Minister says 20mph changes will 'take time' to get used to

Speaking in the Senedd, Lee Waters said that the changes will 'take time' for drivers to get used to.

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.

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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.

This week, leaflets containing information about the changes are being posted through letterboxes up and down the country.

The deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, has also had his say on the impending changes.

He said: "It's a major change in behaviour for people who have been trained and spent all their lives driving at 30mph.

"Just as it took time to get used to seatbelts and smoking in public places and paying for carrier bags and breathalysers. It will take time."

You can watch a video of the speech via the Welsh Government Transport's Twitter page here ...

When things change it can take time to get used it.

From 17 September, most 30mph limits across Wales will change to 20mph. 2️⃣​0️⃣​

Help create safer streets and healthier communities by driving at 20mph or below on streets where people live, work and play.#ReadyFor20mph pic.twitter.com/zuELEBRZ47

— Welsh Government Transport (@WGTransport) September 5, 2023

That video was met with a wave of criticism from Twitter users.

Gareth Lewis wrote: "Have you actually listened to the majority of people in Wales. People you claim to work for? 20mph is a good idea around schools but not a blanket application over all 30mph zones, this is madness. Listen to the people."

@atothebto added: "All those other things made sense to say it takes time to accept a ridiculous plan is insulting and patronising."

Meic Dolwen said: "To get to Wrexham we will have to go through about five miles of 20 mph, I have never known of one child being knocked down, fair enough around schools and playgrounds but blanket is nuts."

Several drivers have also recently taken to adding red ribbons to their cars in protest of the changes.