Government Makes Another U-Turn on 20mph Roads

Following a further review of 20mph speed limits on trunk roads across Wales, the Welsh Government has announced it will amend speed restrictions on dozens of routes under its control.

The latest review comes after powers were devolved to local authorities, allowing councils to revert certain 20mph roads back to 30mph where appropriate. Since then, hundreds of roads across the country have been reassessed and changed.

In Aberconwy, dozens of roads were earmarked for review. However, many of the proposed changes have yet to materialise, leaving residents waiting for clarity.

Concerns have been repeatedly raised by motorists about roads that drop abruptly from 60mph to 20mph. Drivers say these sharp reductions can lead to sudden braking, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and creating potential hazards for vehicles travelling behind.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Aberconwy said:

“This is yet another review of the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy, with more roads now being reverted back to 30mph. The fact that speed limits are continually being changed back clearly shows this was a flawed and poorly thought-out scheme from the start.

The rollout and repeated reviews have cost far too much, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that this approach has not worked. The whole thing cost around £32 million to set up and since then has cost a further £3-5 million on changes, this is before this most recent review. That money could and should have been spent on far more urgent priorities, such as health services or other frontline needs.

 Constantly backtracking only adds confusion for drivers and highlights the need for a more sensible and priority-based approach from the Welsh Government.”

Mark Baker, 20mph Petitioner said:

“Frankly, this smacks of nothing more than the fact there is an election in May, perhaps a desperate attempt at winning back votes from voters who they chose to completely ignore when introducing the widespread 20mph limit. 

“I felt the meetings and discussions with two Transport Ministers and Sustrans after the petition was handed in were nothing more than a PR exercise, and it’s pretty sad that it’s taken an election to see the Government finally take action on our roads, with potholes and speed limits all of a sudden taking centre stage.

“If they seriously think that a few token gestures before May are going to restore confidence in a thoroughly disillusioned Welsh driving public and win back their former supporters, they are even more out of touch than I thought they were. 

“I would encourage anyone in Wales who is unsure about this Government’s true intentions regarding driving in Wales take a look at their Welsh Transport Delivery Plan and turn to page 45.  These are the punitive measures that drivers can expect from this Government if re-elected, there in black and white in their own planning document. 

“I will not be telling any voter how they should vote – but make no mistake, this document is clear about Labour and Plaid’s future objectives for transport.   

“It is up to drivers to decide if this is what they want for Wales.  I certainly will not be voting for this.”