The Welsh Government has announced that it is working alongside local authorities and communities to ensure that the implementation of its 20mph speed limits is done in the right way.
As he set out his transport plans to the Senedd, the Cabinet Secretary said that he would ensure that people’s voices are heard when it comes to making transport decisions, whilst also setting out a three-phase plan on the 20mph limit. This will be done through a ‘national listening programme’ as well as collaboration with local authorities so that work can be done on the ground to make changes to the 20mph plans.
The three-phase plan that will drive this is:
- A genuine programme of listening to people – Listening to everyone within in communities to understand their perspectives on road safety
- Work in partnership with key bodies – Take on board the views of local councils that are already looking at the safety of roads in their areas to make improvements targeted
- Deliver the necessary changes on the ground – Highway authorities will use collated views to begin adjusting speed limits on the roads where alterations will be made
Welsh Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said:
“We’ve started by listening. I have been clear in all my conversations that we will put communities at the heart of our thinking and will listen to people.
“As I have already said there is growing consensus on safe speeds in communities that we can build from. We continue to believe 20mph is the right speed limit in places such as near schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centres, play areas and in built-up residential areas.
“The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads. What I am doing now is listening to what people want for the roads in their communities, and pressing ahead with refining the policy and getting the right speed on the right roads…
“…Ultimately, the degree of change in each of our 22 local authority areas will not be determined by me and the Welsh Government, but by the public and by councils as the highway authority for most residential roads.”
Further guidance will be published by the Welsh Government in July, whilst changes to speed limits on certain roads is expected to begin in September.
Image credit: iStock
