20mph speed limit in Wales ‘draconian’, says shadow transport minister
The Welsh Conservatives shadow transport minister has described the 20mph speed limit in the country as “draconian” and “bringing Wales to a standstill”.
Wales became the first nation in the UK to drop the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph for restricted roads last September.
Almost 470,000 people in Wales have signed a petition calling for the law to be scrapped, the highest number in the history of the Senedd.
Former first minister Mark Drakeford previously suggested drivers would not be fined for breaching the new limit if they were “genuinely confused”.
Strength of feeling
Natasha Asghar MS said during a Senedd debate on Wednesday: “The sheer number of people who signed this petition in such a short space of time highlights the strength of feeling amongst the Welsh public towards this policy, and as a regional member for South Wales East, I commend all of you from every single corner of Wales for your sheer dedication.
“The frustration with this policy has stemmed from the fact it is draconian in every sense of the word. The consultation process has come after the policy was implemented, which is quite frankly the wrong way around.
“I’ve said it on many occasions, and many may boo and deny it, but this policy is poised to deliver a £9 billion blow to the economy.
“It’s hampering our emergency services, it’s hindering our public transport network and it’s making Wales a less attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.
“In short, it’s quite literally bringing Wales to a standstill.”
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I would question the numbers but draconian is far from it. War on the motorist is pushed by her ex pm’s party. Costs are massive, the 20 is nothing in my daily drive.
Ah well we should keep it then because it doesn’t affect you then Jeff eyy
Like i said, my motoring costs are huge, the 20 does three parts of sod all in my costs and getting hit at 30 vs 20 is a no brainer.
If the Tory party in Wales were genuine, they would be lobbying No10 about motoring costs.But they do not.
If they were capable they would say let this run and see the outcome. But they do not. they are like the bullies at the back of class giggling and fooling around.
What speed did the Tory government travel at to negotiate with nurses and doctors? Assist refugees? Resolve the Post Office scandal? Support those affected by tainted blood? Help the homeless? Increase pensions? Bet it was less than 20mi/h!
The average speed I drive around Cardiff has not dropped ONE mph since regulations changed. Average speed is STILL 10-13 mph depending on time of day and route.
Wales is more than just Cardiff !
I suspect this 20mph policy has hardly affected anyone – it certainly hasn’t hindered my commute. The Tories highjacked it for political gain, it doesn’t matter that it’s there to save lives. As for the petition – very suspicious.
Yes some of the statements are ridiculous. Asghar said “it’s quite literally bringing Wales to a standstill”. That’s after she drove in her car to the Senedd to make that statement!
People who object to the new limit see the issue only from their own point of view. From the point of view of people on foot, 20mph feels a great deal safer than 30. Decades ago a disabled friend moved away from Llandrindod because she couldn’t cross the A483 to reach the lakeside walks. I fear for the safety of my wife trying to cross the same stretch of road. I (a reasonably fit 80-year-old) am intimidated by drivers who plainly feel entitled to ignore the law, in which they are encouraged by knockers like Ms Asgar.
People who object to the new limit see the issue only from their own point of view. From the point of view of people on foot, 20mph feels a great deal safer than 30. Decades ago a disabled friend moved away from Llandrindod because she couldn’t cross the A483 to reach the lakeside walks. I fear for the safety of my wife trying to cross the same stretch of road. I (a reasonably fit 80-year-old) am intimidated by drivers who plainly feel entitled to ignore the law, in which they are encouraged by knockers like Ms Asghar.
20 mph is not draconian!
What is draconian are laws recently passed by her party in power in westminster; minimum service levels during strikes, restrictions on protests, sentences of 10 years for graffiti of statues. Also what john woodcock would have the government legislate, see https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2024/03/12/woodcock-psc-letter/
Please – forget the grandstanding on both sides. It’s predictable …
Where is the evidence of a change in deaths or serious injuries in any rural or urban part of Wales?
It isn’t really about deaths and serious injuries – it’s about the quality of life in towns and villages
Just get rid of it, it hasn’t worked its caused more accidents for fights and more emissions, which is labour’s goal so they can introduce congestion charges
Accidents are recorded where the police are involved, they publish the stats and cause. This financial year are not out yet, where are these figures?
Well how can the transport minster claim it has saved lives? Just lies to enforce this conceited new law puts Wales on the map. The only thing it’s achieved is tradespersons charging more money, bus services reduced, road rage, and traffic jams
What is bad is the lies we hear. The transport minister claims it saved lives! How does he know that? The claims that the NHS will save millions because of less traffic collisions, has there been less traffic collisions in Wales. Where do most of these collisions take place. The answer single country lanes with national speed limits of up to 60 MPH. Have any of these roads been changed to save lives, answer “NO” people are still being killed on these roads, whilst drivers are getting red mist and taking risks overtaking people at 20MPH. Ridiculous law that needed… Read more »
Well to be fair there is a lot of evidence out there that someone is less likely to be killed by someone going 20 and not 30. Obviously, the benefits of the reduced speed will only show themselves in the death records over time. Regarding the implementation, councils had, and still have, the power to change the road speed back, very few have. The reason, roads are safer.
I visited the area north of Blackpool (England) and was surprised at how many roads carried a 20 mph limit so contrary to claims it’s not only in Wales
Shock! Horror!
People don’t like change…
470,000 people need to read the Highway Code, especially the Hierarchy of Responsibility, and reflect on their indoctrination into the big auto propaganda. They have been conned…