The new 20mph speed limit for all built-up areas across Wales came into force on Sunday 17 September 2023.

All roads with lamp-posts no more than 200 yards apart have had their speed limit reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

The Welsh Government has introduced the change to help reduce deaths and injuries from traffic accidents, and to encourage people to walk or cycle. While the rollout of the 20mph limit will cost the government over £30million, studies suggest it should save the NHS and emergency services around £90million per year.

While the speed limit reduction is supported by the UN, road safety organisations and environmental groups there has been considerable opposition to the move. There is likely to be a significant negative impact on some business sectors such as couriers and other delivery companies.

Some research estimates that the new speed law will have an economic cost of £4.5billion over 30 years.

Around a third of Wales’ 22,000 miles of road will be affected by the new speed limit law.

The Welsh Government has produced an online interactive map to show which roads are affected by the changes.

Local authorities have been allowed to apply for exceptions to the 20mph limit for roads which they can show will be safe at the 30mph limit.

The government’s map show that both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils have applied for exceptions on some stretches of road around Lampeter, Llangybi, Llangeitho, Llanybydder and Tregaron.

Ceredigion County Council have also produced a map to show the speed changes for roads across the county.

These exceptions and initial lack of awareness of the change are likely to lead to considerable confusion for drivers.

Anyone caught doing more than 20mph on a restricted road can potentially be fined a maximum of £100 and get three penalty points.

Police however have said that for the first 12 months the focus will be on education rather than penalties.

Anyone stopped by police will be spoken to about the dangers and risks of speeding and not fined if they engage with the police.

However all drivers caught by a fixed speed camera will be fined.

The new speed limit has been enacted by a change to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Bicycles are not covered by the speed limits in the Act.