FOI 864/25

Request

1. Does South Wales Police follow the NPCC guidelines on speed enforcement, specifically the "10% plus 2 mph" threshold, when determining whether to take enforcement action (such as issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice or activating a speed camera)?
2. If your force uses a different enforcement threshold, could you please provide details of that policy?
3. Do these thresholds apply to mobile speed enforcement units, static speed cameras, and average speed cameras equally?
4. Are officers and enforcement units given discretion to enforce the limit at any speed over the posted limit, regardless of thresholds?

Response

We have consulted with our Central Ticket Office and Roads Policing Unit who have provided the following information in relation to your request.

Question 1

Yes, with the exception of 20mph, NPCC suggest a tolerance of 10 % + 1 with enforcement taking place at 10 % + 2 of the speed limit.

Prior to enforcement after the default speed limit changed in Wales to 20 mph on the 17th September 2023, a decision was taken between Welsh Government, Chief Officers and the Head of GoSafe at that time that enforcement would start at 26mph.

Question 2

Not applicable in respect of safety cameras.

Question 3

Yes

Question 4

The thresholds provide guidance, but it is down to the officer regarding what action they take.