First Welsh council reveals which roads may change back from 20mph

First Welsh council reveals roads that may change back from 20mph

The first Welsh council has taken a step towards potentially reverting some roads from 20mph back to 30mph following a review of the default speed limit in Wales. The law, which has been in place for over a year, prompted a council-by-council assessment. In July, the Welsh Government issued updated guidance regarding the 20mph limit. Subsequently, in September, residents were encouraged to contact their local council and suggest specific roads for review.

The response was overwhelming, with thousands of requests flooding in. The Welsh Government allocated £5m to assist councils in implementing any necessary changes. Flintshire Council has become the first to disclose the names of roads that could potentially return to a 30mph limit. While the council received more than 956 requests in August to reinstate 30mph limits, they have so far identified two roads for potential change: the A5026 Lloc and a section of the A548 Bagillt/Mostyn Road.

The council plans to release more road names on a weekly basis leading up to Christmas, with any remaining roads to be announced in January 2025. Residents will have the opportunity to engage further before final decisions are made regarding road speed limits in the county.

Transport Minister Ken Skates commended the councils for listening to the public’s feedback and progressing with the review process. He acknowledged the importance of setting appropriate speed limits, particularly around sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and residential zones. Skates expressed gratitude to those who participated in providing input, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure that speed limits align with community needs.

The initiative aims to strike a balance between road safety and efficient travel, acknowledging that 20mph restrictions are suitable for certain locations while recognising the potential for adjustments on other roads. Flintshire County Council’s proactive approach sets a precedent for other local authorities in Wales to undertake similar reviews in the near future.

As the feedback process continues, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged in discussions concerning road speed limits. The collaborative nature of this endeavour reflects a commitment to ensuring that speed regulations are tailored to the specific requirements of each community, promoting safe and efficient travel across Wales.