THE WELSH Government's Deputy Minister for climate change has told people to 'get ready' for the 20mph speed limit change coming into force later this year.

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'.

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.

READ MORE: MS glad Buckley residents views 'finally being considered' over 20mph plans

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

But, the Welsh Government's Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters is adamant that the change will 'help communities' and 'save lives'.

In a video posted to the Government's social media accounts, he urged residents to 'get ready' for the change.

You can watch that video here...

Mr Waters said: "There's a big change coming in September and we need to get ready for it. What is now 30, will become 20. That will become the normal speed limit in the areas that we live.

"And we want people to look out for each other. This is a big change to help communities and to save lives. And it starts in six months, so get ready.

"20 will become the new 30 and it's time we all got ready."

Aware of concerns about the scheme, 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.

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 that a 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 reportedly have the final say on which streets should remain at 30mph.