The major law change drivers need to know when visiting Wales

If you’re heading to Wales for a holiday or a day trip anytime soon, you’ll need to be aware that the law on the default speed limit on restricted roads has changed. Speed limits in built-up areas have now dropped from 30mph to 20mph and the law came into effect on Sunday.

Wales is the first country in the UK to make the change, which has caused some controversy. The Welsh Government said that the move would make roads safe and would save lives.

However many people have opposed the move, and there was even a last minute attempt to get the policy thrown out, which failed in the Welsh Parliament only days before it was due to be introduced, Wales Online reports. The speed limit not only affects residents, but also visitors to Wales.

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If you’re driving in and around Wales, here’s what you need to know about the law change. It includes if fines will be imposed and how you’ll know which roads are impacted by the change.

No – it will affect most 30mph roads but not all. The official definition is that it is for restricted roads.

There is no definitive definition but restricted roads are usually located in residential and built-up areas where there are lots of people. They often have street lights placed no more than 200 yards apart on them. Not all 30mph roads are restricted roads and those remaining as 30mph will be signposted.

Latest data shows currently 37% of Welsh roads are 30mph but that will drop to 3%.

It is up to councils to decide the roads which will be exempt from the change and maps of all the roads affected