Number of drivers fined after falling foul of 20mph limits surges to 500,000

Almost half a million speeding tickets were issued for drivers caught breaking the limit on 20mph roads last year.

Police across the UK handed out 488,599 tickets for exceeding 20mph in 2024 — two thirds more than in the previous 12 months. 

In 2023, the figure for breaking all limits was 2.71million.

Nearly a third of urban roads in Britain have a 20mph limit, according to Insight Warehouse, which analyses transport data, with 19.1million Britons thought to live in such neighbourhoods. 

More than 90 per cent of urban roads in Wales are set at 20mph, whereas fewer than 10 per cent are in the West Midlands.

However, a review of the Welsh Government’s speed limits led to four busy roads in Cardiff reverting back to 30mph.

Drivers caught speeding face at least a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence, or the option of attending a three-hour speed-awareness course which costs up to £120. 

Almost two million drivers attended the courses last year – the most in a decade.

Nearly a third of urban roads in Britain have a 20mph limit, according to Insight Warehouse, which analyses transport data, with 19.1million Britons thought to live in such neighbourhoods 

Brian Gregory, policy director at the Alliance of British Drivers, said moves to bring in 20mph speed limits on more roads was ‘ideologically driven’, adding: ‘We need a reset. 

‘Originally, road safety was done through education and engineering, with enforcement as a backstop. 

‘Now it’s the first point of call.

‘Have 30mph as default and set speed limits scientifically, not based on emotion, distortion and extortion.’