Some opposition politicians and motorists have opposed the move to lower the default national speed limit on residential roads and busy footpaths. New slower speed limits are currently being trialled in eight communities across Wales, but will come into force nationally in September 2023 following a vote on Tuesday night in the Welsh Parliament. The new legislation will not apply a blanket speed limit to all roads, but will set the default limit at 20mph, leaving local authorities to work with communities to decide which roads will remain at 30mph. Currently, only 2.5% of Welsh roads have a 20mph speed limit, but from next year this is expected to rise to around 35%. Speaking after the vote, Climate Change Secretary Julie James said: “The evidence is clear. Lowering speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, it helps improve people’s quality of life – making our roads and communities a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, while helping to reduce our environmental impact. “We know this move won’t be easy – it’s as much about changing hearts and minds as it is about enforcement – but over time 20mph will become the norm, just like the restrictions we’ve introduced prior to carrier bag fees and organ donation. Once again, Wales is leading the way for other UK states to follow.” Natasha Asgar, Welsh Conservatives’ transport spokeswoman, said: “Welsh Conservatives are not opposed to introducing 20mph speed limits outside schools, playgrounds, places of worship and main roads, but a blanket development is frankly ridiculous . Speed limits like this should be decided by councils in their local areas, not by top-down Labor ministers.” A petition started by Adie Drury, from Flintshire, north-east Wales, against the move has been signed by more than 13,000 people. He said: “We here in Buckley are one of the 8 unfortunate towns whose councils have decided to sell them down the river and bid to become pilot towns. It’s causing chaos, people are avoiding the area and people have to take new routes.”
