A NORTH Wales MS says he is glad that the views of Flintshire residents are 'finally being considered' over the 20mph speed limit plans for Wales.

From 17 September 2023, most 30mph speed limits in Wales, are changing to 20mph.

This will make Wales one of the world’s first countries to have a default 20mph limit. 

This is, according to the Welsh Government, to 'keep our communities safer and improve quality of life'.

But, just last week, it was announced that Flintshire Council could yet scrap plans for the speed limit on 10 roads in the county.

The statutory consultation process will begin in the summer that could see the removal of the speed limits from Buckley and the surrounding area. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

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In the lead up to the introduction of Welsh Government’s new legislation for 20mph speed limits, eight communities across Wales were selected for the first phase of the national programme. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

As part of this Phase One Settlement Scheme, 20mph speed restrictions were introduced in Buckley, Mynydd Isa, New Brighton, Drury, Burntwood, Bryn y Baal and Alltami on February 28, 2022.

And, although generally in favour of 20mph on residential estates and around schools, local residents expressed concern about its introduction on main roads and streets. 

Aware of these concerns, Flintshire County Council says it has 'held discussions' with the Welsh Government over the last 12 months.

The council has been gathering the views of local residents to 'help inform a review and understand concerns about specific roads'. 

As a result of this feedback, the council says it has 're-assessed' a number of roads in Buckley and its surrounding areas. 

These are; A5119 New Brighton, A549 Brunswick Road Chester Road, A549 Mold Road, B5127 Liverpool Road, B5128 Church Road, Bannel Lane, Bryn Lane – Bryn Y Baal Road, Drury New Road, Padeswood Road South and Drury Lane.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has cautiously welcomed plans to exempt some roads in Buckley from a 20mph speed limit.

The Leader:

PIC: North Wales MS Sam Rowlands.

He said: “For the past 12 months I have been supporting campaigners in Buckley, who are totally against the implementation of such a scheme in their town. Despite public opinion Welsh Government decided to impose this across the whole of the country.

“Like most people I am not against introducing 20mph in certain areas and support letting councils put these limits outside schools, hospitals and other areas where evidence shows it’s a benefit, but a blanket 20mph speed limit across urban roads in Wales is just not right.

“While I welcome that the views of residents are finally being considered I still remain a harsh critic of the proposal and believe that the number of roads being considered for exemption do not go far enough.

“I make no apology for once again expressing my concern over the detrimental impact this default limit is going to have on people going about their daily lives and businesses. Instead of slowing Wales down, Labour should grip the wheel and get Wales moving again with a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker programme that works for those who need to drive.”

A statement on the Welsh Government's 'Safer at 20mph' page claims that '

The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives'.

It adds thata recent public health study estimated that the 20mph default speed limit could result in; 40% fewer collisions and saving 6 to 10 lives every year.

Ultimately, local councils will have the final say on which streets should remain at 30mph.