Cardiff Traffic Calming - 20mph Zones & Speed Bumps

Transportation Wales 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

In Cardiff, Wales, residents can ask the council to assess streets for traffic calming measures such as 20mph limits or speed bumps. This guide explains how requests are considered, which authorities enforce limits, typical outcomes, and practical steps to apply, appeal or report ongoing problems. It summarises official sources and forms where published and gives clear action steps for homeowners, residents associations and councillors seeking safer streets.

How traffic calming requests are considered

Cardiff Council assesses requests based on collision data, traffic speed surveys, pedestrian activity and network priorities. Local councillors and community groups often start a request; the council may add schemes to its delivery programme subject to funding and prioritisation. For background on Cardiff Council policy and existing 20mph programmes see the council guidance page Cardiff Council - 20mph speed limits[1].

Start with a clear description of the location and safety concerns when you contact the council.
  • Priority and timetables depend on council programmes and available capital funding.
  • Assessments use collision and speed survey data over defined periods.
  • Requests can be submitted by residents, community councils or councillors.
  • Physical measures considered include speed cushions, raised tables, chicanes and signing.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of speed limits in Cardiff is carried out by the police; Cardiff Council implements engineering measures and signage but does not issue speeding fines. Specific monetary penalties for speeding are not specified on the Cardiff Council pages cited here; see national and police pages for penalty details and enforcement policy Welsh Government 20mph guidance[2].

Engineering schemes do not remove police enforcement responsibilities for moving offences.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Cardiff Council page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences are enforced by police; escalation details are not specified on the cited council pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: police may issue notices, endorse licence points or take court action; specific procedures are not specified on the council pages.
  • Enforcer: South Wales Police for moving offences; Cardiff Council Highways for signage and physical works.
  • Inspection and complaints: use the council report pages or contact the highways team to request assessments or to report damaged signs.
  • Appeal/review: appeals against enforcement penalties follow police/court procedures; time limits and routes for appeals are not specified on the Cardiff Council pages.
  • Defences/discretion: enforcement officers exercise discretion (e.g., reasonable excuse); permitting exemptions for works or events are managed via council permits.

Applications & Forms

Cardiff Council publishes guidance on 20mph projects and tells residents how to request assessments, but a dedicated universal traffic-calming application form is not clearly published on the council pages cited. To report a problem or request an assessment, residents should use the council reporting/contact pages listed in Help and Support below or the council's road reporting service Report a problem on the road[3]. The cited pages do not list a published fee for a request form.

If your street is part of a planned programme, individual requests may be held until the scheme is designed or funded.

Action steps

  • Document the problem: collate dates, times, photos, and any collision records.
  • Contact your local councillor and highways team to register the problem and request a survey.
  • Request or review relevant speed survey and collision data from the council.
  • Work with neighbours to collect petitions or evidence; community support can influence prioritisation.
  • If urgent safety issues exist, report them as a defect or obstruction via the council’s road reporting service.

FAQ

How do I request a 20mph limit or speed bumps on my street?
Contact Cardiff Council highways to request an assessment and provide evidence such as speeds, collisions and community support; use the council report pages listed below.
Who enforces 20mph limits in Cardiff?
Moving traffic enforcement, including speeding, is carried out by South Wales Police; the council installs signs and traffic-calming measures.
Is there a fee to request traffic calming?
The cited Cardiff Council pages do not specify a fee for submitting a request or assessment.

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: record locations, times, photos and any near-misses or collisions.
  2. Contact Cardiff Council highways with your details and ask for a site assessment.
  3. Ask the council for current speed survey data and projected timescales for any programme inclusion.
  4. If enforcement is needed, report incidents to South Wales Police and request targeted enforcement.
  5. If the council refuses action, request the decision in writing and ask your councillor to pursue prioritisation.

Key Takeaways

  • Cardiff Council assesses requests against data and funding priorities.
  • Police enforce speed limits; council provides engineering and signage.
  • Start with the council reporting pages and involve your local councillor.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Cardiff 20mph speed limits information
  2. [2] Welsh Government 20mph default speed limit guidance
  3. [3] City of Cardiff report a problem on the road

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