READERS have been sharing their views on the 20mph speed limits in Wales.

The majority of residential roads throughout Wales changed from being 30mph to 20mph last September.

This was, according to the Welsh Government, to help 'save lives'.

But, the move has been heavily criticised by members of the public, politicians and more since it was introduced.

An 'engagement process' was launched in January of this year between North Wales Police, GoSafe and other relevant authorities to ensure drivers were sticking to the new limit.

Since then, thousands of drivers have been caught exceeding the speed limit.

From September, councils can apply for funding to revert roads back to 30mph.

But, many of North Wales' residents remain unhappy about the change as we approach its one-year anniversary.

Over 650 of you got in touch with us this week to give your thoughts on the speed limit.

Here are some of the answers we received:

Gaynor Marie Jones said: "Absolutely ridiculous unless by schools. Most cars having to drive around in third gear which uses more fuel. Motorists now ignoring it and driving at 30mph again."

David Jones added: "Made Wales a laughing stock. A place to be avoided for pleasure and especially business. Country in the slow lane. Brought in by people who don't drive. Get chauffeured around. Makes not a scrap of financial cost whether they are on time or late. An absolute travesty."

Noy John added: "If anything it's more dangerous. It's such a low speed to maintain that most people will need to be fixated on the speedometer, and not the road."

Phil Gardner told us: "I have driven through Europe they have 30kph zones they are short and around school or village centres. A lot of people I know avoid going into Wales especially to shop in town."

David France said: "Welsh roads are a joke."

Michael Griffiths added: "My experience of 20mph is that drivers take more risks at roundabouts, overtaking in 20mph, beeping drivers if behind a vehicle doing 20. It is causing more problems than solving."

Joan Yunsi said: "I find it dangerous as not all abide by it, I'm constantly looking at speedometer, cars too close behind me and can't pay enough attention to people walking out in front of me or pot holes, I can't get out of second gear it's killing my car and my nerves."

(Image: PA) PIC: Drivers across Wales have been left frustrated by the 20mph speed limits.

Jeff Adams said: "Must be having an impact on tourism in Wales too. I've spoken to so many people from outside of Wales who have said they can't be bothered visiting no more because it's frustrating to drive at 20mph everywhere."

Others, like David Ford, are still in favour of the 20mph speed limits.

He said: "Huge improvement to life and knowing vehicles could stop and not kill a child is gratifying."

Andrew Jones says he believed the change has resulted in 'calmer villages and safer pedestrians' across Wales.

Graham Hines added: "Felt much safer cycling around. But needs enforcing, you cannot be sure whether to expect drivers coming past at 20 or 30 currently which can be dangerous when joining the road."

Mike Ritchie added: "Working perfectly fine for me, no problems."