Latest news with #KenSkates
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
City in move to revert speed limits from 20mph to 30mph in rush against funding deadline
City in move to revert speed limits from 20mph to 30mph in rush against funding deadline Flintshire is quite well ahead with its move to return some roads back to 30mph while Anglesey has started a consultation on the 25 routes it plans to move back to the higher speed Roads up and down the country will be reverting from their 20mph speed limit to 30mph (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Councils in Wales aren't working to a "strict deadline" when it comes to reviewing 20mph roads, but they do have a limited window to access funding for any changes. The Welsh Government updated its guidance last year on which roads could be exempt from the new default 20mph limit—allowing some to remain at 30mph—in response to significant public opposition. This change is set to trigger a wave of speed limit reversals in the coming months, with hundreds of roads likely to switch back to 30mph. Wrexham is leading the way in North Wales, already implementing changes. Flintshire is also making swift progress, while Anglesey has begun consulting on 25 routes it plans to return to the higher speed. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here However, not all councils have completed their lists of affected roads. A summary of the progress by North Wales councils can be found here. Ken Skates, the Transport Secretary, informed North Wales Live that there is no "strict deadline" for the completion of this transition. Nonetheless, he pointed out that the additional funding provided to councils for this purpose is allocated for the current financial year. He emphasised the importance of reaching a "consensus" on an issue that has incited substantial controversy yet has also contributed to reductions in traffic incidents, fatalities, and injuries on Welsh streets, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below Mr Skates stated: "The timing is determined by the local authorities themselves but some councils are moving really quickly, like Wrexham for example. 52 routes and most will be done in June so the change will take place before the summer holidays. "I think Flintshire is at an advanced stage as well. We have regular meetings with local authorities to ascertain where they are in terms of reverting back to 30mph on certain routes but it is being driven at a local authority level. There is no deadline but the funding has been provided for this financial year." He further added: "It is vital to generate consensus over this issue, it has been divisive and difficult, it has divided families. I know families rowing for months over this. It is important to get to a point where there is consensus that where 20mph exists it is on the right roads, and where roads revert back to 30mph it is done in a sensible and safe way. Article continues below "Where I was in Johnstown this week people were saying 'where I'm standing is a housing estate and it is right you keep 20mph here but that road that serves it, that's got to go back to 30mph'. "Thankfully we were actually in the process of changing it back while we were talking. I think common sense is being applied."
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
The bottlenecks stopping North Wales rail services reaching their potential
Welsh Government have announced major plans to transform rail services in North Wales - described as ambitious by some and "pie in the sky" by political opponents. These range from some "quick wins" over the next year - like increasing Transport for Wales capacity on the North Wales mainline and a new direct service between Llandudno and Liverpool. But a genuine revolution of services will require additional time and even greater financial backing, particularly from UK Government, who have responsibility for the rail network. UK governments - of all political colours - have historically failed to invest sufficiently in Welsh rail infrastructure, in comparison to parts of England. The Tories did promise electrification of the North Wales mainline ahead of the last UK election in 2024 but there was scepticism over the real level of commitment. Now it is Labour who are unveiling grand plans and the Tories who are saying it is an election stunt and for the most part "unlikely to happen". There are a number of issues that prevent expansion without very significant investment, and this is not even including electrification. One of the most significant is actually just over the border at Chester. It does not have the platform capacity of say Crewe despite being a hub for multiple lines. This causes major capacity issues that in turn impact North Wales services. There is land for expansion but this will require a large investment. The Network North Wales report states one of its ambitions (up to 2035) is to "Work to unlock additional capacity and interchange for rail services travelling through Chester, particularly for services to North Wales Mainline connecting into the Northen Arc." Welsh Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: "There is a big piece of work needed at Chester station to deal with capacity constraints there. There is no point in electrifying the main line if you can't get trains in and out of Wales. At the moment it is the constraint at Chester that is preventing it first and foremost so we have got to deal with that." Another log-jam on the existing lines - but one more easily fixable - is at the Padeswood cement plant on the Wrexham - Bidston line. It is hoped this could be solved within three years, enabling a major increase in services. Mr Skates said: "The first project that needs to be delivered concerns capacity constraints at Padeswood. Essentially what happens at Padeswood is freight will come in on one side of the platform and then has to wait there before transferring over to the other side and into the site itself. "So infrastructure works are needed to enable freight to get in and out rather than wait on the railway line. That then pulls the cork out the bottle to come extent, that will enable us to increase train frequency to half hourly, and that work will take about three years at Padeswood. "It ensures we can then get to the point where we have four trains an hour operating through to Liverpool." Solving this problem then leads to the next stage on enhancing services between north east Wales and the city of Liverpool. The link currently sees trains go between Wrexham and Bidston on the Wirral. Passengers then have to change to get services into Liverpool. This is because that section is electrified and diesel trains cannot run on those lines. To create a direct service from Wrexham to Liverpool would require a different solution. The Transport Secretary said: "In order to achieve that ultimate ambition we would have to upgrade signalling along the line and also utilise the latest train technology, like electric trains that are battery operated. That's the sort of technology we want to utilise. You can't take diesel through the tunnel." A Network Rail document said: "In the longer term, potential deployment of rolling stock with the ability to operate on battery power for part of their journey may provide the ability in an affordable manner to improve the service offering between the Wrexham – Bidston route and Liverpool." Clearing these bottlenecks will do wonders for services to and from North Wales, before we even talk about electrification. Only time will tell if there's the political will - and most importantly the money - to make this happen.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
No 'strict deadline' on 20mph changes as Welsh councils move ahead at different speeds
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info There is no "strict deadline" for councils to make changes to 20mph roads in Wales - but funding is for a set period. Welsh Government last year changed the guidance over "exception" roads - ones that can stay 30mph - due to the backlash over the default 20mph limit. This is expected to see hundreds of roads change from 20mph to 30mph in the next few months, with Wrexham the first North Wales council to start making adjustments. Flintshire is also quite well ahead with its move to return some roads back to 30mph while Anglesey has started a consultation on the 25 routes it plans to move back to the higher speed. But some local authorities have not yet finalised lists. A round-up on where the councils in North Wales are up to is here. Transport Secretary Ken Skates told North Wales Live there was no "strict deadline" on completing the process. But he did say the extra funding for councils to make the changes is for this financial year. He added that the most important thing was finding "consensus" over a policy that has proved hugely divisive, but has also delivered reductions in crashes, deaths, and injuries on Welsh roads. Mr Skates said: "The timing is determined by the local authorities themselves but some councils are moving really quickly, like Wrexham for example. 52 routes and most will be done in June so the change will take place before the summer holidays. "I think Flintshire is at an advanced stage as well. We have regular meetings with local authorities to ascertain where they are in terms of reverting back to 30mph on certain routes but it is being driven at a local authority level. There is no deadline but the funding has been provided for this financial year." He added: "It is vital to generate consensus over this issue, it has been divisive and difficult, it has divided families. I know families rowing for months over this. It is important to get to a point where there is consensus that where 20mph exists it is on the right roads, and where roads revert back to 30mph it is done in a sensible and safe way. "Where I was in Johnstown this week people were saying 'where I'm standing is a housing estate and it is right you keep 20mph here but that road that serves it, that's got to go back to 30mph'. "Thankfully we were actually in the process of changing it back while we were talking. I think common sense is being applied." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day hit with SIX MONTHS of closures
Work on the motorway starts early next month SHUT DOWN Major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day hit with SIX MONTHS of closures – check your route A MAJOR motorway used by thousands of drivers every day will be severely affected by six months of closures, with motorists urged to check their route. Disruption is expected on the M4 between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle, Wales, for half a year beginning on June 9. 2 Extensive road works start on the M4 from June 9 Credit: Alamy The road works are to 'ensure the safety and long-term resilience of the motorway'. The measures being undertaken to ensure safety and deterioration of the road involve refurbishing five bridges. During the works, the motorway will remain open but with just two running lanes in both directions for the duration of the repairs. Lane closures will be limited to overnight only and will be clearly signposted in advance. Speed restrictions will also be in place temporarily, to ensure both driver and worker safety. Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, said: "Fixing and maintaining our roads and making them more resilient is a priority for us. "I understand the works will cause disruption and I'd like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the work is taking place, however it is important it is carried out during periods of drier and warmer weather to ensure it can be done effectively.' The work, lasting six months, is due to be carried out in four main phases. So far, only information has been issued for the preparatory work and phase one by the Welsh Government. The initial preparatory work will set up the contraflow system. 'Hundreds' of drivers abandon their cars to play football on closed UK motorway Starting on June 9 at 8pm and continuing overnight until 6am on June 10 the westbound section will be closed between J37 Pyle to J39 Groes. Then from 8pm on June 10 to 6am June 12 both directions will be closed overnight for two night between J37 and J39. From 8pm on June 12 to 6am the next day, the westbound section will be closed for one night between the same junctions. The eastbound section will then be closed overnight for two nights from June 13 at 8pm to June 15 at 6am between J38 Margam to J37 Pyle. Phase one – involves work on the central reservation. June 15 starting at 6am – July 16. What is happening during Phase One of the road works Starts on June 15 at 6am Work on the central reservation will take place Traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two in both directions A 50mph speed limit will be imposed Further details about the other phases will be released nearer the time Central reserve works with traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction. A 50mph speed limit will be operating. Further details on later phases of works will be published closer to the time. Night time full closures in both directions will be required in order to install and alter the traffic management measures. The main works will predominantly be undertaken during daytime. During the phases, no diversion route will be necessary with all traffic and junctions 37 and 38 will still operate. During the isolated full closures to install traffic management measures, a diversion route will be in force using the A4229 and A48. Westbound, traffic will be directed off the M4 at Junction 37 and via the A4229 and A48, re-joining the M4 at junction 39.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major motorway used by thousands of drivers every day hit with SIX MONTHS of closures
A MAJOR motorway used by thousands of drivers every day will be severely affected by six months of closures, with motorists urged to check their route. Disruption is expected on the M4 between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle, Wales, for half a year beginning on June 9. 2 Extensive road works start on the M4 from June 9 Credit: Alamy The road works are to 'ensure the safety and long-term resilience of the motorway'. The measures being undertaken to ensure safety and deterioration of the road involve refurbishing five bridges. During the works, the motorway will remain open but with just two running lanes in both directions for the duration of the repairs. Lane closures will be limited to overnight only and will be clearly signposted in advance. Read More on Motors Speed restrictions will also be in place temporarily, to ensure both driver and worker safety. Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, said: "Fixing and maintaining our roads and making them more resilient is a priority for us. "I understand the works will cause disruption and I'd like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the work is taking place, however it is important it is carried out during periods of drier and warmer weather to ensure it can be done effectively.' The work, lasting six months, is due to be carried out in four main phases. Most read in Motors So far, only information has been issued for the preparatory work and phase one by the Welsh Government. The initial preparatory work will set up the contraflow system. 'Hundreds' of drivers abandon their cars to play football on closed UK motorway Starting on June 9 at 8pm and continuing overnight until 6am on June 10 the westbound section will be closed between J37 Pyle to J39 Groes. Then from 8pm on June 10 to 6am June 12 both directions will be closed overnight for two night between J37 and J39. From 8pm on June 12 to 6am the next day, the westbound section will be closed for one night between the same junctions. The eastbound section will then be closed overnight for two nights from June 13 at 8pm to June 15 at 6am between J38 Margam to J37 Pyle. Phase one – involves work on the central reservation. June 15 starting at 6am – July 16. What is happening during Phase One of the road works Starts on June 15 at 6am Work on the central reservation will take place Traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two in both directions A 50mph speed limit will be imposed Further details about the other phases will be released nearer the time Central reserve works with traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction. A 50mph speed limit will be operating. Further details on later phases of works will be published closer to the time. Night time full closures in both directions will be required in order to install and alter the traffic management measures. The main works will predominantly be undertaken during daytime. During the phases, no diversion route will be necessary with all traffic and junctions 37 and 38 will still operate. During the isolated full closures to install traffic management measures, a diversion route will be in force using the A4229 and A48 Westbound, traffic will be directed off the M4 at Junction 37 and via the A4229 and A48, re-joining the M4 at junction 39. 2 The work will focus on five bridges on the M4 and is expected to last for six months Credit: Getty
