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Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Welsh council makes surprising decision after reviewing all of its 20mph roads
Welsh council makes surprising decision after reviewing all of its 20mph roads The decision has divided opinion A Welsh council's decision on the default 20mph speed limit has left the community divided (Image: John Myers ) A Welsh council's decision to maintain 20mph speed limits on certain roads has sparked a heated debate. Councils across Wales are currently reassessing their 20mph zones, following new guidance from the Welsh Government regarding where 30mph exception roads can be located. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in exception roads, in the hopes of easing some of the opposition to the default limit introduced in September 2023. Ceredigion County Council has carried out an extensive review of the 20mph speed limits throughout the county, receiving 62 individual comments. Of these, 23 were in favour of the new 20mph limits, 20 called for changes to national policy, 16 objected to existing 20mph limits on county roads, and eight referred specifically to Welsh Government-managed Trunk Road locations, over which the Council has no control. The council reviewed 34 road sections, all of which have been re-evaluated according to the Welsh Government's 30mph exceptions guidance. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The result of the review was that no further changes were identified, and the 20mph limits introduced on county roads within Ceredigion in 2023 should remain. This decision has sparked a lively debate on social media, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below One frustrated local voiced their dismay saying: "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 chimed in with criticism: "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!" Yet, the council's actions did find some backers. One supporter of the measures expressed relief: "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." There was praise from another resident too: "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, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment in Ceredigion, 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. Article continues below "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."
North Wales Live
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Welsh council reviews all its 20mph roads and makes surprising decision
A Welsh council has reviewed its 20mph roads and made a decision that has divided opinion. Local authorities across the country are currently reviewing 20mph routes. 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."
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Welsh council reviews all its 20mph roads and makes surprising decision
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 A Welsh council has reviewed its 20mph roads and made a decision that has divided opinion. Local authorities across the country are currently reviewing 20mph routes. 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." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Cycling fever rolls on after Tour of Pembrokeshire success
Countdown begins to British and Welsh Cycling Championships in Ceredigion FRESH from the success of the JCP Solicitors Tour of Pembrokeshire last weekend, Wales is gearing up for even more two-wheeled action — this time in Ceredigion, where the British and Welsh Cycling Championships are set to take place next month. On Saturday (May 24), more than 1,600 riders from across Wales and beyond took part in the Tour of Pembrokeshire, despite wet and misty conditions. Setting off from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St David's, cyclists tackled some of the most scenic — and challenging — roads the county has to offer. The popular charity sportive featured three routes to suit all abilities: the gruelling Epic 105-mile ride with over 10,000 feet of climbing; the Classic 60-mile route; and a Community 25-mile route for newer cyclists. Riders navigated the Preseli Hills, coastal roads, and narrow country lanes in an event that has become one of the highlights of the Welsh sporting calendar. Now, the spotlight shifts north as the British and Welsh Cycling Championships come to Ceredigion from 26 to 29 June. To mark the one-month countdown, Ceredigion's Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, Councillor Shelley Childs, has been out promoting the region's cycling appeal — and encouraging others to enjoy the stunning local routes. A lifelong cyclist and former competitor with Ystwyth Cycling Club, Cllr Childs holds a first category racing licence and has represented Great Britain in the World and European Duathlon Championships, finishing fifth in his age group. He credits Ceredigion's landscape with providing the perfect training ground. 'Ceredigion has so many fantastic cycling opportunities,' he said. 'No wonder it was chosen as the home of the British Cycling Championships this June. The views are magnificent and the terrain is both beautiful and testing. It's no surprise this county has produced elite riders like Josh Tarling, Stevie Williams, and Gruff Lewis.' Cllr Childs, who also co-organises AberCycleFest and is a life member of his local cycling club, said he's excited to welcome cyclists and supporters to Aberaeron and Aberystwyth for the championships. 'There'll be something for everyone — whether you're a racing fan, a leisure rider, or just looking for a great day out,' he added. For route maps and full event information, visit: Cycling Championships – Ceredigion County Council
