Welsh council goes back to 30mph speed limit after traffic complaints

I hope this does not come in here! It is too much to travel at 20mph in all areas. 

Also, why not clamp down on the manufacturing of cars that go over 70mph? How many die on the motorway due to speeding? It makes no sense at all.

A Welsh council plans to reverse a new 20mph speed limit after local residents reported it had made traffic worse. Monmouthshire County Council was one of eight places in Wales to trial the new speed limit - along with Buckley - ahead of a Senedd decision to make 20mph the national speed limit on residential roads in Wales from September 2023.

Whilst the rules are expected to be implemented across the country, Monmouthshire Council has announced it will overturn the decision after hearing locals' concerns. According to the Welsh

Government, reducing the speed limit will prevent accidents, improve air quality and increase walking and cycling.

The new default speed limit is set to affect 30mph roads with street lights fewer than 200 yards apart - but this can be overturned by local authorities. In a statement, the Monmouthshire council said it had made the decision to propose a reversal of some of the roads back to 30mph in some parts to “address some of the community concerns raised while balancing this with the benefits of reducing speed limits”.

In May, many motorists said they largely supported the 20mph limit near schools and on highly residential roads. Some said the changes didn’t go far enough, while others said they hoped the new proposals would not be a sign of councils buckling under pressure from motorists, Wales Online reports.

However, the recent trial has sparked strong reactions from road users who have highlighted their concerns. Taxi driver Daniel Thompson said: “The B4245 from Magor to Portskewett is seven miles long and to drive at 20mph is adding a lot more time on journeys.

"In the side streets and schools, people are very understanding with the restrictions on speed. However, from Magor through Caldicot there have been very few accidents over the years when original speeds were there.

Should the speed limit be 20mph? Tell us in the comments section

The Welsh Government plans to change the default speed limit across the country from 30mph to 20mph in September 2023 (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

“I had an incident a few weeks ago where it took me 25 minutes to get from Magor to Portskewett to get an elderly lady to her doctor’s appointment. I got her there with one minute to spare. We were held up due to traffic and speed restrictions.

“Traffic is a lot worse currently. Emissions are a lot higher due to idling engines. I am putting more wear and tear on my engine.

“Questions should first have been put to the public before implementing this. I get it works in larger areas such as Cardiff or London where there are a lot more pedestrians, but not in an area like this.”

Professor Paul Lewis of Swansea University's medical school, who is Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research and Innovation, said: "There are some small likely benefits to vehicles driving at 20mph, relative to higher speeds, in that the tiny particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) that come from brake dust and tire wear is reduced as people brake less than they would at higher speeds. There is still a lack of evidence as to the exact amount of reduction in air pollution though.

A new speed limit will apply to residential roads in Wales from September next year (Image: Derby Telegraph)

"What is accepted is that a speed restriction of 20 mph does not increase air pollution." Cyclist and motorist Gareth Price said he believes the 20mph default limit will help people feel more comfortable with getting on their bikes.

Gareth explained: “I have cycled around Caldicot, Magor, Undy, and Rogiet for years and now if I don’t have three or four closes passes on a ride I’d count that as a success. And I’m riding at speed - sometimes 20mph.

"Since the trial, if a driver follows the 20mph speed limit there is general compliance behind them. Not everyone follows the limit.

“The difference between 30mph and 20mph for a mile in a car is 60 seconds and I do think some drivers seem to forget that. I feel much safer with the new limits. Generally in the UK, our roads are not safe for cyclists.

“There is a school just off the main road through Caldicot and if you invite drivers to stick to a rule at certain times the chances are they are not very likely to obey it. I think that our councils need to have a strength of will and resolve and to see the full picture.”

John Griffiths, MS for Newport East, which covers Severnside, said earlier in July that he was pleased with the outcome of the Senedd vote. “[It] will bring us a step closer to a lower default speed limit across Wales,” he said. “I have campaigned with organizations such as 20s Plenty and Sustrans Cymru for several years, who I know support the steps being taken by Welsh Government to make our roads safer and more environmentally friendly.

“I recognize though there have been problems on sections of the B4245 in Severnside. I am pleased the newly elected Labour leadership is now rectifying these issues and making changes to the pilot to address the problems which have occurred. It will be down to local councils to implement these measures and that’s why it must be done in a way which consults and takes local residents with them.”

From...https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-council-goes-back-30mph-24629720