Wales Reverses Some 20mph Roads to 30mph Following Public Backlash: Ken Skates Addresses Concerns and Signage Costs
The Welsh government is reversing some roads back to a 30mph speed limit following criticism and backlash over their £34m default 20mph policy.
Transport Secretary Ken Skates acknowledged concerns raised by the public and admitted the need for correction.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart welcomed the change but requested financial assistance from the government to swap signage.
The policy, introduced under former first minister Mark Drakeford and his transport minister Lee Waters, received over 450,000 signatures on a Senedd petition opposing it.
A policy to reduce speed limits to 20mph in certain areas of Wales has received support from various groups, including those representing cyclists, as well as individuals.
The policy, which was implemented after Vaughan Gething succeeded Mark Drakeford as transport minister, aims to make communities safer, particularly around schools, housing estates, and hospitals.
However, some areas with questionable inclusion in the rollout have been criticized.
New transport minister, Lee Waters (Mr. Skates), has announced that individual councils will have the power to revert routes back to 30mph if deemed necessary, allowing for potential "radical" changes.
Mr. Skates, the Welsh Transport Minister, is set to speak about upcoming changes in a statement to the Senedd on Tuesday.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart supports Mr. Skates' "pragmatic approach" but urges the Welsh government to assist with the costs of returning to 30mph roads.
Mr. Skates believes it would be unfair to burden local authorities with these costs, as they are already making difficult decisions.