Wrexham's MP has asked for clarity regarding the proposed savings costs to be made from the new 20mph speed limit. 

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Sarah Atherton has made a request to the Welsh Government asking for a breakdown of the estimated £100m savings that would come from the rollout of 20mph roads across Wales, as outlined by the Welsh Government in a recent letter.

Across Wales in September 2023, the Welsh Government will introduce a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads, costing the taxpayer £32million.

Restricted roads include those with street lights and are usually located in residential and built-up areas with high pedestrian activity.

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The reduction of residential roads to a 20mph speed limit was trialed in Flintshire, on unclassified roads in Buckley, Mynydd Isa, Alltami, and New Brighton earlier this year but led to widespread local feeling against the proposal.

Back in July, Sarah Atherton conducted a survey to hear Wrexham residents' views on this policy, and 94% disagreed with the policy.

After writing to Wrexham Council, Wrexham’s MP, Sarah Atherton has received clarification from Darren Williams, Chief Officer of Environment at Wrexham Council regarding the next steps of this blanket policy.

He stated that the council is undergoing a review of all 20 and 30-mph speed limits within the Borough, and once this information has been finalised it will be shared.

Sarah Atherton said: “Whilst the Welsh Government think rolling out a blanket 20mph policy on residential roads is a good and ‘safe’ idea, local opinion says otherwise. Whilst introducing 20mph speed limits outside schools and playgrounds is logical, it is not necessary to impose this expensive and blanket policy across the whole of Wales.

"People up and down the UK are struggling with the rising cost of living, here in Wrexham it is no different. The rising cost of living coupled with ambulance wait times in Wrexham being at an all-time high, using £32million worth of taxpayer's money for an unwanted 20mph policy is not logical nor practical in supporting those in times of need.

"Following the Welsh Government’s broad statement that this policy would save the Welsh taxpayer £100million in the first year alone, I have made a Freedom of Information request to seek clarification of where the savings would be made so that we can hold the Welsh Government to account on the spending of tax payers money.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Research conducted by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University has estimated that the introduction of 20mph could save Wales around £100m in the first year alone. This is three times more than it will cost for the national rollout of 20mph.”