Consultation launched on 20 mph speed limit rules

Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter

Anglesey and Gwynedd councils are seeking public feedback as they gear up for the introduction of 20mph speed limits.

The Welsh Government is introducing a default speed limit of 20 mph on restricted roads in Wales.

The new rules come into force on September 17, 2023.

Many roads will be reduced from 30mph to 20mph, although there will be exceptions.

A restricted road is considered to be one with street lighting not more than 200 yards apart, where the speed is usually restricted to 30 mph.

The new legislation means the default speed limit will now be 20mph.

The decision to limit road speeds is thought to be a global first for Wales, and has divided opinion.

The plans have been criticised by Welsh Conservatives who say it could impact on residents and businesses in North Wales.

Protect the environment

But the Labour Welsh Government says it is making the changes to “…reduce the number of collisions and serious injuries, encourage more people to walk and cycle, help improve health and well-being, make streets safer and protect the environment for future generations.”

Local authorities and trunk road agencies are engaging with communities to decide which roads should remain at 30mph.

Anglesey County Council and Cyngor Gwynedd are keen to hear residents views.

An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson said: “In July 2022 the Welsh Government passed legislation to lower the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph.

“This will come into force on the September 17, 2023.”

“In some locations, a 20mph speed limit will not be appropriate and the 30mph speed limit can remain on the basis of an ‘exceptions’ process, based on criteria established by the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

“Exceptions can be introduced via Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO).

“Anglesey Council has reviewed guidance and criteria provided by Transport for Wales and has identified locations of proposed 20mph exceptions.

“We are currently engaging with community and town councils to get their initial feedback.

“We will look to publish a map outlining what is being recommended on our local road network in the coming weeks, using the Welsh Government’s DataMapWales portal.”

“As part of the TRO process, we will also be consulting with the wider public to gather their views in order to ascertain the suitability of the locations of proposed 20mph exceptions.

“More details about this exercise will be shared shortly.”

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson added: “The Welsh Government has announced that a speed limit of 20mph will be introduced for restricted roads in Wales from September 17, 2023.

“As a result of the change, the current 30mph speed limits will be reduced to 20mph in the majority of sites in Gwynedd.

“But with some roads where there is justification, the Council recommends keeping 30mph.

“Detailed work has been carried out to consider these locations by the Council’s engineers.

“We have engaged with community and town councils to get their initial comments and we will publish a map outlining what is being recommended on the Council’s road network in the coming weeks.

“We will be keen to receive comments from residents on the 20mph plans on the county road network in Gwynedd and we will be sharing details about this excerise shortly.”

Details are available here……

A map on DataMapWales will shows roads affected by the changes.