THE TOTAL number of drivers caught speeding in Wales' 20mph zones so far this year has been revealed.

The majority of residential roads throughout Wales changed from being 30mph to 20mph last September.

This was, according to the Welsh Government, to help 'save lives'.

But, the move has been heavily criticised by members of the public, politicians and more since it was introduced.

An 'engagement process' was launched in January of this year between North Wales Police, GoSafe and other relevant authorities to ensure drivers were sticking to the new limit.

Operation Ugain was launched in January of this year and 272 drivers were found to be exceeding the speed limit, with two prosecuted.

Since then though, hundreds more have been caught out on Wales' roads.

This week, the Leader took a look at the GoSafe figures for this year so far as the 20mph scheme itself approaches the one year mark this month.

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The GoSafe figures so far for 2024 show that the following number of drivers were caught speeding in 20mph zones monthly:

  • January - 272 (of 9,775 vehicles monitored)
  • February - 460 (14,874)
  • March - 655 (24,714)
  • April - 1,057 (36,510)
  • May - 1,352 (39,552)
  • June - 1,573 (33,643)
  • July - 1,378 (33,757)
  • August - 1,349 (28,272)

That means that a total of 8,096 drivers have been caught exceeding the 20mph speed limit in Wales to date.

Of those caught, 8,041 drivers chose to take part in a roadside engagement session, while the other remaining drivers were prosecuted.

Operation Ugain is a scheme funded by the Welsh Government, and run in partnership between Wales' four police forces, and three fire and rescue services as well as GoSafe and councils.

The scheme launched on January 8 and means drivers who have been caught exceeding 26mph in areas covered by the 20mph speed limit, are mostly spoken to and shown a presentation, rather than being fined or prosecuted.