Following a further review of 20mph speed limits on trunk roads across Wales, the Welsh Government has announced it will amend speed restrictions on dozens of routes under its control.
The latest review comes after powers were devolved to local authorities, allowing councils to revert certain 20mph roads back to 30mph where appropriate. Since then, hundreds of roads across the country have been reassessed and changed.
In Aberconwy, dozens of roads were earmarked for review. However, many of the proposed changes have yet to materialise, leaving residents waiting for clarity.
Concerns have been repeatedly raised by motorists about roads that drop abruptly from 60mph to 20mph. Drivers say these sharp reductions can lead to sudden braking, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and creating potential hazards for vehicles travelling behind.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Aberconwy said:
“This is yet another review of the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy, with more roads now being reverted back to 30mph. The fact that speed limits are continually being changed back clearly shows this was a flawed and poorly thought-out scheme from the start.
The rollout and repeated reviews have cost far too much, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that this approach has not worked. The whole thing cost around £32 million to set up and since then has cost a further £3-5 million on changes, this is before this most recent review. That money could and should have been spent on far more urgent priorities, such as health services or other frontline needs.
Constantly backtracking only adds confusion for drivers and highlights the need for a more sensible and priority based approach from the Welsh Government.”
