North Wales council praised for 'getting it right' on 20mph limits
North Wales Live readers have been engaging in heated discussions about the contentious reduction of speed limits from 30mph to 20mph on Welsh roads and the impending reversal on some roads. This follows announcements from two Welsh councils that no alterations will be made on their 20mph roads.
Councils across Wales are currently assessing which 20mph roads could potentially return to a 30mph limit. In a divisive move back in September 2023, the Welsh Government lowered the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph.
This decision sparked widespread public outrage, leading to a petition signed by hundreds of thousands of individuals. Despite early indications of a decrease in accidents and fatalities on our roads, there remains a strong demand for changes to be implemented.
Councils have always retained the authority to maintain some roads at 30mph - with some, such as Cyngor Gwynedd, fully utilising this prior to the 2023 change.
However, under Transport Minister Ken Skates, the Welsh Government revised the guidance last year, anticipating that this would result in more roads reverting to 30mph.
This has indeed been the case in certain areas, with Wrexham, Flintshire and Anglesey well into the process of implementing changes. However, just last week, Denbighshire and Ceredigion both announced they have no plans to make any changes after reviewing their 20mph roads.
The full list of roads set to revert back to 30mph can be viewed here.
One reader, Kthd, comments: "Denbighshire County Council at its finest yet again." Outofhere says: "Absolutely a joke and a con! Conwy CBC as usual done nothing but make statements!"
Yes-cymru questions: "Why did Gwynedd need a public consultation? They received 83 responses from population of over 125,000, waste of money."
Damojo asks: "Where was the change of speed limit survey response document displayed. I never saw one."
Co Dre comments: "Gwynedd working at a speed of 20 miles per year."
While Ofcourseitis suggests: "Just get the people from Gwynedd to visit each council area and sort out which roads should revert, and which ones should stay at 20mph, they are the only ones who have shown that they understand what the new law should look like, all others have failed miserably and have probably lost Labour the next Senned election."
Tinnybasher says: "Well at least it clears up and makes things consistent throughout Wales, need to copy and print the list for my dashboard."
Tjr42 believes: "What a huge mistake it was. Money down the drain. Those who vote Labour next year need to think again. Shambles."
Cymrucyw pleads: "C'mon Conwy, hurry up and revert please."
Totemlad1 asks: "How come Denbighshire County Council seems to be anti car when some areas have no alternatives, reverse the 20 limit."
Butterfly1722 adds: "It was no surprise that Denbighshire was one of the counties that wouldn't change course, even before reading the article. The reason is clear: they simply lack the funds to do so."
Tometoyou replies: "Not a single road reversal from Denbighshire County Council. It's unrealistic to expect the removal of 20 mph limits near estates, schools, and hospitals. I won't be voting for my current councillor again."
Forestdragon says: "Recall the initial rollout when 20 mph signs had 30 mph stickers that were ripped off overnight on 17th September 2023? Why not reapply 30 mph stickers as a temporary fix until permanent signs are installed? On a separate note, kudos to Gwynedd for getting it right from the start and saving taxpayers' money by correctly interpreting the guidelines."
Toxteth O'Grady answers: "The real motive is to continue generating revenue by catching drivers struggling to adhere to the speed limit."
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