20mph: Calls to change 'hugely unpopular' limit in Wrexham

As of September 17, the majority of residential roads in Wales have changed from 30mph to 20mph.

The Welsh Government says the move will help save lives and also hope that it can encourage people to walk or cycle to work.

But, the change has been met with strong opposition throughout Wales, with over 460,000 people signing a petition calling for the law to be rescinded. 

Recently, it was announced Flintshire Council was set to meet with Welsh Government with hopes of reversing the speed limit on certain roads in the area. 

And last week, Wrexham Council confirmed they were in the process of reviewing the blanket limit across the city. 

Now, Sarah Atherton, Sam Rowlands and Simon Baynes have had their say on potential changes in Wrexham, with all receiving a lot of complaints from residents in the area.

Wrexham's MP said: “The Welsh Labour Government’s 20mph rollout, just 26 days old is a mess. With 30mph signs still standing in areas now designated 20mph, and a confusing website listing exempted roads, it’s a recipe for disaster.” 

“I’ve already contacted both the Welsh Government and Wrexham Council to demand clear and uniform signage. For months, I’ve been advocating against this anti-car and anti-driver policy, emphasising that the initial £32million could have been better spent on healthcare and housing in Wrexham.” 

Sarah Atherton at a rally in Gwersyllt (Image: Sarah Atherton)

“To be clear, I support 20mph limits near schools and hospitals, but a blanket approach lacks common sense. In Gwersyllt, I recently fronted a rally against the 20mph policy. People are rightly concerned about what could come next - a Wrexham ULEZ, toll roads!” 

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales added: "I have been actively campaigning against the introduction of the Welsh Government’s default, 20mph speed limit for the last 14 months.  The new speed limit is hugely unpopular with people across North Wales, with my surveys regularly finding over 90% of people against it. 

"Wrexham County Borough Councillors have already raised their concerns about the blanket 20mph speed limit, and I would be happy to support them in any discussions with the Welsh Government." 

Clwyd South MP, Simon Baynes said: “I have received numerous complaints in Clwyd South about the introduction of the blanket 20mph policy by the Labour Welsh government which has been introduced at vast cost and without proper consultation. We have found conflicting signs on roads in Clwyd South and many people feel that the costs of changing signs would have been better spent on mending potholes."

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths said: “The default 20mph speed limit on residential roads has been in place in Wales for approximately a month and readers will be aware of the benefits and the reasons why this was a manifesto commitment. 

"Lowering speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives. It is estimated the change will save up to 100 lives in the first decade and help avoid 20,000 casualties. As well as reducing the pressure on the NHS, potentially saving the institution £92m a year by reducing the number of deaths and injuries, this policy will help ensure our communities are stronger, safer and better places to live. 

READ MORE: Councillors propose 20mph exemptions for key Wrexham roads

“I have been contacted by people who are in support of the new limit as well as those who are against. The discourse surrounding the 20mph policy has been deeply disappointing. It is not a blanket speed limit. Roads not already limited to 30mph are not affected and local authorities, who know their roads best, have the power to make further exemptions.

“Before the new speed limit came into effect, I understand Wrexham County Borough Council identified 10 roads that have retained a 30mph limit, equating to just over 1% of the eligible roads in the county borough. Other local authorities in Wales, such as Cardiff and Neath Port Talbot, have retained a 30mph limit on nearer 5% of their roads, whereas Swansea and Bridgend have exempt over 10%.

“The change in the law is still in its infancy but there are clearly discrepancies. Local authorities should continually monitor the situation and as well as writing to the Leader of Wrexham Council, I recently met with the local authority’s chief executive who informed me a thorough review is currently taking place.”