Janice R. Andrews
As the Welsh government’s £34 million default 20 mph policy has come under increasing criticism, Transport Secretary Ken Skates today stated that certain routes in Wales will return to 30 mph speed limits.
Skates underlined the necessity of taking corrective measures while acknowledging that “a lot of people” had expressed concerns. Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, applauded the decision but demanded federal funding to replace the signage.
The concept was first proposed by former First Minister Mark Drakeford and Transport Minister Lee Waters. It was not well received, as seen by the almost 500,000 signatures on a Senedd petition against it. Some groups, like the cycling community, were in favor of the policy, but others thought it was too restrictive and demanded changes.
Skates, who took over as Wales’ transport chief in March, emphasized the significance of tailored speed limits, especially in the vicinity of hospitals and schools. He underlined that councils had the authority to decide when to reduce traffic on roads to 30 mph.
Rob Stewart emphasized the need for a balanced approach to road safety by pointing out that the policy changes may have an impact on up to ten Swansea roads.
Huw Thomas, the head of Cardiff council, praised the decision and pointed out that although the 20 mph rule had been well-liked in the city, changes were required due to public opinion.
The transport spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives, Natasha Asghar, reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the 20 mph policy and argued for its repeal in favor of a more focused strategy.
Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth stressed the necessity for an evaluation of the policy’s execution, endorsing the idea of extensive 20 mph zones while advocating for their uniform and sensible implementation.
It is anticipated that the Welsh government will discuss the upcoming modifications in a Tuesday afternoon announcement to the Senedd. As the situation changes, keep checking back for updates.
