Latest news with #TransportRegulationOrders
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
'Total waste of money' - North Wales councils consider 20mph changes
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 Councils throughout Wales are evaluating the potential reversal of speed limits on hundreds of roads from 20mph to 30mph following revised guidance from the Welsh Government regarding exceptions to the 20mph default limit. Although Transport Secretary Ken Skates had expressed hopes for the alterations to begin this spring, no North Wales roads have seen their limits changed back to 30mph so far. North Wales Live readers are fed up with the situation. Councils in Wrexham and Flintshire lead the way in implementing this transition. In contrast, Cyngor Gwynedd was ahead of others, having already designated over 70 'exception' roads upon introducing the new limit, surpassing the combined total of all other counties in North Wales. Before enforcing any speed limit changes, local councils must issue Transport Regulation Orders (TROs) and engage in public consultations on the proposed adjustments. When queried about their current standing, councils provided updates. The responses can be seen here. Anglesey council reported: "The Authority received a number of requests during the national listening period (Apr-Oct 2024), which resulted in a list of 44 different sections/roads being requested. A number of these locations failed to meet the criteria to return the speed limit to 30mph, therefore the final list of possible sites was reduced to 26. We will need to review the feedback from the public on the proposals before any changes on the ground can commence." Conwy is still analysing the situation, while Flintshire is making good progress to reduce speed limits back to 30mph on certain roads. The pace in Gwynedd seems more measured, with a council spokesperson revealing: "Work is ongoing before any TRO consultations are held, therefore there is no list to share at this point." Meanwhile, Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Strategic Transport, showcased their progress, commenting: "Wrexham was the first authority in Wales to complete the review. The TRO consultation was conducted on 52 roads and the Exec Board then approved these to revert to 30mph. We will be issuing further details on the changes in a report due next week." Denbighshire did not reply before our deadline, but a list of roads being assessed can be found on the council website. Commenter Thewokearefastasleep complains: 'Conwy doing nothing as usual except wasting money on unused cycle paths and unused travel routes. It's a pity they didn't conduct surveys about usage before they started digging up miles of countryside and edges of existing roadways, forcing cars closer together, installing traffic lights all over the place for them to lie there totally unused. What an appalling waste of money.' Jeff2509 thinks: 'There's no need to change any speed limits. 20mph is having a major positive impact on reducing accidents, injury and death.' Paul Gareth agrees: 'I can't understand why everyone is getting their knickers in a twist. The 20mph has reduced serious accidents by over 25%.' Vaux08hall retorts: 'It hasn't made any difference at all except to increase road rage and frustrated drivers and an increase in dangerous overtaking.' Statistix asks: 'If 20mph is doing such a good job in reducing accidents, why are there reports on at least a daily basis on other roads? Is it perhaps that to avoid the road rage on 20mph roads, many drivers are speeding elsewhere?' Morpick says: 'The reality appears to be that N Wales councils have done very little, as they did when the initial proposal was rolled out and they were supposed to have done an assessment of need for change in their areas. Consequently the Welsh Government will now blame councils for the ongoing shambles and vice versa.' Pcplod wonders: 'When is Conwy council going to ask residents their opinion regarding changing speed limits back to 30mph? I live on the B5106 at Tyn Y Groes. We do not want the speed to be increased through the village, why would anyone think that's a good idea, obviously a council chief who does not live here watching cars speed through at 50 mph. Get out of the office and look at reality.' Keithclubsteward thinks: 'They should make an open statement to the fact that ALL 20mph roads are to revert to 30 mph immediately and that no speeding fines be issued unless one exceeds the 30 mph limit. The 20mph rule is probably the most hairbrained and costly idea this Government has ever had, it is only a matter of time before emergency services will be affected due to tailbacks, double parking and Lorries parked randomly. Parking issues are a far more urgent issue right now.' Do you think the 30mph speed limits should be reinstated? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
20-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
'Total waste of money' - North Wales councils consider 20mph changes
Councils throughout Wales are evaluating the potential reversal of speed limits on hundreds of roads from 20mph to 30mph following revised guidance from the Welsh Government regarding exceptions to the 20mph default limit. Although Transport Secretary Ken Skates had expressed hopes for the alterations to begin this spring, no North Wales roads have seen their limits changed back to 30mph so far. North Wales Live readers are fed up with the situation. Councils in Wrexham and Flintshire lead the way in implementing this transition. In contrast, Cyngor Gwynedd was ahead of others, having already designated over 70 'exception' roads upon introducing the new limit, surpassing the combined total of all other counties in North Wales. Before enforcing any speed limit changes, local councils must issue Transport Regulation Orders (TROs) and engage in public consultations on the proposed adjustments. When queried about their current standing, councils provided updates. The responses can be seen here. Anglesey council reported: "The Authority received a number of requests during the national listening period (Apr-Oct 2024), which resulted in a list of 44 different sections/roads being requested. A number of these locations failed to meet the criteria to return the speed limit to 30mph, therefore the final list of possible sites was reduced to 26. We will need to review the feedback from the public on the proposals before any changes on the ground can commence." Conwy is still analysing the situation, while Flintshire is making good progress to reduce speed limits back to 30mph on certain roads. The pace in Gwynedd seems more measured, with a council spokesperson revealing: "Work is ongoing before any TRO consultations are held, therefore there is no list to share at this point." Meanwhile, Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Strategic Transport, showcased their progress, commenting: "Wrexham was the first authority in Wales to complete the review. The TRO consultation was conducted on 52 roads and the Exec Board then approved these to revert to 30mph. We will be issuing further details on the changes in a report due next week." Denbighshire did not reply before our deadline, but a list of roads being assessed can be found on the council website. Commenter Thewokearefastasleep complains: 'Conwy doing nothing as usual except wasting money on unused cycle paths and unused travel routes. It's a pity they didn't conduct surveys about usage before they started digging up miles of countryside and edges of existing roadways, forcing cars closer together, installing traffic lights all over the place for them to lie there totally unused. What an appalling waste of money.' Jeff2509 thinks: 'There's no need to change any speed limits. 20mph is having a major positive impact on reducing accidents, injury and death.' Paul Gareth agrees: 'I can't understand why everyone is getting their knickers in a twist. The 20mph has reduced serious accidents by over 25%.' Vaux08hall retorts: 'It hasn't made any difference at all except to increase road rage and frustrated drivers and an increase in dangerous overtaking.' Statistix asks: 'If 20mph is doing such a good job in reducing accidents, why are there reports on at least a daily basis on other roads? Is it perhaps that to avoid the road rage on 20mph roads, many drivers are speeding elsewhere?' Morpick says: 'The reality appears to be that N Wales councils have done very little, as they did when the initial proposal was rolled out and they were supposed to have done an assessment of need for change in their areas. Consequently the Welsh Government will now blame councils for the ongoing shambles and vice versa.' Pcplod wonders: 'When is Conwy council going to ask residents their opinion regarding changing speed limits back to 30mph? I live on the B5106 at Tyn Y Groes. We do not want the speed to be increased through the village, why would anyone think that's a good idea, obviously a council chief who does not live here watching cars speed through at 50 mph. Get out of the office and look at reality.' Keithclubsteward thinks: 'They should make an open statement to the fact that ALL 20mph roads are to revert to 30 mph immediately and that no speeding fines be issued unless one exceeds the 30 mph limit. The 20mph rule is probably the most hairbrained and costly idea this Government has ever had, it is only a matter of time before emergency services will be affected due to tailbacks, double parking and Lorries parked randomly. Parking issues are a far more urgent issue right now.'
North Wales Live
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
We asked North Wales councils where they are on 20mph changes - this is what they said
Councils across Wales are in the process of looking at reverting potentially hundreds of roads from 20mph back to 30mph. This followed a major review of the default limit and new guidance from Welsh Government about when exceptions to the 20mph limit should be made. Transport secretary Ken Skates had hoped the changes would start to be made this spring but as it stands no roads have as yet reverted back to 30mph in North Wales. Councils are all at different stages of the process with Wrexham and Flintshire the most advanced when it comes to making the changes. Others started from a different position. For example Cyngor Gwynedd had already created more than 70 'exception' roads when the new limit was rolled out - more than every other North Wales county combined. Before a limit changes the local authorities have to issue Transport Regulation Orders (TROs) and consult over the proposals. We asked each local authority to update us on their current position. These are the responses. Anglesey They said: "The Authority received a number of requests during the national listening period (Apr-Oct 2024), which resulted in a list of 44 different sections/roads being requested. "A number of these locations failed to meet the criteria to return the speed limit to 30mph following the assessments, therefore the final list of possible sites to return to 30mph was reduced to 26. The Authority has completed the first statutory consultation on the 4 of April 2025. This involved local town and community councils, elected members, emergency services and haulage trade associations. "The Notices of Proposal are currently scheduled to be made available to the public sometime during w/c 19 th May 2025. We will need to review the feedback from the public on the proposals before any changes on the ground can commence." Full list of 26 roads: Initial TRO consultation with relevant stakeholders 1) Amlwch A5025 2) Amlwch, Lon Parys to Ffordd Madyn 3) Benllech, A5025 4) Bodffordd, A5 approach 5) Bryn Du, unnamed Class 3 road 6) Bull Bay, A5025 7) Caergeiliog, A5 Bryngwran approach 8) Gaerwen, Lon Groes - industrial estate road 9) Holyhead A5153, Parc Cybi 10) Holyhead A5154, Victoria Road 11) Llanddaniel, A5 approach 12) Llanddaniel, Llanedwen approach 13) Llanddaniel, level crossing approach 14) Llandegfan, Ffordd yr Eglwys 15) Llanfachraeth, A5025 16) Llanfaes, unmamed Class 3 road from the B5109 17) Llanfair PG A5025 near park and ride facility 18) Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn, RAF Valley, Minffordd Road 19) Llangefni, Industrial Estate Road 20) Newborough, A4080 Malltraeth approach 21) Pentraeth, B5109 Beaumaris approach 22) Pentraeth, B5109 Talwrn approach 23) Rhosmeirch, B5111 Coedana approach 24) Rhosneigr, A4080 Llyn Maelog approach 25) Trearddur Bay, B4545 Lon St Ffraid East 26) Valley, A5 Conwy They said: "We're still carrying out the assessments." List of roads being assessed: B5115: B5115 from Brompton Avenue, Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay) through Llandudno Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5115 Colwyn Road, Llandudno to Conway Road, Llanrhos Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos Rhos Promenade and Marine Drive, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos (Rhos on Sea) Glan y Mor Road, Bae Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay) B5106: B5106 from Gyffin through Tal y Bont B5106 Dolgarrog to Trefriw A547: A547 Llanddulas Road, Abergele A547 Abergele Road, from Wynnstay Road to the 40mph east of Highlands Road, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) A547 Conwy bridge A548: Foryd Road and Towyn Road, Tywyn (Towyn) and Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5383: Rotary Way, Hen Golwyn (Old Colwyn) St Asaph Avenue, Bae Cinmel (Kinmel Bay) B5113: Kings Drive to Llanrwst Road, Bryn y Maen B5279 Tyn y Groes Road Meirion Drive, Conwy B4406 Penmachno to A5 Conway Old Road to Bwlch Sychnant (Sychnant Pass) Maesdu Avenue, Deganwy Denbighshire The council didn't respond before our deadline. This is the latest it has on its website about the 20mph review. They said: "The Council is in the process of conducting a general review into the speed limits on restricted roads in Denbighshire, in line with the latest Welsh Government guidance. "Over 200 roads were submitted to the Council for review as part of this process. "Once the review process is complete, the Council will take one of the following actions: The suggested road does not meet the threshold to be reconsidered for a change to 30mph. The road will remain a 20mph road The suggested road may be considered for review of the speed limit. The Council will conduct consultations for these roads. Flintshire The county is making more rapid progress than most with its move to revert some roads to 30mph. Following the initial assessment of A&B classification roads, a total of seven roads have been advertised so far as part of the TRO process. These are: B5125 Hawarden B5444 Wrexham Road, Maes Gwern, Mold Business Park & Ffordd Nercwys, Mold A541 Mold Road Caergwrle A5119 Raikes Lane, Mold A5119Aber Road, Flint A548 Greenfield A5026 Lloc But as this process is ongoing no changes have yet been implemented. They said objections received during the process are currently being considered and they are awaiting the outcome of the formal statutory consultation process. Gwynedd A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: "Work is ongoing before any TRO consultations are held, therefore there is no list to share at this point.' Wrexham Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Strategic Transport said 'Wrexham were the first authority in Wales to complete the review. The TRO consultation was conducted on 52 roads and the Exec Board then approved these to revert to 30mph. We will be issuing further details on the changes in a report due next week.' Full list: B5445 Marford Hill, Marford: From its entrance to Springfield Farm, to a point 120m north east of its junction for Woodlands Road, in a southerly direction for 1.44km. B5445 Chester Road, Gresford (near Clappers Lane to Woodlands Road): From a point 105m south-west of its junction with Clappers Lane to a point 120m north east of its junction for Woodlands Road, in a northerly direction for 1.69km. Ty Gwyn Lane, Acton: Its entire length, a distance of 879m. B5425 New Road/ Main Road/ Llay New Road, Rhosrobin: From a point 65m south of its junction with Ty Gwyn Lane, to a point 105m north of its junction with Plas Acton Road, in a northerly direction for 946m. Plas Acton Road, Pandy: From its junction with B5425 New Road, to a point 81m west of its junction with Bluebell Lane, in a easterly direction for 430m. A5152 Chester Road, Acton: From a point 114m south of its junction with Box Lane, to a point 34m north of its junction with Grove Road/Penymaes Avenue, in a southerly direction for 703m. A5152 Chester Road, Acton: From a point 80m south of the roundabout for A483 Junction 5, Gresford Interchange, to its junction with Little Acton Drive, in a southerly direction for 973m. Jeffreys Road, Borras: From its junction with Box Lane, to its junction with Borras Park Road, in a southerly direction for 1.06km. B5100 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton/Rhosnesni: From its junction with Ffordd Elfed, to its junction with the roundabout of A5152 Chester Road, in an easterly direction for 848m. A534 Holt Road, Wrexham/Rhosnesni: From a point 50m north east of its junction with Hullah Lane, to its junction with the roundabout for Cefn Road/Dean Road, in a north easterly direction for 709m. A534 Holt Road, Borras: From its junction with the roundabout for Cefn Road/Dean Road, to a point 148m south-west of its junction with the roundabout for Llan-y-Pwll Link Road, in a north easterly direction for 835m. A525 Kingsmills Road, Hightown: From a point 23m south-east of its junction with Derby Road, to a point 48m south east of its junction with Kingsmills Loop, in a south-easterly direction for 692m. Kingsmills Loop (Old A525): From its junction with A525 Kingsmills Road, to a point 190m south of its junction with Abenbury Road, a distance of 472m. Abenbury Road, Abenbury: Its entire length – from its junction with Kingsmills Loop, to its junction with Cefn Road, a distance of 810m. Cefn Road, Abenbury: From a point 42m south of its junction with Hullah Lane, to a point 118m south-east of its junction with Kempton Way, a distance of 1.62km. A525 Wrexham Road/ Bangor Road, Marchwiel: From a point 84m south-west of its junction with Marchwiel Hall Lane, to a point 250m east of its junction with The Ridgeway Loop, for a distance of 1.56km. A528 Overton Road, Marchwiel: From its junction with A525 Wrexham Road, Marchwiel to a point 63m south of that same junction, a distance of 63m. A525 Bangor Road, Cross Lanes: From a point 71m north-west of its junction with the roundabout for Sesswick Way, to a point 127m south-east of its junction with B5130 crossroads at Cross Lanes, a distance of 770m. B5130, Cross Lanes: From a point 121m south-west of its junction with A525 crossroads at Cross Lanes, to a point 118m north-east of its junction with Nant Clwyd Park, a distance of 795m. A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham: From a point 107m west of its junction with Homestead Lane, to a point 117m west of its junction with Croesnewydd Road, a distance of 357m. A541 Mold Road, Gwersyllt: From a point 96m south of its junction with Old Mold Road, to a point 26m north of its junction with High Street, for a distance of 860m. B5425 Llay New Road, Llay: From the junction with the entrance to Alyn Waters Country Park, to a point 23m south of its junction with the roundabout for B5102 Llay Road, for a distance of 1.12km. B5102 Straight Mile/Croeshowell Hill, Llay: From a point 360m south-west of its junction with Higher Lane/Gegin Lane, to a point 31m north east of that same junction, for a distance of 414m. Gegin Lane, Llay: From its junction with B5120, in a southerly direction, for a distance of 210m. Higher Lane, Llay: Its entire length, a distance of 1.06km. Chapel Lane, Llay: Its entire length, a distance of 895m. Phoenix Drive, Brymbo: Its entire length, a distance of 850m. New High Street, Brymbo: From its junction with the roundabout for Phoenix Drive and New High Street, to its junction with Blast Road, a distance of 348m. Railway Road, Brymbo: From its junction with the roundabout for Phoenix Drive and New High Street, to its junction with B5101 and Mount Hill, a distance of 277m. B5101, The Lodge: From its junction with Broughton Road, to its junction with Cefn Road, a distance of 472m. B5426 Wern Road, Minera: From its junction with Vicarage Hill, to a point 170m south of its junction with Access road to Minera House, for a distance of 805m. B5426 Minera Hall Road, Minera: From a point 30m west of its junction with A525 Ruthin Road, to a point 140m east of its junction with Trem-Y-Mynydd, for a distance of 404m. B5426 The Wern: From a point 91m north of its junction with Stryt y Scweiar, to a point 138m north of its junction with the Lane from Hafod Wen to Coppy Cottage, a distance of 543m. B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road, Rhosymedre: From a point 161m north of its junction with Plas Isaf, to a point 57m east of the access for Wynnstay Park & Lodge, a distance of 2.45km A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair: From a point 93m east of its junction with Hampden Way, to a point 12m east of its junction with Chapel Street, a distance of 945m. A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor: From a point 26m west of its junction with Trefnant Park, to a point 29m east of its junction with Trevor Hall Road, a distance of 1.46km. B5097, Chirk: From a point 44m north of its junction with West View, to a point 43m north of its junction with Colliery Road, a distance of 947m; and from a point 13m south of its junction with B4500 Castle Road, to a point 170m south of that same junction, a distance of 157m. B5605 Wrexham Road, Johnstown: From a point 66m south of its junction with Fennant Road, to a point 9m north of its junction with Charles Street, a distance of 306m. B5605 Ruabon Road, Johnstown: From a point 16m south of its junction with Stryt Las, to a point 42m south of its junction for Vauxhall Industrial Estate, a distance of 484m. Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Johnstown: Its entire length (multiple roads). B5605 Ruabon Road, Ruabon: From a point 22m north of the railway bridge, to its junction with East Avenue, in a southerly direction, for a distance of 71m. B5605 New High Street, Ruabon: From its junction with East Avenue, to its junction with Vincent Street, a distance of 324m. B5605 Bridge Street, Ruabon: From its junction with Tan-y-llan, to its junction with A539 Ruabon Roundabout, a distance of 461m. A539/ B5605 Ruabon Roundabout, Ruabon: Its entire length, a distance of 206m. B5097 from Plas Bennion Road to junction of Tatham Road, Ruabon: From its junction with Plas Bennion Road to a point 14m east of its junction with Tatham Road, a distance of 1.10km. Plas Bennion Road/Copperas Hill, Penycae: From its junction with Afoneitha Road to a point 144m south of its junction with B5097, a distance of 313m.
