Wrexham's Speed Limit Scramble: 20mph to 30mph and Back Again?
It's been a wild ride for drivers in Wrexham. Remember that blanket 20mph speed limit that rolled out across Wales? Well, Wrexham County Council is now starting to reverse course on some of those changes, bringing a few roads back up to 30mph. This isn't just a local issue; it's a reflection of a wider debate about speed limits, safety, and public opinion in Wales. Honestly, it's been pretty chaotic.
The Roads Returning to 30mph
The B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road are the first two roads to see the speed limit climb back to 30mph. This comes after a public consultation that, let's just say, didn't exactly generate universal support for the 20mph limit. These are just the first of 52 sections of roads scheduled for the change, all part of a larger review initiated by the Welsh Government.
What's interesting is the official reasoning. The Welsh Government, while emphasizing that lower speed limits have shown to improve safety by reducing accidents, acknowledge that not every road is suited to a 20mph limit. Their updated guidance allows councils to adjust speed limits where appropriate, essentially saying "we got it wrong in some places".
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Local reaction has been, well, mixed. Some residents, like Samantha Challis, expressed relief, stating "Disgusting waste of precious resources while our schools and health services go poor… but at least common sense has prevailed and we can all get back to normal." Others, like Juliet Ann Williams, remained unconvinced, arguing, "They should have never been changed in the first place - it was just a waste of money especially when our schools and hospitals are having to make cuts." You can see both sides of the argument, for sure.
The Official Word from the Welsh Government
Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, joined Councillor Bithell at the launch of the 30mph reinstatement. He stressed that the overall aim of the 20mph policy was to save lives and reduce casualties, but added, "This is about getting the right speeds on the right roads." He praised Wrexham council for "striking a balance" and responding to local feedback. This move is part of wider scheme, where the Welsh Government aims to allocate 20mph limits only in areas where they are truly needed — near schools, hospitals and residential areas.
He also highlighted that mistakes were made in the implementation of the 20mph speed limit and the local authorities across Wales had done a great job in addressing the public concerns.
- The Key Points from Skates: Safety is paramount, but the initial 20mph implementation wasn't perfect. This is a correction based on feedback and new guidance.
- The Cost: While the total cost of the 20mph implementation and subsequent reversals is still being calculated, this is one of the first rollouts where the Welsh government is financing the reversion to 30mph, relieving the financial strain on local authorities.
What's Next?
Wrexham Council plans to complete the changes to 52 road sections by the end of June. The entire process comes with a hefty price tag — around £400,000, covered by the Welsh Government. While the changes are being made, drivers are being urged to remain aware of the new speed limits and drive according to road conditions. This whole situation definitely highlights how implementing changes like widespread speed limit alterations requires careful planning and responsiveness to public concerns.
