THE NUMBER of motorists caught speeding in North Wales in July compared to June jumped by nearly 500 per cent. 

Figures issued by GoSafe revealed that 5,199 motorists were caught exceeding the controversial speed limit on North Wales roads in July. 

The average offence speed was 28.8mph, with the highest recorded being 88mph. 

Across South and Mid Wales, a total of 6,002 motorists were caught speeding - at an average speed of 28.4mph. 

Each month, the number of motorists caught speeding in 20mph areas in North Wales has increased.

In March, there were just eight motorists caught exceeding the limit, which grew to 251 in April, 636 in May, 892 in June and over 5,000 last month.

It means that just shy of 7,000 motorists have been caught speeding in 20mph areas in the region since March. 

A GoSafe spokesperson said: "It’s worth noting that the number of offences detected is not equal to the amount of people that received fines. The data is only for the number of offences. These offences may conclude in educational courses, points and a fine, court referrals or exemptions.

"We do not include a breakdown of the conclusions as notices have six months to be resolved and could be resolved at any point within that period."

Last month, the Welsh Government published new guidance on 20mph for local authorities to follow in order to make more exemptions to the speed limit. 

In April, Welsh Government’s transport secretary, Ken Skates MS, outlined plans for “targeted change” to the 20mph limit, which involved consulting with councils on where changes may be suitable.

Mr Skates wrote to councils in Wales seeking its representatives’ views on the 20mph limit, which was implemented on many Welsh residential roads last September.

County councils have been holding consultation periods, where residents can suggest 20mph roads which they feel should have their speed limit changed.