Review of 20mph speed limit welcomed

The new transport secretary has promised changes to the default 20mph speed limit, which was introduced across Wales last September.

Ken Skates says that the 20mph zones should instead be targeted at schools, hospitals and nurseries.

Legislation to lower the default national speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets from 30mph to 20mph in Wales was approved by the Senedd in July 2022. 

The policy was led by former deputy climate change minister Lee Waters, who left the Welsh government with the departure of former first minister Mark Drakeford.

However, the policy has proved controversial with almost 500,000 signatories to a petition calling for it to be scrapped.

Skates told the Welsh Parliament: “There is a growing consensus in this debate that 20mph is right around schools, hospital and nurseries.

“I really strongly feel across the chamber there is support for 20 mph in those areas where it is appropriate especially where children and the elderly are at risk.

“In such areas, it all makes sense, it all makes people feel safer, but we do need to make sure that 20 mph is targeted in those places as we always promised it would be.”

“He added: “Changes will be done with and for the communities we all serve with the voice of citizens at the heart of all we do.”

Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), welcomed the review of blanket 20mph zones in Wales.

“We also welcome his plan to work collaboratively to address a move which has proven to be a divisive one for the Welsh public,” said Smith.

“We have long been urging the Welsh Government to rethink this policy and to instead focus on creating a road network which benefits all users. 

“Whilst we must all strive to improve the safety of our roads and while we recognise that 20mph is appropriate in areas where there are known accident hot spots and in areas where there are hospitals and schools, we’ve long questioned whether a blanket 20mph zone is necessary when more targeted measures would work just as well.

“We will continue to engage with the new transport secretary and the Welsh Government on this issue which is important to our members.”

Skates said he would give more details on his plans when he makes a statement to the Senedd next week.