Sam Rowlands MS hits out at 'completely bonkers' 20mph plan

From September 17, 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.

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.

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Now, Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has again added his voice to protests against the plans.

Mr Rowlands, who has campaigned with residents in Buckley against the proposals, said he fully understood the frustration of motorists who have started to tie red ribbons on their car bonnets and grills to protest against the soon to be imposed new speed limit.

He said: “For the past 18 months I have been supporting campaigners in Buckley, who are totally against this scheme which comes into force across the whole of Wales on September 17.

“It is completely bonkers and will have serious consequences for people who live, work and travel in North Wales and not in a good way.

“Despite the vast majority of people being totally against the move and thousands signing a petition against it Welsh Government blithely carried on punishing motorists.

“It is a real shame that people feel they have to resort to these measures to be heard by Welsh Government and I am not surprised that drivers have become frustrated and feel they need to protest and I am sure we will see a lot more red ribbons as we approach the launch date for the blanket 20mph speed limit.

“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.

“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."

A statement on the plans on the Welsh Government's website states: "We recognise not all roads with a currently at 30mph limit will be suitable to change to 20mph. These roads will be known as exceptions.

"Local Authorities will consider with their communities which roads should remain at 30mph and there will be 30mph signs to tell you this. 

"We have published a map on DataMapWales that shows which roads would stay at 30mph."