Tractors have joined the list of vehicles falling foul of Wales’ new 20mph speed limits, with 18 farm machines caught exceeding the limit in North Wales over the past year, newly released data shows.

The figures, released following a Freedom of Information request by Select Car Leasing, show that speeding agricultural vehicles were clocked at up to 32mph in 20mph zones.

The worst offender – a New Holland tractor – was clocked at 32mph on the A548 in Flintshire in June 2024.

Others included a Massey Ferguson doing 31mph on the A5104, also in Flintshire.

See also: New safety campaign urges farmers to ‘Stay Safe’

Tractor drivers caught speeding received penalties ranging from warning letters to speed awareness courses, fixed penalties, or prosecution.

South Wales Police also recorded two speeding tractor offences, with speeds of 26mph and 27mph in 20mph areas.

Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, urged farmers and contractors to take extra care as harvest season approaches.

“When driving tractors or combines on the road, farmers must prioritise both their own safety and that of the public,” she said.

“Always comply with speed limits, ensure your mobile phone is on hands-free or Bluetooth, and be aware of your surroundings.

“If you’re holding up traffic, recognise when it’s appropriate to pull over and let other vehicles pass.

“And remember, when you’re in a large tractor with a trailer, it can feel like you’re going faster than you actually are – so stay alert and drive safely.”

Lost income

Gareth Wyn Jones, a sheep and beef farmer from Llanfairfechan, Conwy, said he understood the need for safer roads, but he warned that the 20mph limit is costing rural businesses dearly with delays.

“It’s fine outside schools or hospitals, but not necessary in many areas,” he said.

“We hit 20mph limits five or 10 times in a single journey.

“Time is money – and it’s coming out of our pockets, not theirs [Welsh government’s].”

The Welsh government introduced a 20mph national speed limit on most 30mph roads in September 2023, with enforcement starting in January 2024.

Nearly 6,000 drivers were fined in April alone.

While controversial, the Welsh government says the policy has been linked to a drop in road collisions.