The Welsh Government has called for a review of the speed limits on 83 roads in the Vale of Glamorgan, with the possibility of reverting them back to 30mph. The review follows the revised guidance on setting speed limits on roads impacted by the 20mph rollout, with councils in Wales tasked to gather feedback from residents on the changes.
Vale of Glamorgan Council is currently conducting a review of the 83 roads affected by the 20mph speed limit to determine whether they should be returned to 30mph. The council’s director of environment and housing services, Miles Punter, explained that they are in the process of gathering all the necessary data and assessing each request to ensure a thorough review is conducted.
The delay in finalizing the speed limit changes was addressed by Vale of Glamorgan Council ward councillor for St Bride’s Major, Cllr Joanna Protheroe. She raised concerns about the time taken for the review, highlighting the community’s desire for clarity on the speed limit adjustments. The council is working towards submitting a report to the committee for review before any changes are made.
The implementation of a default 20mph speed limit in Wales in 2023 aimed to enhance road safety, promote active travel, and improve air quality. The move also saw a reduction in the number of car accidents, including serious incidents, in the first year following the speed limit change. However, the impact on journey times, bus services, and air quality has sparked discussions and debates across the country.
While some councils have already identified roads to return to 30mph, others, like Vale of Glamorgan Council, are still in the process of assessing the feedback from residents and determining the appropriate speed limits for the affected roads. Any adjustments to the speed limits will be subject to a public consultation to gather community input and address any objections raised.
In a neighboring county, Cardiff, four roads are expected to transition back to a 30mph speed limit. The roads include Newport Road, Western Avenue, Ocean Way, and Hadfield Road. The changes reflect the ongoing review and reassessment of speed limits in response to the Welsh Government’s revised guidance on speed limit settings.
The rollout of 20mph speed limits remains a contentious issue in Wales, with stakeholders weighing the benefits for road safety and active travel against concerns about journey times and air quality. The forthcoming decisions on speed limit adjustments in the Vale of Glamorgan and other areas in Wales will be crucial in shaping road safety measures and transport infrastructure developments in the region.
Overall, the review of speed limits on 83 roads in the Vale of Glamorgan signals a concerted effort by local councils to address community feedback and ensure that speed limits are set appropriately to promote road safety and enhance the overall transportation network in the region.