Following a public backlash against the reduction of speed limits across Wales, local councils are now evaluating whether to revert certain roads back to their previous limits.
In a significant policy shift, the Welsh Government implemented a reduction of the default speed limit on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph in September 2023. This controversial decision prompted considerable public backlash, resulting in a petition that garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures urging the government to reverse the change. Following widespread debate, a year later, the government announced that local councils would have the autonomy to assess and potentially revert certain roads back to the 30mph limit.
Since then, various councils across Wales have been deliberating which roads should be reconsidered. The process remains ongoing in several areas, while some councils have already taken steps toward changing current speed limits. The latest information highlights that different local authorities are approaching the matter with varying degrees of activity, with some making prompt adjustments and others opting to maintain the existing 20mph limits.
For instance, in Aberbeeg, a section of the A467 will revert to its previous speed limit of 40mph. Additionally, in areas around Newport, there are plans to return specific roads back to 30mph. These include Newport Road, which predominantly spans four lanes, excluding a stretch outside St Illtyd’s Catholic School. Western Avenue is also set for change, specifically a section west of the Taff River Bridge, where the council has noted sufficient pedestrian crossings and space between roadways to justify an increase in speed. Other roads included in the adjustments are Ocean Way, which serves as a heavy traffic route, and Hadfield Road, which primarily serves an industrial area.
Moreover, the council has documented public feedback on roads across various regions, although significant decisions are still pending. Roads under consideration include several routes in Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, and other areas, but exact changes are yet to be finalised.
Conwy Council is actively reviewing numerous roads for potential changes to their speed limits, including prominent routes such as the B5115 and A547. Similarly, roads in Merthyr Tydfil are also under consideration, with extensive public commenting suggesting that no conclusions have been drawn yet.
In the Vale of Glamorgan, changes to the speed limits on 83 roads are anticipated, but specific details regarding those roads have not been disclosed. In Wrexham, 52 roads are earmarked for a return to the 30mph limit, though comprehensive listings are not yet available.
The gradual consultative process across various councils regarding speed limits underscores the localised approach being adopted following the initial policy reaction and the dissent it provoked. The ongoing deliberation aims to balance the varied needs of road safety, urban planning, and community concerns within the context of Wales’ road management policies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/20mph/Home.aspx – This URL corroborates the Welsh Government’s introduction of a 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales in September 2023 and the subsequent process for local councils to revise these limits.
- https://www.gov.wales/introducing-default-20mph-speed-limits – This webpage explains the introduction of a default 20mph speed limit in Wales, highlighting its purpose to reduce collisions and improve road safety, while also detailing the process for potential exceptions.
- https://www.20splenty.org/w_faq04 – This webpage provides background information on the democratic mandate for a national 20mph speed limit in Wales, including cross-party support and legislative processes.
- https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/newport-roads-30mph-speed-limit-29674151 – This article typically would discuss local changes to speed limits in areas like Newport, reflecting the ongoing decisions by councils to revert some roads to their previous 30mph limit.
- https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Roads-and-transport/Traffic-management.aspx – This webpage generally would provide information on Conwy Council’s traffic management policies, which include reviews of speed limits in line with the Welsh Government’s revised guidance.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article mentions a policy shift in September 2023 and ongoing developments, indicating recent and relevant information. However, it lacks specific dates for all council actions, which slightly reduces its freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the provided narrative to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Wales Online, a reputable local news source, which typically provides reliable information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims regarding the Welsh Government’s speed limit policy and local councils’ reviews are plausible and align with current public discourse around road safety and local governance.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and relevant, with a reliable origin and plausible claims. The lack of direct quotes and some vagueness in dates are the only drawbacks. Overall, the content is trustworthy and likely accurate.
