Bristolians slam new 'tiny' 20mph signs- "31 in a 20 is threatening six points and £1000. An absolute joke!"

The limit on St John's Lane in Bristol was dropped from 30mph to 20mph in October 2024 - with new signs put up.

The previous October there were 34 offences and 27 offences in November 2023.

But there were 440 offence recorded in October last year - followed by 1,648 offences the following November.

The figures were obtained freedom of information (FOI) request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Locals claim drivers are being caught out - by 'tiny' speed limit signs.

The Bedminster road, connects the A37 Wells Road with the A38.

Drivers caught speeding are handed a £100 fine, with some given the option of going on a speed awareness course to avoid points.

Drivers have been posting their thoughts online - warning others to 'watch out' for the 'really small' signs.

Someone wrote: "31 in a 20 threatening six points and £1000. Been driving that road for the last 10 years. Absolute joke!

"Let me know if anyone has any luck appealing."

Another motorist said: "Literally just drove along St Johns lane and got flashed, it flashed twice so also got the car on the other side too.

"I always thought that was a 30!

"Disgusting that there is no visible 20mph speed limit sign with lighting.

"How is anybody that hasn't drove down that road in a long time especially at night going to know it's now a 20.

"I will be contesting this."

One driver told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: " I had no inkling they'd changed the speed limit because it was dark, the speed limit repeater signs are tiny and they're only on the far side of the road when heading west.''

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Police say the council is responsible for speed signs. The council said the signs comply with official rules.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, told the BBC the signs are compliant with Department for Transport guidance and legislation.

He said: "The 20mph speed limit on Malago Road was extended into St John's Lane and Bedminster Road to improve safety and joins up all existing 20mph speed limits in the area,."

But he said he has asked Avon and Somerset Police to review the current enforcement of the road.

But motorists are criticising the council for the 'really small' signs with 'no road markings'.

Someone said they "do not feel like the speed limit has been fairly communicated".

Another wrote: "I'm gonna try and contest mine regardless and just kick up a fuss about how [thousands] of us have been caught for the same thing when they changed it without warning and it's not fair!"

One motorist, who has lived by the road for nearly ten years, said: "I’ve just received a ticket for doing 28mph a few days ago.

"I’ve lived around the corner for eight years and use the turning out of windmill hill onto St John’s lane where it’s been 30mph the whole time.

"I didn’t see the tiny 20’s on the lamp posts or even if I did subconsciously assumed that wasn’t for St John’s lane.

"Zero communication, no road markings, no decently sized sign (especially if you’re turning out of windmill hill rather than driving along at johns lane) I’m going to dispute it and willing go to court over it - unfair."

The council have stated that there are 20mph speed limit reminder signs on every lamp post between the end of the old 20mph section and the speed camera - which has a 20mph reminder.

They also added that in total, traffic on St John's Lane is about 10,000 vehicles a day on average, meaning 1,600 fines in a month would only represent 0.5 per cent of motorists.