A CAMPAIGN to enforce 20mph speed limits outside schools has recorded 222 offences in its first few days.

The GoSafe campaign began on Monday and, for a two-week period, will be enforcing limits outside schools across Wales.

GoSafe aims to reduce the number of casualties on Welsh roads and conducts regular campaigns in 20mph zones.

The campaign is supported by partner agencies including Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire Service.

Chris Hume, partnership manager at GoSafe, said: “Our continued focus on 20mph limits around schools is part of our commitment to safer communities, and to protect the most vulnerable road users - our children. The 20 mph speed limits are a routine part of everyday driving now, but we still see flagrant discard of those limits, particularly at key times such as when children are going to and from schools.”

Also lending his support to the campaign was one of Britain’s best known and most successful rally co-drivers, Nicky Grist.

He said: “The lives that we all lead today just seem to get busier and faster, but regardless of the pace of modern day life it is absolutely essential that we don’t take risks on the open public road. I’ve lived life on the edge during my motorsport career, but nothing scares me more than motorists who speed and don’t pay enough attention behind the steering wheel.

"It’s essential that we all slow down and adhere to speed limits, especially around schools – and that’s why I’m delighted to support the ’20mph Rule Outside Schools’ campaign. It’s a very worthy, and potentially life-saving, cause that we should all champion.”

PS Ian Price, the officer in charge of the two-week campaign, said: “There remain a number of motorists who choose to ignore 20mph speed limits and some believe the myth that GoSafe and the police cannot enforce within a 20mph limit.

"There is a particular need to dispel this myth especially within the vicinity of schools.

"During this two-week campaign you will see speed reduction officers and police officers across Wales providing reassurance to schools and their communities in being visible at key times of the day. I ask that the public support this campaign and help make our roads safer.”

Susan Storch, chair of Road Safety Wales, said: "Children are potentially among the most vulnerable road users because of their age and lack of experience in certain situations.

“Reducing speeds outside schools will encourage children to walk and cycle to school, reduce congestion and improve the residential environment. Working with our partners in GoSafe we want to remind drivers and riders that lower speeds provide a safer road environment."

After two days of the campaign GoSafe visited 23 schools and recorded 222 offences. The highest speed recorded to date is 38mph.