Councillor calls for review of new 20mph speed limit
The default 20mph speed limit being introduced across Wales from next month should be subject to a review within months of its introduction, according to a senior Plaid Cymru councillor.
Councillor Lindsay Whittle, a former member of the National Assembly and Plaid Cymru’s group leader in Caerphilly, also said he was concerned that the speed limit which comes into force from 17 September, “is being introduced with widespread public support”.
“Of course, I recognise the benefits to road safety in the event of accidents happening at 20mph rather than 30mph,” Mr Whittle added.
“I can see the benefits of 20mph zones outside all schools and in other areas considered to be vulnerable, but this also needs to be weighed against issues like air quality and rising pollution if there is a build-up of traffic caused by slower speeds.
“While I’ve been out canvassing for our candidate Andrew Short in the forecomig Penmaen by-election, the 20mph proposal has the hottest topic on the doorstep.
“Many people just can’t see the logic of a blanket 20mph. They are worried about the issue of emissions, and I don’t think the Welsh Government has done enough to explain and justify the case.
“Some residents also questioned the enforcement of the 20mph limits given the increasing demands on the police service.
“So, I would like to see the whole scheme reviewed after three or six months so we can see what the advantages have been, what have been the disadvantages and whether it needs to be tweaked.”
Wrexham
On Wednesday (23 August) Plaid Cymru councillors in Wrexham also voiced concern about the plans for a blanket introduction of a 20mph speed limit on urban roads.
Cllr Carrie Harper said reducing accidents and injuries was important, which is why Plaid Cymru supported the 20mph limit outside schools and on residential streets.
“The blanket introduction will cause problems and I have no doubt will need to be reviewed and undone. We’re calling on the Welsh Government to take their time to get this right first time rather than have to unravel the scheme.” she added.
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So Plaid all of sudden have decided to question the Senedds decision. Mainly because i suspect they have seen which way the wind is blowing, in that the majority of the population do not want want the blanket 20 mph.
If they were really serious they would have made their feelings felt a lot sooner, however now they are just covering their bets in case the whole thing goes belly up, then they can say how they did have their misgivings.
Well plaid too little far too late.
Lindsay is right in his comments. Unlike the policy Tory U tern and the Labour top down one size fits all approach – the change needs monitoring.and assessment locally.
Areas covered, local circumstances and effects on residents need balance against positive local safety benefit and of course enforcement.
There is an opportunity for a review NOW. Otherwise, why was there a “pilot” in places like Abergavenny, where this has been imposed for the last year. Surely there are statistics available comparing road accidents in the pilot period with the previous year. Was it a pilot study or was it a foegone conclusion? Labour Party officials in Cardiff Bay may regret the 20mph imposition as their compatriots in Uxbridge and West Ruislip regret ULEZ
I think Plaid is saying let’s see what happens after the law kicks in…by then it will be too late but it is just a clever way of kicking road users and not being blamed. Remembe Plaid supported Welsh Labour on various road works including a new bridge for Anglesey then they voted to cancel it. They have too many plates spinning and they will fall and shatter.
Reviewed after 3 or 6 months….of course the WG are going to spew unsupported stats in favour of it. We should be more like the French
Riots !! Shooting inner city imigrants !!
Attacking ‘ regional ‘ languages !!
Causing havoc in their former african empire !! Dim yn meddwl 😎
I am sick of this labour government there are nothing but dictator they even took the the online partition down as to many people were voting against it I think this is for only one thing and that is to wreck your life completely it all ready wrecking live when I go out of Wales lovely driving is no problem get back over the seven bride the the nightmare begins at the 40 zone I mean the 20 on the motorway it funny really they say it for clean air so if that the case why is this policy at… Read more »
Its a money makin racket again.im all for safety.but its no joy to drive no more tthey always hits motorists in the poket.they are controlin peoples lifes AGAIN
It’s for the environment, not safety.
Yes I think this policy will be dead in 1week as there will be so many accidents as people try there hardest that they will lose all control let theses in trouble let theses ministers go and drive these rediuclus routes and let them get points on there license the policy is dead before it begins and get these idots out of power as all the want to do is make all of our live nothing but hell
Let’s not forget that 20 is the LIMIT …nothing stopping drivers doing between. 5 and 15ph… Drakeford wants lower speeds…the. Let’s bring this country to a grinding halt.
Unbelievable! Plaid applied pressure upon Labour to introduce the 20mph as the ‘default’ speed limit across Wales. Lindsay is accurate, however he now wants to run with hare and hunt with the hounds. Plaid is obsessed with winning election but won’t take responsibility thereafter.
Cheek of the mam. He didn’t want a bigger Rd up Caerphilly mountain due to environment, but happy everyone else breaths in more nitrogen dioxide on faster roads.
Bit late now- I’m so cross with Labour and their coalition buddies (Plaid Cymru) who have allowed these policies to get through. It’s the number one topic of conversation in my friendship group and we all HATE blanket 20mph. It’ll be interesting to see how people react at the ballot box because I am a Labour voter who is so angry with the party and Plaid Cymru for allowing this.
My friendship group were more cross with the Tories supporting it then after that London by election attacking parties who didn’t flip flop on it like they did !