Calls to cut rural speed limits spark 'nanny state' warning in Wales

Wales Online

2 days ago

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Wrexham's mayor has thrown her support behind proposals to reduce speed limits on rural roads and lanes. A petition has been launched calling on the UK Government to lower the default speed limit on single-carriageway rural roads from 60mph to 30mph. North Wales Live readers are reluctant to see more cuts to speed limits, with many saying enough is enough.
The proposal aligns with the view of the roads charity Brake, which points out that rural roads are more dangerous per mile travelled than motorways or urban roads. In Wales, speed limits are set by the Welsh Government, so any changes would be decided in Cardiff rather than Westminster.
Cllr Tina Mannering, the current mayor of Wrexham who represents the Gwersyllt East ward, is encouraging people to sign the Westminster petition, describing it as "important". She has long campaigned for lower speed limits on a rural road with a 60mph limit that runs through Alyn Waters Country Park between Llay and Bradley.
The narrow and winding road is often used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and despite cutting through Wrexham's largest country park, the road has no pavements or footpaths, leaving little room for pedestrians to avoid passing vehicles. Cllr Mannering has described the road as a "race track".
Proposals to reduce rural speed limits are likely to divide public opinion. Some drivers argue they already use common sense and adjust their speed depending on road conditions.
While local councils can set lower limits, 60mph is still the norm on many country roads. Research shows that a 10 percent increase in average speed on rural roads leads to a 30 percent increase in serious and fatal crashes. Government data shows rural roads, which include most B roads, carry 44 percent of all traffic but account for 33 percent of all casualties and 60 percent of road deaths.
Commenter Toxteth O'Grady says: 'Here we go again. Why not do the sensible thing and target accident blackspots instead of punishing everyone?'
Iagollewjones agrees: 'It's not fair on locals that know the B roads & back roads well. I can understand during the summer when the tourists do 50mph in their 4 x4's. I use back roads daily during bedlam times, but they're getting more dangerous each year.'
Forestdragon adds: 'I hope the Senedd and local councils have learned their lesson and don't meddle in speed limits again.'
Indigodebz thinks: 'No speed limit is safe for country lanes, drivers must drive at speeds that match visibility and whether the road is wet or not. I cycle a lot on country lanes and they have become busier since the 20mph came in. I feel more in danger, but not from the speed, it's the increase in traffic that I'm in fear of.'
Fairplayforall complains: 'The whole country is turning into a nanny state. What happened to personal responsibility and decision making? Just too much control.'
Mrrogerdodger replies: 'Sadly, there are too many people who cannot demonstrate personal responsibility or sound decision-making. If it were just them affected by this then let them do it. Unfortunately this can often lead to other people being affected and not in a good way. If people don't want a nanny state, don't give the government a reason to implement one.'
Johnnygiraffe adds: 'The speed limit may be 60mph but it doesn't mean you have to drive at 60mph. By all means regulate those who are unable to think for themselves but do it in a way that doesn't affect those of us who can.'
Damojo writes: '60 is the limit, not a target to be attained. All sensible drivers are aware of this and for their own safety, drive at a speed suitable for the road. Nutters who drive at high speed on such roads would continue to do so even with a limit.'
Planemaker wonders: 'Has the Mayor seen the state the roads are in? If you can do more than 30 on most without wrecking a wheel or suspension you're lucky! Let's have them focus on the real issues, dying high streets, lack of housing and parking charges.'
Totemlad1 grumbles: 'Why don't they go the whole hog and make it walking pace in the whole of Wales?'
Would cutting speed limits to 30mph make country roads safer? Share your thoughts below in our comments section.