THE APPROXIMATE cost of implementing the 20mph speed limits across Wrexham has been revealed.
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.
Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton says she has been contacted by many of her constituents concerned by the introduction of a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across the county.
To gauge Wrexham residents’ opinion, Mrs Atherton previously launched a Wrexham Transport Survey which found that 94% of respondents disagreed with the policy.
In June, the MP made a Freedom of Information request to the Welsh Government for an analysis of the cost to introduce a 20mph speed limit on roads in Wrexham, including an itemised breakdown of costs.
On August 7, the Welsh Government confirmed that this would cost £361,500.
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Wrexham Council, who are funded by the Welsh Government in the form of a grant to implement the scheme, have requested £361,500 this financial year, broken down to:
- TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) Costs - £32,500
- Signs - £230,000
- Communications - £10,000
- Other e.g. Costs of 30mph exemptions - £89,000
This is in addition to £35,399.15 claimed towards 20mph implementation in the last financial year.
Across the whole of Wales, the policy is set to cost the taxpayer around £32 million.
In addition to Mrs Atherton publicly raising her concerns with the policy, she also recently met with North Wales Police to discuss the operational difficulty of enforcing the changes.
It was recently reported that Wrexham’s Fire Service has been asked to assist North Wales Police in enforcing new speed limits.
Mrs Atherton has raised her concerns about this proposal, particularly as North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority is currently consulting on the provision of fire service emergency cover for Wrexham.
Sarah Atherton MP said: “Rather than slowing Wales down, Mark Drakeford needs to implement a pro-growth, pro-driver and pro-business transport infrastructure that matches the needs of our growing city.
"Time and time again the Welsh Labour Government does not prioritise spending money where it really matters. Instead, they waste hardworking Wrexham taxpayers’ money on a blanket 20mph policy that people do not want – just ask the residents of Buckley!
“At a time when Wrexham has never been more ready for growth and opportunity, this policy will undoubtedly deter visitors, businesses, and people from moving to Wrexham.
"Going forward, I will continue to press the Welsh Government for details on how they plan to access the success of the policy once implemented.”
In response to the findings, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This is about saving lives and building safer and stronger communities.
“The cost is more than outweighed by the savings to the NHS as a result of the 20mph roll-out. The collisions related cost savings alone are estimated to be around £92 million a year, not taking into account wider health benefits.”
“Fire officers are involved in the educational aspect of the roll-out as they have to attend and deal with the devastating impact of traffic collisions. They will not be called away from their every-day duties.”
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