Operation Ugain
On 8 January 2024, ‘Operation Ugain’ was launched to deliver roadside engagement across Wales. It has played a significant role in embedding compliance with the 20mph speed limit, improving road safety. GoSafe, Welsh Police Forces, and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services, have focused on engaging with communities in areas where the speed limit has changed from 30mph to 20mph. The aim is to help drivers adjust to the change.
Operation Ugain uses speed monitoring equipment to identify people travelling over the speed limit before police officers stop the vehicle and give the driver a choice between roadside engagement or points and a fine. While drivers will be offered the free engagement as an alternative, they can refuse, which will then result in prosecution. For those exceeding the speed limit to a greater degree, they will not be eligible for an engagement session and will either be dealt with by way of a conditional offer of fixed penalty notice or prosecuted.
If drivers choose the engagement, The Welsh Fire and Rescue Services will deliver a free presentation that lasts approximately 10 minutes. It aims to inform people on the change in default speed limit, the reasons behind the change, and how they can identify the roads it applies to.
Results show positive trends in both compliance and road safety outcomes, so the Welsh Government has decided to continue funding this Operation and widen it to cover the five main contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions, known as the 'Fatal Five'.
Ian Bradfield, principal policy lead for roads and road safety, Welsh Government
Ian Bradfield is a chartered engineer with a Masters degree in Highway Engineering, who has worked in highways and transportation for nearly 40 years.
His current role is principal policy lead for roads and road safety for Welsh Government, developing and implementing roads policies on behalf of Welsh Ministers, such as the national default 20 mph speed limit, pavement parking and a new road safety strategy for Wales.
Previously he managed the Task Force set up at the Minister’s request to undertake a review into un-adopted roads in Wales and have also been part of the trunk roads team, working as the Development Control and Standards Manager, and the Network Manager for North and Mid Wales.
Prior to working for the Welsh Government, Ian worked for various local authorities with roles in traffic, transport planning and highway maintenance. He has also worked for consultants on major road projects throughout the UK including the M25, M4 and A55.
Outside work he actively promotes the engineering profession and between 2002-2004 was president of the Institute of Highway Engineers.
Chief Insp Gareth Morgan, Head of Go Safe Safety Camera Partnership
Bio to follow...