A NORTH Wales MS has once again urged Welsh Government to scrap the nationwide 20mph speed limit, following 12 months of campaigning. 

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, was commenting after asking people living in Buckley and the surrounding areas for their feedback on the proposal.

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

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

Prior to the new legislation for 20mph speed limits being passed, Buckley was one of eight communities across Wales selected for the first phase of the national programme. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Concerns were raised by residents and a petition was set up, which now has more than 21,000 signatures. 

READ MORE: MS 'inundated' with complaints from 'furious people across Wales' about 20mph scheme

On Monday, it was decided that the legislation will be debated again in the Senedd, much to the delight of Mr Rowlands. 

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are going to have the opportunity to debate the matter again and hope that Ministers Mark Drakeford, Lee Waters and the rest of the Cardiff-Bay based Welsh Labour Government will listen to us because we know the views of our constituents.

“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. Like most people I am not against 20mph speed limit 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.

“Flintshire Council have recently announced that they will be looking to change the speed limit on Liverpool Road, one of Buckley’s main arterial roads, back to 30mph if allowed under the Welsh Government’s criteria.  

“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 that a recent public health study estimated that the 20mph default speed limit could result in 40% fewer collisions and save 6 to 10 lives every year.

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