Some roads could go back to 30mph by end of year
| Published date | 24 April 2024 |
| Publication title | Daily Post - North Wales Edition (Wales) |
The Welsh Conservatives labelled the changes as a "sham" and insisted the 20mph default speed limit remains firmly in place across Wales. Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar said talk of widespread change was "just a comms exercise" designed to appease voters.
However, it has emerged that some roads could revert to 30mph by the end of the year. North Wales is expected to see the biggest change too.
Mr Skates yesterday told the Senedd that revised guidance for 20mph exceptions will be published this summer. This, said the minister, will allow for local authorities to "better target 20mph on appropriate roads" from September.
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He said: "Ultimately, the degree of change in each of our 22 local authority areas will not be determined by me and the Welsh Government, but by the public and councils as the highway authority for most residential roads. The Welsh Government continues to believe that 20mph is the right speed limit in places such as near schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centres, play areas and in builtup residential areas. This is particularly the case when children and vulnerable people are in close contact with traffic."
Mr Skates said the 20mph approach would be "refined", potentially giving councils greater flexibility with 20mph exempted roads. As part of this, the transport secretary plans a "genuine programme of listening to people". Already he has met council chiefs across Wales to discuss speed limit changes and all have agreed to work with him over the issue.
He added: "Between now and July we will listen to citizens - to bus drivers, emergency services, the police, to young people, vulnerable people, to businesses and to councillors in county, and town and community councils, in order to understand their perspectives on road safety in residential areas.
"Councils are already looking at local roads where changes might be needed. As part of our listening programme, I will encourage people to get in touch with their local council to tell them where they think 20mph should be targeted. I will also work with town and community councils to make sure their voices are a part of this national conversation."
Information on how people can lobby their councils for changes will be published on the Welsh Government website. Ultimately, stressed the minister, final decisions will...
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