Increasing numbers of drivers in the Midlands are being hit with fines and penalty points for speeding at under 30mph, as 20mph zones become more widespread across towns and cities. Motorists are being caught out on roads where traffic is being slowed down, and the trend shows no sign of reversing.
More 20mph zones mean more punishments
Twenty zones are becoming increasingly common in urban areas, and this serves as a warning to motorists to always look out for signage and be aware of how fast they are going. Some drivers who have received speeding tickets may have been unaware they were going too fast, while others were likely just ignoring the lower speed limits.
According to a BirminghamLive investigation, the more 20mph zones there are, the more drivers who are going to be punished for speeding. On most residential roads, motorists might expect the speed limit to be 30mph, but they should never assume this is the case.
Where 20mph zones are found
Twenty zones are more likely to be found near schools and in cramped residential streets. However, local authorities are increasingly cutting speeds on wider, busier roads too, so it is crucial for drivers to be alert and check for signs.
The investigation revealed how a dangerous driver was caught doing 46mph in a 20mph stretch along Vincent Drive, near Queen Elizabeth Hospital, more than double the speed limit. This was the worst example of speeding in a 20mph zone this year.
Data shows under-30mph offences
But others have also been punished for doing under 30mph in 20 zones. Data obtained from West Midlands Police showed there were 59 speeding offences recorded between 20mph and 29mph last year. Officers may run special speeding operations on these roads at certain times, using speed camera vans.
Twenty zones have proved divisive. Many drivers complain they are too slow, and while traffic is usually slowed for safety reasons, there have been complaints of 20 zones being overused unnecessarily.
Future of 20mph roads
Despite the controversy, 20mph roads are only likely to become more common. The Government is set to update its guidance to local authorities around setting speed limits, which could result in more slower roads.
