Welsh Magistrate Quits Over ‘Ill Thought’ Speed Limit Legislation

Nick Colbourne suggested that the 20 mph limit outside schools was acceptable, but a blanket coverage across Wales ‘was not the answer.’

A vandalised 20 mph sign on Sloper Road in Cardiff, Wales, on Sept. 23, 2023. A default 20 mph speed limit has been introduced on restricted roads across Wales. Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

A Welsh magistrate has resigned because he was unwilling to punish motorists for breaking the national 20 mph speed limit.

Nick Colbourne, who served as a magistrate in Mold and Wrexham Law Courts in Wales for 18 years, said he felt “uneasy” about imposing a £100 fine on drivers doing 24 or 25 mph. Drivers may have to foot a larger bill if court costs and victim surcharges are added to the fine.