Five places in Wales where drivers could soon be fined for exceeding 50mph

Dean Thomas-Welch explains more on the plans to slow drivers down across some roads in Wales.

Motorists are warned they face being fined from next week if they exceed the 50mph speed limit on some of Wales' most polluted roads.

Speed limits were introduced in 2018 in five locations across Wales to improve air quality levels - a move that was the first of its kind in the UK.

Air pollution is considered to be one of the largest environmental health risks of our generation, according to the World Health Organisation.

Ministers say the reduced speed zones have already been successful in significantly lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47%.

From October 4, people caught speeding in these areas could could receive a letter or fine.

Where are the five locations?

  • A494 Wales/England border to St David’s Interchange, Deeside

  • A483 Junction 5 to Junction 6, Wrexham

  • A470 Upper Boat Interchange to Bridge Street Interchange, Pontypridd

  • M4 Junction 41 to Junction 42, Port Talbot

  • M4 Junction 25 to Junction 26, Newport – a change from variable speed limit enforced by spot speed cameras to a permanent 50mph - to be enforced at a future date

The speed limits will be enforced from 4 October. Credit: PA Images

Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for transport, said: “We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.

“We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working - the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time.

“We need to act now to make Wales a safe place to live with clean air for everyone.”

Assistant chief constable Mark Travis, South Wales Police roads policing lead for Wales, said: “The implementation of the 50mph speed limits, for environmental reasons, on some of Wales’s busiest roads is an important issue to tackle pollution and to give Wales and its communities a cleaner and healthier future.

“All four Welsh Forces are supporting its implementation, with the enforcement of these speed limits approached in a consistent, proportionate and transparent manner.”

GoSafe partnership manager Teresa Ciano added: “Driving at the posted speed limit has benefits for safety, but it can also improve our lives in other ways.

"By supporting the Welsh Government's ambition to improve air quality for Wales, we know our roads will be safer too. By implementing a first of its kind advisory letter programme, we will be able to inform people of the importance of complying with the speed limit at these locations, whilst still prosecuting the most dangerous drivers.”