AN ex-Magistrate has spoken out in support of a long-serving colleague who stood down from his post due to concerns about 20mph speed limit rules.

The Leader reported earlier this week how Nick Colbourne resigned after 18 years as a Magistrate.

He stated he wasn't prepared to sentence people who marginally breach the recently rolled-out 20mph scheme, and that he didn't agree with the way the scheme had been implemented in a blanket fashion in any event.

Mr Colbourne also said he had other concerns, including the way Magistrates had been expected to jump through more "hoops" to be able to do the job, explaining there was "far too much interference."

He also shared his belief that the courts are now "overworked" and that there doesn't appear to be as much 'appreciation' for the fact that Magistrates are volunteers.

Former Magistrate Philip Davies, from Wrexham, told the Leader he agreed with Mr Colbourne's concerns and he too opposes the 20mph scheme.

Mr Davies, 76, served as a Magistrate for 15 years in Wrexham and Mold.

And like Mr Colbourne, he felt there was "too much interference" - both in terms of management and politics - prior to him stepping down in around 2016.

The Leader: A 20mph sign and Nick ColbourneA 20mph sign and Nick Colbourne (Image: Nick Colbourne)

Mr Davies said: "I did enjoy my 15 years. We did have some difficult cases, obviously, but in the main I enjoyed it."

On the 20mph issue which prompted his colleague to resign, Mr Davies continued: "They should never have brought it in - it's going to wreck Wales' economy.

"People aren't going to want to come here, so tourism will drop - and others doing delivery jobs are going to suffer because it's going to cause delays.

"I've noticed how more queues now form at junctions.

"I think Mr Colbourne did the right thing - and if a lot more Magistrates did it, it'd bring the country to a standstill."

He added that he agreed with Mr Colbourne's views on the 50mph scheme implemented on the A483 in Wrexham - in that he accepted "the limit is the limit," but it didn't allow for differentiation between different types of vehicles given the scheme's overall aim of reducing pollution.

"I've driven on the A483," he said, "and I'm now coming over the flyover in second gear - putting out more emissions.

"How does that make sense?"

Following Mr Colbourne's resignation, The Welsh Government issued a statement to "refute" his assertions regarding the speed limits.

A spokesman said: “The 50mph speed restrictions on some of our most polluted roads are there to support compliance with statutory nitrogen dioxide limits for public health.

“Data clearly demonstrates the positive impact these speed limits have on air quality across all locations.

“Introducing different speed limits for electric cars would lead to road safety issues and reduce effectiveness.”

On the 20mph limits, the spokesman continued: "We recognise this is a major change, but it is saving lives and making our communities safer for everyone, including motorists.

"We continue to work closely with emergency services and other agencies to engage with drivers about the benefits of slower speeds.”

A Judicial Office spokesman said: “ We continue to appreciate and value the hugely important voluntary work of magistrates across England and Wales and comprehensive training and resources are provided to support their vital work through the Judicial College.”