Speed limit set to drop to 20mph across large part of Cardiff as part of Welsh Government pilot
Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter
The speed limit is set to drop in large parts of northwest Cardiff to 20mph as part of a Welsh Government pilot.
The changes would see a 20mph speed limit on almost all roads in Tongwynlais, Rhiwbina, Heath, Whitchurch and Llandaff North. Manor Way would keep a 30mph limit and no changes are proposed for Western Avenue.
Cardiff Council is currently consulting the public on the changes, and people wishing to make their voices heard have until October 19 to respond to the consultation.
The Welsh Government announced its pilot in February earlier this year. If the pilot is successful, the changes could be rolled out across Wales in 2023, making 20mph the default speed limit in residential areas.
The seven other areas included in the pilot are St Brides Major, Abergavenny, Severnside, Buckley, Cilfriw Village, St Dogmaels and Llanelli North.
It’s unclear when the limits will take effect in northwest Cardiff, but it’s expected to happen before the end of the year.
‘Busy’
The changes to the speed limit are hoped to make roads safer for people cycling or walking.
When the pilot was announced in February, Lee Waters, deputy minister for economy and transport, said: “Making 20mph the default speed limit in residential areas is a bold step that will save lives.
“We have made progress on reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads over the 21 years of devolution, but despite our considerable efforts the highest proportion of all casualties — 50 per cent — occurred on 30mph roads during 2018.
“This cannot be tolerated, so a reduction to 20mph on our residential and other busy pedestrian urban roads has to be the way forward.”
People can respond to the consultation on the changes in northwest Cardiff by emailing [email protected] before October 19.
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Most of the roads in Roath, Splott, Penylan, have been 20mph limit for a few years now. How is this a pilot scheme?
I do hope they have joined the dots. The main Manor Way through this area already exceeds the legal limits of Nitrogen Dioxide so when everyone is driving around in second and third gear how will that pollution be affected?
Not saying that 20 mph is a bad idea but anything that cures the problem of pedestrian road injuries by exposing everyone of all ages to greater life threatening pollution seems a bit of a shot in the foot.
Love it. Buckley the only N.Wales location adopted for a pilot trial…. as a token gesture most probably.