Guidance on 20mph rules welcomed

16 Oct 2013 at 10:18

A road safety charity has welcomed guidance clarifying the police position on enforcement of 20mph speed limits.

Guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers says there should be routine enforcement in all clearly posted 20mph areas. This should include targeted enforcement in areas where there are patterns of deliberate offending.

It continues that motorists caught driving at up to 34 mph in a 20mph face a £100 fine and three points on their licence. If caught speeding at 35mph or more, drivers face being reported to the courts.

Motorists speeding at 24 to 31mph in 20mph areas will be offered the option of attending a speeding awareness course, in lieu of penalty points and thereby less likely to increase their car insurance premiums.

Brake chief executive Julie Townsend said: "This guidance is timely and important. As more and more local authorities introduce widespread 20mph limits, it is critical to get the message across to the driving public that breaking these limits is an offence and will be prosecuted.

"We welcome tailored 20mph speed awareness courses, which will deliver education to drivers who risk the safety of vulnerable road users by ignoring 20mph limits. This guidance supports work by community campaigners, local authorities and government to increase the use of 20mph limits in built-up areas, to protect people on foot and bike, make our communities safer, more pleasant places, and encourage greater levels of walking and cycling."

Copyright Press Association 2013