Staff from the Welsh fire service are working with the police to educate motorists on the upcoming 20mph default speed limit.

Wales will introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads on 17 September 2023

On 17 September, Wales will become the first UK nation to introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads. The move follows trials and is expected to help to save lives and encourage a switch to more sustainable and active travel choices.

To prepare motorists for this significant change, the Welsh Government and the police are working with the fire service, Go Safe (Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership), local authorities and other community groups to educate motorists.

Fire service staff are stationed at roadsides across Wales, stopping speeding motorists in 20mph areas and giving them the chance to watch an educational video rather than face a fine.

Only offered to motorists not driving drastically over the speed limit, the video warns about the dangers of excessive speeds and highlights the benefits of slower speed.

Gwent Police superintendent Leanne Brustad said: “Engagement, education, and enforcement plays a huge part in the rollout.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to educate drivers as much as possible as the new speed limit comes into force and help deliver all of the benefits of this policy.”

Richie Smart, group manager at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our fire fighters see the devastating impacts that road traffic collisions, including those in built-up areas where people and vehicles mix closely, can have. We are therefore pleased to support our partners to raise awareness of the importance of speed limits to keep everyone safe.”