Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan has acknowledged that the Welsh Government could have handled the implementation of the controversial 20mph speed limit better. Almost a year since Wales became the first UK nation to introduce the 20mph default speed limit on certain roads, there has been ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding the decision made back in 2019. The legislation was approved by the Senedd in 2022, and the new speed limit came into effect on September 17 last year.
Following changes in leadership within the Welsh Government, a review of the guidance provided to councils regarding which roads could revert to 30mph was announced in July. Subsequently, councils have been inundated with requests from the public to reconsider the speed limits on specific roads. First Minister Eluned Morgan addressed these issues during an interview on BBC Wales’ Sunday Politics, where she highlighted the challenges and feedback received during her public engagements throughout Wales.
Morgan admitted that there were shortcomings in the preparation and execution of the 20mph policy, particularly noting the complexities of certain areas such as schools, playgrounds, and hospitals. She emphasised the importance of local authorities responding to community concerns and decisions being made at the local level. While acknowledging the varying levels of flexibility adopted by different councils, she stressed the need for improved communication and understanding of the system’s flexibility.
In addition to the 20mph policy, the First Minister discussed the pressing issues facing the Welsh NHS, emphasising the need to prioritize key areas for improvement within the healthcare system. With less than 20 months until the next Senedd election, Morgan highlighted the importance of realistic goal-setting and focusing on deliverable outcomes that address public priorities.
While acknowledging that fixing all NHS challenges within the timeframe is unrealistic, Morgan underscored the progress already made in reducing waiting times and the need to sustain these improvements. She also pointed out the significant demands placed on the healthcare system, with two million monthly contacts in a population of three million in Wales.
Looking ahead, the Welsh Government aims to sharpen its focus on achievable goals within the healthcare sector and address public concerns effectively. By setting clear priorities and driving continuous improvements, the government plans to navigate the challenges ahead while striving to meet the expectations of the Welsh public.