OBSERVE SPEED LIMITS – WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership is urging motorists to pay particular attention to their speeds during poor weather conditions after recent enforcement recorded speeds of more than 100mph in heavy rain.

Mobile camera enforcement on the M4 (between J34 and J35) during the torrential rain last Thursday recorded six motorists driving at more than 100mph with a top speed of 116mph.

Figures for enforcement on the A470 during heavy fog showed 117 motorists driving at more than 50mph and 15 motorists recorded at more than 60mph despite a restricted speed limit of 40mph through the roadworks. A top speed of 67mph was recorded which results in an automatic court appearance for the driver*. On the same day on the M4 (between J34 and J35), 11 motorists were recorded driving at more than 90mph in heavy fog with limited visibility. Mobile camera operators recorded a top speed of 94mph.

John Rowling, project manager for Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for static and mobile speed camera enforcement in the South Wales, Dyfed Powys and Gwent police force areas, warned that driving at high speeds in poor weather conditions is a recipe for disaster. “In adverse weather, it is vital that motorists drive at a speed which is not only legal but appropriate for the conditions.

“Rain causes reduced visibility, particularly when there is spray from other vehicles, and hitting pools of water at speed can cause motorists to lose control. Fog can substantially reduce visibility and even winter sun is an underestimated hazard.

“Some of the speeds we witnessed during recent enforcement in adverse weather conditions were shocking. Motorists are putting themselves and other innocent people in danger and driving within the speed limit will help minimise the risk of a collision.

“With more bad weather forecast for Wales this week, we are urging motorists to take extra care when driving and reduce their speed.”

*motorists recorded driving at 27mph or more over the speed limit have their cases dealt with automatically by the Magistrates Court.