A police and crime panel in North Wales has found a massive cut in the number of enforceable speed cameras since the implementation of the Welsh government’s 20mph speed limit rules. Instead, officers have been doing in person check, with 98% of drivers abiding by the new rules.
00:01It's been almost two years since the Welsh Government implemented arguably the most controversial law in Senedd history, the 20mph speed limit change.
00:09It sparked heated debate online and is still being discussed by lawmakers and police now, and some parts of the country want more enforcement.
00:17At a recent North Wales Police and Crime Panel meeting in Conway, it was revealed that the number of enforceable speed camera locations has dropped dramatically,
00:25from 220 under the previous 30mph system to just 9 under the new 20mph rules.
00:31The reduction is down to strict criteria, including a requirement for zones to be at least 400m long and fully compliant with signage regulations.
00:40Despite concerns, police were keen to stress that enforcement is very much still active, just in a different form.
00:47Operation Egyn, which is backed by the Welsh Government, has seen police visit over 460 locations across North Wales,
00:54monitoring more than 130,000 vehicles.
00:57The results have been encouraging, with 98% of drivers bound to be complying with the limit.
01:03Of the 3,000 drivers who were stopped, the vast majority received educational advice rather than fines,
01:08with just 15 being handed fixed penalties.
01:12But some panel members have called for tougher measures.
01:15Flintshire was raised as a key example, where mobile cameras have clocked drivers reaching speeds
01:19of up to 83mph in 20 zones.
01:22While opposition to the policy remains, particularly among those still adjusting,
01:27North Wales Police say their early signs are promising.
01:30Serious injuries are down nearly 20%,
01:32and minor injuries are falling by almost half since the speed limit came into force.
01:36The message from the meeting was clear.
01:38More enforcement is needed, but the benefits are starting to show.
