**A Dozen Newport Roads Set to See a Return to 30mph Speeds After Council Review**
Fourteen roads across Newport, South Wales, have been earmarked for increased speed limits following a thorough review prompted by the Welsh Government’s ongoing assessment of the controversial 20mph speed limit policy. The city council published its list of affected routes after months of consultation and deliberation, with local residents sharing their experiences and concerns.
The review follows September 2023’s contentious move lowering the national default speed limit in built-up areas across Wales from 30mph to 20mph—a decision made by the Welsh Government with the stated aim of improving road safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. In response to public feedback and government instructions, Newport City Council sought recommendations from local people on roads they believed should be considered for exemption from the new lower speed limit.
Earlier this year, the council identified 16 key road sections that could potentially revert to the former 30mph standard, provided they met the government’s specific safety criteria for exemptions. Over a fortnight-long public consultation period, Newport’s residents were invited to submit their opinions or objections regarding these proposed changes. Ultimately, a total of 12 representations were formally received and assessed by council officers.
Upon closer examination of the feedback, council officials decided that two out of the initial 16 roads should continue to operate under the 20mph regime. Among them is a stretch of Caerphilly Road, between Bassaleg and Rhiwderin. Here, a local resident commented that the reduced speed had made the environment feel noticeably safer for pedestrians. Supporting this view, the council cited the presence of narrow footways along the road and its established reputation as a well-used walking route for schoolchildren. In their official recommendation, they concluded that retaining a lower speed limit was “appropriate” due to these considerations.
A similar decision was reached regarding a segment of Usk Road, to the east of Caerleon, where community representations highlighted the high volume of school pupils and villagers using the footways daily. Echoing public concern, the council agreed that increasing the speed limit again could deter young and vulnerable pedestrians from walking, therefore compromising community safety. Statements in the council’s published report reveal councillors’ cautious approach, noting that residents “would feel unsafe about using the established route to walk to school safely” if the speed limit increased on a road “carrying a high pedestrian footfall, including young vulnerable children and the elderly”.
Despite these exceptions, officials agreed that the government’s exemption criteria were adequately met for several other routes, meaning that these roads could soon see a return to 30mph speeds. Notably, this group includes sections of Bettws Lane, George Street Bridge, Lighthouse Road, Tredegar House Drive, Tregwilym Road, and Wharf Road.
Meanwhile, no significant objections were voiced against the proposed speed limit reversions on parts of Bassaleg Road, Duffryn Drive, Duffryn Way, Frederick Street, Morgan Way, Royal Oak Hill, Wern Industrial Estate and West Nash Road. With public feedback supportive or neutral in these cases, the council is likely to proceed swiftly with the changes.
Councillor Rhian Howells, cabinet member for assets and infrastructure, is expected to give final approval to the officer’s recommendation for the revised limits later this week. The implementation of these revisions will mark a significant step in Newport’s efforts to balance road safety with public opinion.
The process in Newport is being closely watched by councils elsewhere in Wales, many of whom find themselves similarly tasked with reviewing the sweeping changes to speed limit policy. It is clear the move to 20mph limits remains a live topic, with strong feelings on both sides—some citing improved pedestrian safety, others concerned at increased journey times and congestion.
Looking ahead, Newport council will remain open to further feedback as road users adjust to any changes. Local authorities across Wales are expected to publish their own reviews as the national debate about the best approach to speed management continues.