Lmst

Pembrokeshire Council clarifies position on 20mph review after ‘misinformation’

Pembrokeshire County Council says the review comes in the wake of the Welsh Government’s introduction of a default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas – a policy that it says has “generated considerable discussion across Wales”.

The council says that in Pembrokeshire, many residents, businesses, and community representatives have expressed concerns that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate for the county’s diverse and predominantly rural road network.

The listening exercise took place between May and October 2024.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, confirmed that the review will be carried out on a settlement-by-settlement basis during the current financial year.

“Where a speed limit review has been proposed, we will engage directly with local residents before moving to wider consultation and any formal changes,” he added.

The council says that while public opinion remains mixed, early indicators suggest the policy is having a positive effect on road safety. Police data shows a 28% reduction in casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads across Wales since the policy was introduced. In Pembrokeshire, the number of casualties has fallen from 125 to 89 over the same period.

#20mph #motoring #Pembrokeshire #PembrokeshireCouncil

My councillor blog: Year 4, Week 5
Highland Games, 20mph limits, road closures, how you can help me ...

https://open.substack.com/pub/pauloldham/p/year-4-week-5?r=1b1911&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

#HighlandCouncil #20mph #Nairnshire #Nairn

Damon Hill (@HillF1):

We recently instigated a 20MPH speed limit in our village. Now we have steam engines taking advantage of our generosity! Really makes me SO CROSS!! 😤 I have steam coming out of my ears! #f1 #steam #tractors #tractionengines #steamengines #20MPH #speed #speedlimit https://t.co/CCOTU5VA8B

#F1 #F1bot #F1FEN

https://x.com/HillF1/status/1931307902234464491

My councillor blog: Year 4, Week 4
Area Committee, 20mph speed limits, councillors’ expenses, road closures ...

https://open.substack.com/pub/pauloldham/p/year-4-week-4?r=1b1911&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

#HighlandCouncil #Nairnshire #Nairn #Auldearn #Cawdor #20mph

Minister says 5mph is appropriate on some roads in Wales

Welsh Government Minister, Jane Hutt was asked to rule out the further reduction in roads speeds in a Senedd discussion following the publication of a new report by the Road Safety Foundation and widespread unhappiness over the Welsh Government’s 20mph default speed limit rollout.

The minister defended the rollout of 20mph and was “very proud of the Government’s road safety policy”, saying it has been “welcomed by the people of Wales”, saving lives and cutting insurance bills.

She went on to refuse to rule out further speed limit reductions, saying that road safety was just that, and that 5mph was an appropriate speed in some areas.

The statement has been criticised by the Welsh Conservatives, with Sam Rowlands MS describing it as a “war on motorists” that is “slowing Wales down”, with fellow Conservative, Laura Anne Jones MS adding that “the 20mph speed limit has already been a disaster, and reducing the limit to 10mph would be an attack on motorists that would see runners and mobility scooters overtaking cars.”

A recent YouGov poll found that 52% of people across the UK were opposed to 10mph speed limits, with that figure increasing to 62% of people who live in Wales who have more experience of life with default 20mph limits.

Speaking about the proposals to reduce limits further to 10mph, Dr Suzy Charman from the Road Safety Foundation, said: “We are not saying that all speeds or speed limits should be set to these speeds.

“Rather, that infrastructure needs to be improved, or speeds reduced to ensure travel speeds are better aligned with human tolerances to crash forces.”

Hugh Bladon from The Alliance of British Drivers responded saying: “If you ban all motorised transport, you might reduce deaths and injury a bit.

“We should remember that more people were being killed and injured in the days before motorised transport, by horses and their carriages.”

New data from the Department of Transport shows that 83% of people ignore 20mph limits during weekdays, with that figure rising to 86% of drivers on weekends, raising the question of the effectiveness of lower limits.

#10mph #20mph #5mph #featured #JaneHuttMS #LauraAnneJonesMS #motoring #RoadSafety #RoadSafetyFoundation #SamRowlandsMS #speedLimit #WelshGovernment

Revealed: The 11 Carmarthenshire roads that will change from 20 to 30mph

Just 11 Carmarthenshire roads will see their speed limits returned to 30mph following a consultation by Carmarthenshire Council.

The Welsh Government policy was “hugely controversial” Cllr Alun Lenny told Carmarthenshire Council cabinet members at a meeting on 28 April, however he criticised the “reckless and impatient minority who care little for road safety”.

Council highways officers will also review “buffer” speed limits on approaches to 20mph roads. These see multiple speed limits in a short distance in an effort to encourage motorists to slow down ahead of the 20mph limit. The cabinet report said this review could potentially result in fewer buffer speed limit changes and a more consistent speed limit regime.

All the 20mph roads in Carmarthenshire that could change back to 30mph

A484 in Cwmdwyfran between Bronwydd Arms and Cynwyl Elfed
A484 in Pentre-Morgan, Bronwydd Arms
A484 at Pentrecagal near Newcastle Emlyn
B4297 Heol Y Bwlch in Bynea for a length of 600m from its junction with Yspitty Road to its junction with Y Gerddi
B4333 at Hermon on the southern approach to the village from Cynwyl Efled
B4312 at Llangain near Johnstown on both approaches to the village
B4312 at Monument Hill in Carmarthen
B4308 Carmarthen Road in Kidwelly on the southern approach to the town for a distance of approximately 246m
B4556 New Link Road in Penygroes
B4306 Heol Y Parc in Hendy from Llannon direction up to its junction with Clos Glyn Dwr
B4337 in Llanybydder for a distance of 150m on the eastern approach into Llanybydder from Ty Mawr.

The four roads deemed inappropriate to go back to 30mph were:

A4242 Coracle Way in Carmarthen
B4309 in Cynheidre
B4310 in Nantyffin
B4303 Dafen Road in Dafen, Llanelli.

Swansea Council recently said that out of 81 locations suggested for change, most of the routes suggested did not meet the Welsh Government’s strict criteria for exemptions, however 17 roads across the city did.

#20mph #30mph #BronwyddArms #Bynea #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Hendy #Hermon #Kidwelly #Llanybydder #motoring #Penygroes

@ai6yr the road lóóks like a racing track because it is so wide... If you make the lanes smaller and plant some trees on either side, that would help. Psychology.

But a speeding camera wouldn't hurt either.

Question how does the government determine the right speed to put on those signs? Do they have a scheme for that?

In the Netherlands it's hierarchical
(km/h)
30, 50 within city limits,
80 outside
100 to 120 on motorways
(20, 30, 50, 60, 75 mi/h)

#30kmh #20mph

Welsh Government agrees to raise 20mph limits up to 30mph – but only for cycle races

Beicio Cymru, the national governing body for cycling in Wales has expressed its gratitude to the Welsh Government for their collaborative efforts in securing a positive way forward for road racing in Wales.

Following the introduction of new 20mph speed limits across much of the country, the sport faced challenges around safety and event feasibility.

Beicio Cymru say that through constructive collaboration and careful planning, a positive solution has been developed that enables road racing to continue while upholding both participant safety and the integrity of the sport.

The governing body says that a recent test race in Powys proved a success, with full compliance with the updated safety measures – a clear demonstration that the new approach can support safe and competitive events for cyclists of all levels.

Chris Landon, Board Director of Beicio Cymru and race organiser, praised the partnership with the Welsh Government. He said: “The collaboration between Beicio Cymru and the Welsh Government has been invaluable in ensuring that road racing in Wales has a sustainable future. The recent test race in Powys was a fantastic success, and it was heartening to see so many cyclists take part, all while following the updated safety protocols. We believe this solution allows the sport to continue to thrive and grow, and we are incredibly grateful for the government’s support in making this happen.”

The agreed approach includes the use of traffic orders to suspend the 20mph speed limit – up to a maximum of 30mph – for all registered vehicles involved in an event. In addition, all risk assessments for road races in Wales have to be updated to reflect the new context and prioritise the safety of both cyclists and the general public.

Sport Minister Jack Sargeant said: “We are pleased to have worked closely with Beicio Cymru to find a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved. Recent confirmation that the Tour de France will come to Wales in 2027 and that we will host the next three Lloyds National Road Championships are testament to our unique offering of world-class cycling terrain. “

Councils across Wales recently held consultations to look at which 20mph roads that were previously 30mph could have their speed limits increased.

Last week Swansea Council published a list of 17 roads that would see its speed limits raised to 30mph.

(Lead image: Huw Fairclough)

#20mph #BeicioCymru #cycling #WelshGovernment

Nikki Bartlett on the cycle element of the race

The roll-out of 20mph limits in Wales is leading to reduced insurance premiums as the value of claims falls which is great news for motorists, as well as those passionate about reducing the costs of road casualties.

Yes the article is from last June - but the point remains the same.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/09/vehicle-damage-claims-wales-fall-20mph-speed-limit

#transport #UK #Wales #20mph #health #politics

Article Header - "Vehicle damage claims in Wales fall 20% since speed limit cut to 20mph, says insurer

Campaigners say lower speeds reduce casualties but scheme has since been amended to give people more choice to rescind limits"

photo - 20mph road sign and a car seeming rushing by.

Set the cruise control to 19mph for the 20mph limit.
The car slowly edges itself to 21mph then activates all manner of warning lights and sounds telling me to slow down.
It's your own fucking fault car, take some responsibility - I mutter under my breath.
My emasculation is complete.

#car #driving #20mph

"Research suggests the scheme may be more popular than thought, with consultations dominated by a loud minority"

"...the first year of a scheme in Wales where the speed limit on urban roads was lowered to 20mph resulted in about 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured."

#Wales’s #20mph speed limit has cut road deaths. Why is there still even a debate? | #RoadSafety

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/22/wales-20mph-speed-limit-cut-road-deaths-why-debate

@joerg_spengler was ist das ? Eine Meile? Ah, die USA: 25 Meilen pro stünde: #40kmh #25mph

Dear #USA, I know it is hard, but in #Europa, we don't do just #25mph, we do #20mph Yes that does matter! A lot! #speedkills #30kmh

We’re making Newham safer, greener, and more connected for all. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe!

📍 Learn more via the link below!
https://www.newham.gov.uk/news/article/1399/council-completes-rollout-of-borough-wide-20mph-speed-limit-in-boost-for-road-safety?fbclid=IwY2xjawIW0_FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHReP9_j9xsNm9-w2AAcfP1roOP0VooZ6sTQWBrZBIJk4Z0_zoX7sxHrEIQ_aem_Ox8sdsra7BsQkDw5ojlp

#SaferNewham #20mph #VisionZero #RoadSafety 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️

Personally, I think that part of #Degrowth involves #SlowingDown. Less cars, more pedestrians and bicycles, and if cars are involved, SLOW DOWN!

#Wales - First #20mph year sees 100 fewer killed or badly hurt

David Deans, January 31, 2025

"The first year of a controversial Welsh speed limit saw around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20 and 30mph roads, ministers have said.

"New casualty data for the first year of the 20mph limit was welcomed by the Welsh government, while the Labour politician who spearheaded the policy said it showed it was 'the most successful road safety intervention in modern times'.

"The figures showed the number of people hurt fell by 28% compared with the same period the year before, with ten fewer dead.

"The number of casualties on 20 to 30mph roads between July and September 2024 was also the lowest for the three month-period since records began in 1979.

"Amid longstanding rows over the speed limit within his own party, former transport minister Lee Waters urged others not to undermine the scheme."

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w1891z03o
#LivableCommunities #SpeedLimits #SolarPunkSunday #LessCars #MoreBicicyles #MorePedestrians #LessRoadkill

Ein Jahr nach Einführung der umstrittenen #20mph-Regelung in #Wales sind die Zahlen vielversprechend: Etwa 100 Menschen weniger wurden auf betroffenen Straßen schwer verletzt oder getötet. Insgesamt sanken die #Unfallzahlen um 28 % im Vergleich zum Vorjahr. Die #walisische Regierung sieht darin eine positive Entwicklung, während Kritiker weiterhin die Umsetzung bemängeln.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w1891z03o

#Verkehrssicherheit #Straßenverkehr #Verkehrspolitik #Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung #Tempolimit