FLINTSHIRE residents are being given opportunities to propose roads which should be exempt from the 20mph speed limits.

Since September, the majority of residential roads throughout Wales have changed from 30mph to 20mph.

This is, according to the Welsh Government, to 'help save lives'.

However, the move has suffered backlash from the public with hundreds of thousands of people signing a petition opposing the 20mph speed limits.

Flintshire Council has now confirmed that residents of the county will 'continue to be updated and have opportunities to identify roads which may be considered as exceptions to 20mph', in a phased way.

The council says it has taken a phased approach to assessing restricted roads in the county, which initially involved local county councillors nominating roads for assessment.

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As a result, 12 roads are now in the process of reverting back to 30mph, following consultation during the summer, and details can be found on the Council’s website. 

Phase 2, which begins today (November 22), will give residents the opportunity to propose roads for an exception. To suggest a road for assessment, please fill out an online form here.

As outlined in the Welsh Government guidance, not all roads will meet the criteria for applying an exemption, and when considering the application of exceptions, local authorities are required to demonstrate that 'strong evidence' exists that higher speeds are safe and need to demonstrate a clear and reasoned case.

The council continues to work with Welsh Government to assess the impact of the new default 20mph speed limit and ensure that a consistent approach to exceptions across Wales is taken. 

It also says that it welcomes Welsh Government’s recent announcement to work collaboratively with local highway authorities to reflect on the application of the guidance in different parts of Wales.

Councillor Dave Hughes, deputy leader and cabinet member for Streetscene and Regional Transport Strategy, said: “We have received feedback from a number of residents on the 20mph speed limits, both positive and negative, and we will, as always, consider feedback in our wider and ongoing work to review exception requests and the impacts of the new default 20mph speed limits.”