By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Readers will be aware the Welsh Government recently drew up a new three-phase plan that will focus on the 20mph speed limit.

Between now and July, the Welsh Government will listen to citizens, as well as a wide range of relevant bodies and organisations, to understand their perspectives on road safety. The Welsh Government will then work with councils during the summer to prepare for the outcome of the discussions. Once the new guidance is finalised, the third step will be for the highway authorities to start the process of adjusting speed limits on relevant roads. This final stage is expected to start in September.

While the policy hasn’t changed, this work will allow a wide range of views and evidence to be collected, helping ensure the guidance is clear and thorough. Many agree 20mph is the right speed limit outside schools, hospitals and in built-up residential areas but there are currently significant variations across the local authority areas in Wales.

I continue to be contacted by constituents who are for the 20mph speed limit and by those who are against it. The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads and the Welsh Government is clear that the degree of change in each of the 22 local authorities across Wales will ultimately be determined by the public and by councils.

With promotion already secured following another memorable campaign, the celebrations were well underway in Wrexham even before the final match of the League Two season against Stockport County.

Ahead of the game, Transport for Wales unveiled two new trains named after the home cities of Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The ‘Vancouver Red Dragon’ and ‘Philadelphia Robin’ were revealed at a special event at Wrexham General Station and I had the pleasure to attend, along with Wales’ First Minister, Vaughan Gething and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates.

Transport for Wales wanted to acknowledge the positive work and impact the owners have had in the area, including how they’ve helped the local community and businesses.

As well as paying tribute to Wrexham AFC’s co-owners, it’s important to note the two trains are the latest additions to Transport for Wales’ stock, benefiting from the Welsh Government’s £800m investment that will improve rail services for passengers in Wrexham and throughout Wales.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.