song or reply to a text could result in criminal conviction.

Should a driver use their phone, satnav or any other device that can send or receive data they risk receiving 6 penalty points and a financial penalty.

Careless Driving (drive without due care and attention)

Driving always comes with risks and accidents do happen. Should an accident occur while you are speeding or distracted with your phone or anything else, you may face a charge of careless driving.

Careless driving could result in a disqualification from driving as well as a band C financial penalty.

A band C fine starts at 150% of your relevant weekly income and can go up to 175%.

Fail to stop and fail to report

Should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a collision, parties must stop, exchange details and report the matter to the police.

Drink or drug driving

People may feel that, now the speed limit has reduced, they will be able to drive home after drinking alcohol or taking drugs especially if the distance is short. No matter the speed, no matter the distance, if you are over the legal limit with alcohol and/or drugs, this is a criminal offence.

Motoring and driving offences

Allington Hughes Law has a strong record of representing clients who are facing motoring and driving offences. We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer honest, realistic and affordable legal advice. We will not simply tell you the answers that you want to hear, we will give you expert advice based on many years of experience.

Should you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our criminal team on 01978 291000.