Skip advert
Advertisement

Labour to U-turn on 20mph speed limit in Wales after harsh criticism

Wales’ Transport Secretary, Ken Skates says Labour will reverse its blanket 20mph rules “as soon as we can”

Welsh 20mph zone road sign

Welsh Labour has U-turned on its decision to implement blanket 20mph speed limits in Wales, after a petition against the controversial policy gained almost half a million signatures.

In an interview with North Wales Live, Welsh Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, said that 20mph speed limits should remain in place in “appropriate” areas, such as near schools, nurseries and hospitals. However, he admitted that, “in many areas, routes that shouldn't have been included, were.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

New guidance, set to be announced on Tuesday, will give local authorities the power to decide for themselves whether to implement 20mph speed limits, with Skates suggesting that he foresees “relatively few changes” in some areas of the country, with “quite a lot more” in others.

“We've put our hands up to say 'the guidance has to be corrected'.” He said, “this will enable councils to revert back those routes that are not appropriate. Whether the change will be radical will largely depend on what people want.”

The Welsh government voted for a nation-wide 20mph default speed limit all the way back in 2022, although implementation only began from September 2023, at a cost of £34 million. Many areas have already installed the necessary signage, however, Skates reassured councils and constituents that he wants to resolve the issue “as soon as we can”, and that the cost to revert signage back to 30mph would be covered by the Welsh government.

Since its inception, Wales’ 20mph speed limit rule has been a controversial one; while there has been some support – namely from some local communities and groups representing cyclists – towards the end of last year, UK PM Rishi Sunak revealed the Conservative Party’s ‘Plan for Drivers’, which promises guidance designed to prevent the implementation of blanket 20mph speed limits by local councils.

Skates iterated that he wants the new guidance in Wales to put the decisions back into the hands of the public, saying: “I don't want to impose the changes, I want people to identify those routes to change so that at the end of the day we have a policy a vast majority of people can support, which not just makes roads safer but makes people feel safer on them as well.”

Are you a fan of 20mph zones? Tell us your thoughts on the reversal in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns
Emissions tests questioned

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns

The DfT is currently investigating as many as 47 models across several brands that are suspected to use diesel defeat devices
News
14 Nov 2024
Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA

As much as £16 billion could be up for grabs for car finance customers affected by discretionary commission arrangements
News
14 Nov 2024
MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars
MOT

MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars

More than a third of light commercials failed their first MoT last year, new figures show
News
12 Nov 2024
Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers
Renault Zoe being driven in Paris

Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers

Drivers entering Paris city centre will have to prove residency or a valid destination to avoid a fine
News
5 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024