A NORTH Wales MS is urging residents to sign a petition opposing the Welsh Government's 20mph plans. 

Following a vote in the Senedd last year, Welsh Government are set to introduce a blanket 20mph scheme on restricted roads across Wales. 

The new scheme is set to be implemented in September, with local authorities able to make adjustments if necessary. 

A trial of the new plans took place in Buckley and faced a lot of opposition and criticism from residents. 

A petition was set up in an attempt to protest against Welsh Government's plans, which received close to 50,000 signatures. 

Now Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging people to sign the petition, to prevent the changes from coming into force.

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Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government said: “For the past 12 months I have been supporting campaigners in Buckley, who are totally against the implementation of such a scheme in their town.

"Despite public opinion Welsh Government decided to impose this across the whole of the country.

“Like most people I am not against 20mph speed limit outside schools, hospitals and other areas where evidence shows it’s a benefit, but a blanket 20mph speed limit across urban roads in Wales is just not right.

“New research reveals that cutting speed limits on urban roads to 20mph does not significantly improve safety and according to the government analysis, the new law will cost the Welsh economy £4.5bn and £32.5m to implement.

The Leader: Sam RowlandsSam Rowlands

“Instead of slowing Wales down, Labour should grip the wheel and get Wales moving again with a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker programme that works for those who need to drive.

“I would urge everyone who feels strongly about this issue to sign the petition as I have done and let us try to see this scheme kicked into touch.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The evidence is clear, pedestrians are five times more likely to be killed at 30 mph compared to 20 mph, a default 20MPH limit will improve reduce casualties and save lives. “

 “Our assessment shows an average increase of just 1 minute per journey to save nine lives and prevent 98 serious injuries.”