Views on Wales' 20mph scheme one year since rollout

The scheme has received much criticism; from drivers and politicians alike.

With the scheme coming up to its one year anniversary - having been introduced in September 2023 - we have caught up with some of the people we've spoken to over the last 12 months, as well as hearing from readers, to see if views have changed.

'Lessons not learned from pilot'

Buckley Councillor Carol Ellis has spoken to the Leader about her concerns many times over the last year.

Looking back at 12 months of the 20mph scheme, she said: "It's a great pity, I think, that the Welsh Government didn't actually learn from the pilot and take on board what people said in the consultation - which is that they supported it outside schools, medical centres, in town centres and on estate roads.

"Think of all the money it's cost in the meantime, and all the money it will cost for the roads that are allegedly going to turn back to 30mph.

"If they'd only listened a lot of time and money could have been saved - money that could have been better spent elsewhere like in the NHS.

Cllr Carol Ellis (Image: Archive) "I think the majority of the public haven't changed their views on this.

"It's certainly not been successful, and the majority of people don't stick to 20 on the main roads anyway.

"But when they do, or when you get people doing 12 miles an hour just in case they go over the limit, you see the same old frustration from people when they get stuck behind them.

"I've regularly seen people overtaking."

'Roads have never been more dangerous'

Wrexham driving instructor Stuart Walker told the Leader: "It's been a total disaster.

"I've been teaching driving for 37 years and the roads have never been more dangerous than they are now - especially to those who are driving at 20mph.

"People are tailgating and doing stupid antics every day because the 20mph just causes frustration, and that leads to risk-taking and dangerous driving.

"It's a vicious circle. Road safety doesn't exist in Wales; it's dire.

"The other thing is that all driving courses have been hindered by this 20mph limit. It's really slowed progress.

"And for drivers learning in Wales in the 20mph areas, it's a big step up for them if they go into England where it's 30; I don't think that helps them."

Stuart Walker (Image: Staff)

Here's what you had to say

We asked readers to share how the 20mph limit has affected their day-to-day lives and whether they feel the roads are safer now.

Barnaby Dickenson said: "Just got done for doing 27 mph on a main road near Sandycroft. Not happy at all."

Chris Bithell said: "It makes no sense. Some built up areas are 20mph, which is understandable. Other built up areas are 30 or even 40mph."

Ann Evans said: "If I stick to 20mph, you can bet that a driver behind will either be tailgating or will overtake where and when it's not safe."

Sian Jones said: "We've seen an increase of traffic down the country lane we are on. It's become a lot busier to avoid 20mph zones."

Liz Griffiths said: "Making driving very frustrating. Angry drivers not adhering to this rules also using more fuel."

Laura Sian Woodcock said: "I regularly get people driving too close behind me and then overtaking me at a stupid speed. I don't mind 20mph in areas it is needed (very built up residential, outside schools and hospitals etc) but some of the big roads out of Wrexham do not need to be 20mph. 30mph on those roads would be absolutely fine."

Jack Richards said: "Absolutely ridiculous....its slower than following a hearse..No to 20mph."

Gail Dickens said: "Tailgating is up by 100 per cent making the roads less safe."

Kyle Oliver said: "No change to my daily drives, and it’s safer for people walking or travelling slowly like cyclists so I’m all for the 20 zones."

Anne Colbourne said: "It’s made the roads more dangerous. Drivers are looking at their speedometers instead of looking at the road and the wider picture! I am all for the 20mph at appropriate places ~ school, hospitals, nursing homes etc but not a blanket ban on the most ridiculous roads where there is no need for it at all."

Matt Jones said: "You know that the vast majority disagree with it and don’t pay any attention to it."

A 20mph sign (Image: Archive)

"Moving in the right direction"

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads. 

"We were always aware that the policy would need refinement to get the right speeds on the right roads and our listening programme alongside the publication of new guidance co-produced with local authorities is helping us do that.  

"The latest police road collision data shows that collisions on 20mph and 30mph roads combined are the lowest recorded figures outside of the Covid pandemic with additional data published earlier this year illustrating an average drop in speeds of 4mph - from 28.9mph to 24.8mph.

"So, we know things are moving in the right direction.”