First my apologies to Cymraeg speaking Town and Community Councils for providing this only in English. I wanted to get some important information to you quickly about how to challenge your highway authority setting some of your roads back to 30mph which will be 50% higher than their current limit. And I am aware that some Highway Authorities have set deadlines on responses to draft Traffic Regulation Orders that have been raised.

Also, may I commend Welsh drivers for their part in reducing the pace of traffic in Welsh communities. There is clear evidence that 20mph limits in Welsh communities are saving lives, reducing casualties, reducing insurance premiums and making them better places to live, work, play, learn and shop. In fact, in the 9 months prior to setting 20mph there were 39% (489) more casualties on 20mph/30mph roads than in those same months after the default 20mph was set. The Welsh Government and Welsh Local Government Association have won important road safety awards for implementing the default 20mph. And those 489 people not involved in crashes or being injured or killed are walking amongst you now.

I am sure that you are aware that under a “Listening program” the Welsh Government invited the public to nominate roads they wished to be set at 30mph instead of 20mph. Considering how some of the media view the 20mph as a controversial subject, then one could have expected hundreds of thousands of nominations. In fact only 10,500 were replies were received which amounts to 1 in 200 or 0.45% of driving license holders in Wales. Hardly a basis for making a change which could have such an impact on any vulnerable road users in a crash. Something that turns a survivable event into fatality.

Some councils have already recognised that the majority of these requests are just wishful thinking, and that they comprise the very roads shared with walkers, cyclist, shoppers, etc which should and will stay at 20mph regardless. Equally there are some roads where it is appropriate that 30mph should set, especially at the edge of settlements where lighting alone dictated a 20mph limit that could, but weren’t, set to 30mph in 2023.

However, we have come across some where it is clear that highway authorities have issued a draft Traffic Regulation Order where it may be considered inappropriate by the community.

You will have a clear idea of where the streets are which communities will wish to stay at 20mph rather than be increased to 30mph which would have very few benefits to anyone. We have therefore put together a toolkit on how to challenge a Highway Authority planning to increase a speed limit on a road from 20mph to 30mph. This is at https://www.20splenty.org/w_faq11

This provides background, detail and examples of how Town and Community Councils or members of the public can have their voice heard by highway authorities to ensure that your streets stay as safe as possible by maintaining your 20mph limits.

I do trust that you will find this useful. But if you have any questions, or we can help Llangan Community Council in any way then please contact me.

My best wishes

Rod

Rod King MBE

Founder and Chair

20’s Plenty for Us CIC

Tel: 07973 639781

Email: rod.k@20splenty.org 

Twitter: @20splentyforus

Last modified: February 5, 2025