I WANT to focus on transport this week – the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy and issues with real-time information at Wrexham bus station.

Since launching my transport survey back in July, more and more issues have been raised with me. Therefore, I have been and will continue to be, committed to improving Wrexham’s transport structure to operate like the capital of North Wales.

If you would like to give your view and have not done so already, fill in the transport survey at www.sarahatherton.org.uk/transport-survey.

Across Wales in September 2023, the Welsh Labour Government will introduce a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads, costing the taxpayer £32million. This policy will see the speed limit on restricted roads – those with street-lights and predominantly located in residential and built-up areas – reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

While the Welsh Government thinks rolling out a blanket 20mph policy on residential roads is a good and ‘safe’ idea, local opinion says otherwise. In fact, 94 per cent of respondents to my transport survey disagreed with the Welsh Government’s policy.

While introducing 20mph speed limits outside schools and playgrounds is logical, it is not necessary to impose this expensive and blanket policy across the whole of Wales.

Following the Welsh Government’s broad statement that this policy would save the Welsh taxpayer £100m in the first year alone, in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, I have asked the Welsh Government to clarify where these savings are coming from.

Last week I wrote to everyone who contacted me regarding the 20mph zones in Wales or filled in the transport survey outlining the latest information that I have received from Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government.

While Wrexham residents are struggling with the rising cost of living, using £ 32m of taxpayers’ money for an unwanted 20mph policy is not logical nor practical in supporting those in times of need. To see what cost-of-living support you may be eligible for from the UK Government, visit www.sarahatherton.org.uk/cost-living.

Lastly, after weeks of campaigning to Wrexham Council, I am very pleased people can once again benefit from having access to real-time information at Wrexham Bus Station.

Many constituents who depend on bus services in order to go about their daily business have contacted me over the past few months in order to raise this particular issue with me. As a result, it is pleasing to know that following my representations to Wrexham Council, this issue has now been addressed and passengers can continue benefitting from this helpful service.

In light of our newly-awarded city status, it is only right Wrexham’s connectivity and transport services match the needs of constituents and visitors. With buses being regularly used for getting in and out of the city centre, it is a true win that the central bus station in Wrexham is back up and running providing real-time updates and modern services for passengers.

In fact, Wrexham’s transport structure is one step closer to operating like the capital of North Wales and I will continue to campaign for improvements.

As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.