Organisations and campaign groups have called on motorists to consider other road users while using roads during the coronavirus lockdown.
The calls follow a 50% decrease in the number of vehicles using Welsh roads.
Despite the decrease in usage, GoSafe, a partnership between Wales’ local authorities and police forces, has reported an increase in the number of vehicles exceeding speed limits.
Teresa Ciano, GoSafe partnership manager, said: “It’s true that we are seeing more vehicles exceeding the speed limit to a higher extent.
“Clearly, this irresponsible and risky driving is putting our key workers at risk along with members of the public who are making essential journeys to assist loved ones, attend work and keep the country going during the international crisis.
“Now, more than ever, it is essential that we ensure we don’t see an increase in collisions or injuries.
“Any collision now would place an additional burden on the NHS to deal with casualties, the police to investigate and manage the collision as well as causing unnecessary grief to families at a time when many families find themselves separated for their own health and safety.
“The world may have changed, but the speed limit and traffic laws remain the same.”
Cycling organisations and charities have also reported an increase in the number of cyclists on Welsh roads, with people using roads they may not have previously, including A-roads.
Sustainable transport charity, Sustrans Cymru, said they have seen a shift in the nature of road use in south Wales.
Ryland Jones, interim deputy director of Sustrans Cymru, told Caerphilly Observer: “There has been a noticeable shift in road usage during lockdown. The decrease in traffic volume, in the most part, has led to a quieter and safer environment for people to walk and cycle.
“By simply looking at the roads in our communities, we can see more people are choosing to cycle, people who perhaps would not have done so before.
Sustrans have also called on the Welsh Government to provide greater support to local authorities in a bid to make cycling safer during the lockdown.
Mr Jones added: “Cycling helps maintain physical distancing and is a reliable way to travel for those needing to make essential journeys.
“However, social distancing advice highlights the lack of safe space in some areas to allow people to make essential trips and exercise in the safest possible way.
“We are therefore calling on Welsh Government to support and facilitate local authorities’ attempts to install temporary infrastructure during the coronavirus lockdown.”
[asp_product id=”984702″]