IT HAS now been just shy of a year since the 20mph speed limit was first trialled in Flintshire.

The county was one of eight areas across Wales selected for a government trial which reduced speed limits from 30mph to 20mph on residential roads.

As a result, as of Monday February 28 2022, all unclassified roads (30mph) within Buckley, Mynydd Isa, Bryn-y-Baal and New Brighton became 20mph zones.

Then, on July 12 2022, members voted 39 to 15 to approve the Welsh Government's bid to roll out the law on all residential roads.

That means Wales is now set to become the first country in the UK to introduce a default 20mph limit as of September 2023.

The Welsh Government said reducing speeds improves road safety and lowers the chances of accidents occurring.

But the move has caused anger amongst Flintshire residents in these areas, who claim it is having the opposite effect and has in fact sparked more reckless driving, and road rage. 

READ MORE: Lucky Flintshire residents win whopping £35,000 on Postcode Lottery

A petition set up by councillor Adie Drury, has collected 46,000 signatures to date.

And, as the one-year anniversary of the scheme first being piloted approaches, readers have been getting in touch to give us their views.

Some were thinking about the effects the scheme has had and is having on businesses in the town.

Kelly Skingley said: "It's ridiculous, it's harming businesses in Buckley, people are going elsewhere to avoid Buckley and it's pathetic. Buckley needs an influx of people, not reasons to make them go elsewhere. By all means keep the 20mph by schools but main roads is a step too far."

Andrew Kavanagh added: "Just don’t get why Liverpool Road is 20mph. Okay with side streets fine. I go to Mold now for Iceland/Gerrard’s/Library etc. Only live in Ewloe Green. No logic."

Other residents came in with some stronger opinions.

Laura Millward told us: "I truly don’t know one person who drives who thinks is a good idea or says it’s beneficial in anyway. It’s a terrible idea and I’m expecting “riots” when the WG try to introduce across Wales."

Bryan Smith said: "Waste of time, we'll be back to horse drawn carriages soon, authorities gone mad."

Tracey Jones wrote: "20mph so we dont damage our cars driving on the horrendous potholed roads...disgrace."

Philip Corbett said: "I can understand 20mph around schools, and residential estates. But to have main roads down to 20mph is just stupid. Most cars will have to go into 2nd gear to achieve it, causing more pollution, as the engines will be at higher revs. This has not been thought through, and needs to be sent back to the Senedd for a re-think."

The Leader:

PIC: What do you think of the 20mph scheme?

Other readers told us they now just avoid Buckley all together.

Len Easter said: "I now no longer go to Buckley for anything due to this ridiculous 20mph joke."

Ian Bartlett added: "Won’t go to Buckley at all any more."

In response, the Welsh Government's deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.

“Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, which will help to improve our health and wellbeing and help to improve the environment.

“This new research shows the savings in terms of reductions in people being hurt or killed but the benefits of 20mph stretch much further than casualty savings alone. The report suggests the lower speed limit will help encourage physical activity and in turn reduce obesity, stress and anxiety.

“As with any change we know it will take time for people to adapt. But I’m pleased to see the early indications show a majority of people are in favour of 20mph, and I am confident that if we all work together, we can make the necessary changes that will benefit us now and in the future.”