Wrexham magistrate quits rather than enforce 20mph law

A magistrate has stepped down because he does not agree with Wales' new 20mph speed limit.

Former police officer Nick Colbourne quit after 18 years in the role, declaring he would not punish motorists over a law he deemed unfair.

The 66-year-old felt "uneasy" about hitting drivers with a £100 fine, penalty points and court costs for breaking the limit.

The former Wrexham councillor said: "I'm not going to do it."

Mr Colbourne expressed concern for those who repeatedly broke the law.

"If you get 12 points, you're looking at a six-month ban under the totting up scheme," he said.

"We all accept 20mph outside schools, but I don't think blanket coverage across Wales was the answer."

Welsh Labour ministers have previously disputed the suggestion the new limit is a "blanket" policy.

"If an idiot is going to drive through somewhere at say 60mph, they're going to do it whether the limit is 20 or 30," said Mr Colbourne, who served in Mold and Wrexham courts.

He also took issue with speed limits being imposed to reduce pollution, citing a court case he presided over where an electric vehicle driver was fined.

"If you're in an electric vehicle, how are you creating any more pollution?" Mr Colbourne said.

The Welsh government said the change was saving lives and making communities safer.

"We continue to work closely with emergency services and other agencies to engage with drivers about the benefits of slower speeds," a spokeswoman said.