Welsh council reviews all its 20mph roads and makes surprising decision
This follows a change in guidance from Welsh Government on where exception roads - which can stay at 30mph - can be placed. It is expected to see a major increase in exception roads with the hope this will quell some of the dissent against the default limit that was introduced in September 2023.
Ceredigion County Council said it has conducted a comprehensive review of the 20mph speed limits across the county. This saw them receive 62 individual comments. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
They said of these 23 expressed support for the new 20mph limits, 20 expressed desires for a change to the national policy, 16 objected to existing 20mph limits on county roads, while eight referred directly to Welsh Government-managed Trunk Road locations, over which the Council has no jurisdiction.
Ceredigion County Council reviewed 34 sections of road. All of the locations included in the review have been reassessed against the Welsh Government's 30mph exceptions guidance. The outcome of the review is that no further changes were identified, and the 20mph limits introduced on County Roads within Ceredigion in 2023 should remain.
That decision has divided opinion on social media.
One person unhappy at the decision wrote: "Are they trying to end the tourist trade around here? Who's going to choose Ceredigion as a holiday destination when there's a way above average chance of going home with 3 points on your licence? Or attending a 'speed awareness course' that you have to declare on your insurance renewal and your premium skyrockets just the same as if you had the 3 points."
Another added: "Why should we be surprised that this self centred council have again done nothing for the people who live here. Doing nothing equates to 'can't be bothered'. They would rather spend money driving away tourism by building cycle paths on sea front parking!"
But there was also support for the council's stance.
One respondent said: "After many close calls (including kids waiting for a bus), and a death in our village I'm very pleased. People might not do exactly 20, but at least the majority aren't doing the 40-45 that used to be the case."
Another said: "I think the 20mph is giving the villages back to pedestrians and children, people are safer walking around. Why should motorists feel as though they have the priority? Let the kids play out."
Councillor Shelley Childs, Ceredigion's Cabinet Member responsible for Highways and Environmental, said: "The review was an opportunity to assess how closely the guidance from the Welsh Government was applied on county roads in Ceredigion.
"Collision data recently released by the police and the Welsh Government suggests that the national change to the speed limit does seem to be reducing casualties on roads across Wales, and correspondence received during the review process suggests that the new 20mph limits are welcomed by many in the county. Although, the Council's review did not include any speed limit arrangements on the A487 and A44 Trunk Roads in Ceredigion since those are the direct responsibility of the Welsh Government."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
20 hours ago
- Wales Online
Major changes proposed at busy Cardiff junction
Major changes proposed at busy Cardiff junction Cardiff Council has put its proposed changes, which includes the creation of a new lane of traffic, out for public consultation Cardiff Council is proposing major changes to Tyndall Street which is one of the most well-used routes into the city centre (Image: Google Street View ) Cardiff Council is proposing to make some changes near a major junction into the city centre. The council recently launched a consultation on its planned changes to a section of Tyndall Street by the Central Link roundabout. Changes to the road will involve the creation of an extra lane of traffic and the removal of a pedestrian crossing island to ultimately reduce congestion in the area. The consultation on planned work for Tyndall Street closes on Monday, August 25. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. Looking at the plans in more detail the council said its goal is also to improve access to Schooner Way for residents and businesses and to counter 'some of the potential network impacts' caused by the construction of CrossRail phase 1A. If the current proposal goes ahead as planned the extra traffic lane in Tyndall Street will be a dedicated left-turn lane to Schooner Way. The pedestrian crossing island on the eastern arm of the Tyndall Street and Schooner Way junction would be removed but the pedestrian crossing itself will remain. Article continues below A pop-up cycleway on the road will also stay in its current location. Residential parking in the area will not be changed by the project. The council's hope for Tyndall Street is that it will eventually fit into the city's wider cycle network project as Cycleway Three. Cardiff Council's wider plan for active travel and transport from Tyndall Street to the River Taff (Image: Cardiff Council) Cardiff Council said on its website: 'Whilst the proposed changes will complement the pop-up cycleway we will also be looking at the wider route more holistically as part of the Cycleway Three project. 'This may come forward in the future subject to Welsh Government funding and further assessment.' There are plans for six cycleways across Cardiff and a number of phases have already been completed. However council officials told councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting in April 2025 there was still a long way to go before a fully joined-up network could be developed. Tens of millions of pounds have been invested in cycle schemes in Cardiff since 2018-19. Cardiff Council's website goes on to add that the local authority has a project to assess the possibility of building a bridge over the River Taff as part of the city's active travel network. Article continues below The council said: 'This is being progressed through design and planning. 'More information about other Cycleway Three projects will be available in due course.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Car owners warned over common reason for getting penalty points
If you rack up 12 in a three-year period, you may be banned from driving for a period of time UK drivers are picking up penalty points at a worrying pace for driving unsafe vehicles, according to new statistics. The RAC has discovered that the number of drivers caught operating unroadworthy vehicles has surged by over 50 per cent in just a year. DVLA data reveals that 13,109 motorists were slapped with endorsements in 2024 for faults ranging from defective brakes and tyres to steering issues - a significant increase from 8,614 in 2023. Tyres were the most frequent problem, with 8,945 drivers penalised, while brake-related offences skyrocketed six-fold, from 181 to 1,190. Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, cautioned: "The steep increase in drivers receiving points on their licences for unroadworthy vehicles is a cause for alarm as it could indicate more drivers are running the gauntlet and driving unsafe vehicles ... a minority of drivers are needlessly putting the law-abiding majority at serious risk." Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier, who heads the National Roads Policing Operation for Intelligence and Investigations, chimed in: "These figures are shocking, and if you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are not only putting yourself at risk but you are putting the lives of other road users at risk too. Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and safe is your responsibility." The issue is especially severe in particular areas. The East Midlands witnessed penalty numbers soar by 87%, whilst Greater London led the way with 1,765 endorsements - a 21% jump from 2023. Only certain Welsh regions went against the grain with minor decreases. eBay has also stepped forward, calling on drivers to focus on essential upkeep. Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: "With cars staying on the road longer, regular maintenance is more important than ever. Simple, affordable fixes like replacing wipers or headlight bulbs can make a big difference, and with tyre installation services through our trusted partners, upgrading tyres is just as seamless. eBay makes it easy for motorists to keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy." RAC specialists suggest a swift inspection of tyres, brakes, lights, and steering could spare motorists from hefty penalties, endorsement points, or even worse consequences. With motors remaining on British roads for extended periods, basic servicing has become essential - it might mean the distinction between remaining secure or forfeiting your driving privileges.
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
A55 slip road was closed due to 'motorbike crash'
A slip road on the A55 was closed due to a crash. The exit slip road for Llandudno Junction on the westbound carriageway was shut due to the crash. Traffic Wales urged drivers to avoid the area. Witnesses said the crash involved a motorbike. The incident is now clear. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
