One year ago today, readers got in touch to share their views as it was announced that more than 450 people exceeded the 20mph speed limit in Wales the previous month.
The Welsh Government implemented the reduced speed limit on the majority of residential roads in September 2023, aiming to "save lives."
However, the decision faced significant backlash from the public and politicians.
An 'engagement process' was initiated in January 2024 between North Wales Police, GoSafe, and other authorities to monitor compliance with the new regulations.
In January last year, 272 out of 10,000 monitored drivers were found to be speeding, resulting in two prosecutions.
This number surged in February 2024, with 460 out of 14,874 vehicles exceeding the limit, leading to seven prosecutions, according to GoSafe.
Some drivers opted for 'engagement sessions' to avoid prosecution.
Leader readers expressed their views on the speed limit.
Sian Thomas said: "Its like being in a covid bubble again.
"I'd say majority of road users are not abiding to it."
"20 is fine near schools and certain streets but on a main road such as Wrexham Road, if someone's sticking to the 20 limit and under then its like a domino effect and it makes the majority of road users very naggy."
Marty O'Sutton remarked: "I pop over the border in to Wales regularly and in my experience, hardly anyone is driving at 20 mph.
"They might as well send prosecution notices to every driver in Wales as a pre-emptive measure because they’re all going to break the limit sooner or later.
"And then we have the roadside indoctrination! Chat to us and agree with us or we’ll prosecute you!"
Darren Robert added: "If people actually drive at 20 it would be acceptable however the vast majority are doing 16 mph when they are being obedient."
Glyn Jelley wrote: "Fastest part of any journey in Flintshire at the moment, is pulling onto your driveway.
"Snails everywhere, even in a 60."
Adam Williams said: "Driving in Wales now is a very unpleasant experience but at least doing 20 you can spot all the potholes."
Mark Platt said: "Imagine it's 1970 and you watch a Sci fi film about the year 2024 with flying cars jet packs, travelling around the world just by the power of your mind.
"Then 2024 arrives and you get prosecuted for doing over 20mph!"
Kim Davies was on the other side of the fence.
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She said: "If you don’t stick to the limit then you pay the price.
"And it’s extremely naïve to blame (Mark) Drakeford for it.
"He wasn’t a dictator. If people drove the right speed in other areas such as 40 and 60 that would be a massive help.
"That is where the problem is."
John Holiday added: "They (the Welsh Government) did what they considered best for the wider community, not just the supposed requirement of a few noisy and selfish drivers."
This story was first reported on by Arron Evans on March 31, 2024.
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