SENEDD members have voted to introduce the reduction of the speed limit on residential roads in Wales from 30mph to 20mph.

Last week, Public Health Wales argued that the proposals could lead to 'health benefits' for locals if granted.

But, the plans have sparked anger from residents - particularly in the Buckley area where a trial run of the 20mph limit has been taking place.

Reduced speed limits came into force at the end of February in Buckley, Drury, Burntwood, Alltami, New Brighton, Mynydd Isa, and Bryn Baal.

The Welsh Government has said it is 'still learning' from this pilot scheme.

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The target date for the national rollout of the scheme is April 2023 and only 1 per cent of urban roads have been changed in Wales so far, but the implementation of the change in speed limit will differ from area to area as local authorities are in charge of the change.

The 20mph scheme is said to be popular in Wales, with 45 out of 53 Members of the Senedd previously voting in favour of the change, and proven popularity in the public.

But, the Government says it accepts that the transition period will mean leniency to those breaking the speed limit as they, in partnership with Welsh Police forces GoSafe scheme, seek to educate motorists.

Today (Tuesday, July 12), a vote took place in the Senedd, with members deciding on whether they were for or against the proposal. 

In total, 39 Members of the Senedd voted in favour of the 20mph regulations, while 15 voted against. 

The Leader:

PIC: The 20mph speed limit plans have certainly divided opinion in Wales.

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said the order is set to come into force on September 17, 2023.

She added: "The evidence shows us that moving to a national 20mph speed limit for restricted roads would make them safer, save lives and encourage more of us to walk and cycle. 

"This is not a blanket 20mph change and we are working with local authorities to identify potential roads that speed limits will be reduced to 20mph and those that should remain at 30mph."

RAC road safety spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Research by the RAC suggests compliance with 20mph speed limits is quite poor with an increasing number of drivers believing the limit is inappropriate for the road. Rather than setting a default 20mph limit on all restricted roads it would be better to target areas where they are most needed – for example on residential roads or in areas where there is high footfall – as opposed to main ‘arterial’ roads where there are few pedestrians.

“However, even if compliance with new 20mph limits is poor, it should lead to an overall reduction in speeds which will have a positive effect on road safety. Better still, would be to enforce existing limits regularly to encourage drivers to slow down and to modify roads to prevent drivers from going too fast in the first place, for example by constructing traffic islands, well-designed speed humps or chicanes.”