AN MS IS WARNING motorists not to pick up an unwanted Christmas present this month.

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales and a harsh critic of the 20mph speed limit change, is urging drivers to be aware of speed restrictions now that enforcement has officially started. 

From Sunday, December 17, drivers can be fined and prosecuted for exceeding the 20mph speed limits.

Mr Rowlands said: "Everybody knows that I am still totally against this ridiculous 20mph speed limit except outside schools and hospitals and where it is needed but with Christmas fast approaching it is worth reminding people to watch their speed.

“From this month (December 17), the default, 20mph speed limit is being actively enforced and motorists risk being fined and given points on their licences if exceeding the speed limit.

“All this is going ahead despite clear opposition to the introduction of 20mph move with almost 470,000 people signing a petition against the crazy idea. We even had a magistrate resigning in Wrexham because he did not feel he could fine people for speeding in 20mph areas.

“Even now local councils in North Wales are currently looking to change back some roads to 30mph which, although welcome,  is quite unbelievable and totally confusing for motorists.

“Meanwhile the 20mph fiasco continues and some people are driving at ridiculously low speeds in 20mph areas causing long tailbacks on roads which have never been affected before.

“Many of my constituents don’t understand why Mark Drakeford and his Labour colleagues are spending vast sums of money on implementing the new speed limit instead of using this funding to help people waiting for NHS treatment, or tackling many of our potholed roads. 

“The whole thing is a complete farce and as usual it is the people going about their daily lives who will suffer.”

As of September, the majority of residential roads throughout Wales changed from 30mph to 20mph.

The Welsh Government claims that the change will 'help save lives' but the move has been met with unprecedented backlash from residents, with more than 460,000 people signing a petition in opposition.

In October, deputy climate change minister, Lee Waters MS, said that the "grace period" for the 20mph speed limits was coming to an end and confirmed that enforcement was to begin on December 17.

RELATED STORIES

GoSafe said there has been "no change" in the amount of enforcement they provide but added that there would be an "increase in roadside engagement".

They say they will "work closely" with partners across Wales to "engage with communities" following the legislative change.

People caught speeding significantly over 20mph, as with any other speed limit, will risk a fine and points on their licence.

The money generated by 20mph speeding fines, as with all speeding fines, is directed to HM Treasury.