Roads become first 20mph routes in North Wales to revert to 30mph
When he was appointed Transport Secretary last spring, Ken Skates ordered a review. This saw new guidance issued to councils on 'exception' roads, routes that can revert to 30mph.
It is expected that hundreds of roads will change in the coming months. The first two are B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street, in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road. They have returned to 30mph following public consultation.
They are the first of 52 sections of highway where the speed limit is going to be changed to 30mph by Wrexham County Council, following the the publication of revised guidance by the Welsh Government. This is where the other councils are up to on making changes.
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates joined Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change on Wrexham Road.
He said: 'The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties – and we know there is widespread evidence it does that. However, this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads, building from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
'I am pleased that Wrexham Council has managed to strike a balance and has started to make the changes following feedback from local people. Our updated guidance allows local authorities to consider making changes where it is safe and appropriate to do so.'
While the limit has proved unpopular with many it has seen a fall in deaths and serious injuries on Welsh roads.
Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change said: "We have been working with the Welsh Government to make the necessary changes to speed limits following our consultation process and Executive Board decision. Over the coming weeks we will be rolling out changes to speeds from 20mph to 30mph in line with the Welsh Government criteria."
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