Welsh Government announce £5m funding to reassess 20mph speed limit roads

The Welsh Government have announced that an extra £5 million in funding is being allocated to reassess the speed limits on 20mph speed limit roads – with some reverting back to 30mph.

Transport Minister Ken Skates stated that the decision to reverse some of the road changes to 20mph was in response to criticism from ‘a lot of people’ and consistent concerns over their implementation.

Skates said: “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to provide us with their feedback. It’s been great to see so many people getting involved.

“The recent collisions data for Wales and the reduction in casualties was encouraging. We have still got a way to go but it shows things are moving in the right direction.

“By working together and supporting highways authorities to make changes where it is right to do so, I believe we can continue to make 20mph a real success story for Wales.”

From September, highway authorities in Wales can start to apply the new framework to assess speed limits on roads where a change is considered appropriate.

Guidance from the Welsh Government will be provided to local and highways authorities, but they will be left to make the decisions for their local roads.

It is likely that 20mph speed limits will remain in place where pedestrians and cyclists frequently mix with vehicles.

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In response to the announcement, Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of WLGA and Spokesperson on Transport said: “We welcome the way the Cabinet Secretary has engaged with councils to review the original guidance and enable councils to relook at some sections of strategic routes, including bus routes.

“These are not easy decisions for councils and safety remains our priority.

“There will need to be a high level of confidence that, if and where the limit is raised back to 30mph, it will not result in the very risks the policy was designed to mitigate.”

Part of the funding will be used to provide new signage, should the speed limits be updated.

The number of roads that will have the limits reverted will be decided by local authorities.