Transport secretary sets out next steps for 20 limit in Wales

Marking the one year anniversary for the introduction of the 20 mph speed limit in Wales, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, has set out the next steps for the plan.

Earlier this year, a three-phase plan was set out, which included a National Listening Programme over the summer.

The Welsh Government published revised guidance for highway authorities in July.

The first two phases of the plan are now complete and local authorities are now in the process of reviewing feedback from people, business, and communities across Wales to ensure 20mph is targeted on the right roads.

Some councils are now starting to set out the final stage of the plan by publishing information on the amount of feedback received and the next steps.

After a review, if local authorities decide to change the speed limit on an individual road, a statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process will commence – providing a further opportunity for engagement with local people.

Skates said: "I wanted to give people a voice on 20mph in their area and I am grateful to everyone who has shared feedback with their local council over the past few months.

"I want to build from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play – this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads.

"I want to pay tribute to our partners in local government. I’m pleased that local authorities are starting to move into the final stages of the plan. This will move at different paces in different places, according to local circumstances and the amount of feedback received."

Chair of the Welsh Local Government Association, Cllr Andrew Morgan added: "Local authorities welcome the further funding and support offered by the Welsh Government to get the right speeds on the right roads but are faced with challenging decisions. We will need to carefully balance the benefits and disbenefits of raising speeds. Safety of all road users will be at the heart of the decisions we take."