St John's Lane: Thousands of drivers fined as speed limit changes

By Victoria Summers

Independent Investigative Reporter

Following the replacement of the speed limit on a Bristol road with new signs, more than 2,000 drivers were fined for speeding, with one driver criticizing the “tiny” signs.

Records from a freedom of information request indicate that 2,088 speeding violations occurred on St John’s Lane near the Brunel Pub shortly after the speed limit was reduced from 30mph to 20mph in October 2024.

An impacted driver has urged the council to improve signage for clarity.

Bristol City Council has affirmed that the new signs adhere to government regulations.

Expressing concern, a local driver who preferred to remain anonymous stated, “It’s a significant inconvenience for individuals who are fined or obligated to undergo speed awareness courses, rather than having visible signage that could promptly reduce excessive speeds.

“When I was caught exceeding the speed limit at 30mph, I was unaware of the change because it was dark, the speed limit repeater signs are small, and they are only placed on the far side of the road when traveling west,” the driver added.

“It is essential for changes in road regulations to be clearly communicated, rather than expecting individuals to play a game of ‘spot the missing road sign’.”

St John’s Lane runs parallel to Windmill Hill, linking the A37 Wells Road with the A38, two primary arteries in the southern part of Bristol.

Motorists caught exceeding the speed limit face a £100 penalty, with the option of attending a £90, three-hour speed awareness course to avoid accruing points on their driving license.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, there were 440 violations recorded in October 2024 following the initiation of enforcement for the new 20mph limit, followed by 1,648 infractions in November of that year.

This contrasts with 34 violations in October of the previous year, 27 in November 2023, and 24 in September 2023.

A police representative emphasized that the responsibility for speed limit signs lies with the council.

The council maintains that the signage adheres to government standards and that the road segment falls within existing 20mph zones.

Councilor Ed Plowden, head of the transport committee, assured that the signs are compliant with Department for Transport directives and laws.

“Extending the 20mph speed limit from Malago Road to St John’s Lane and Bedminster Road was done to enhance safety and connect all existing 20mph speed limits in the vicinity,” he remarked.