Cynon AM welcomes 20mph default speed limit for residential areas

Local Assembly Member Vikki Howells has welcomed comments from First Minister Mark Drakeford that speed limits of 20mph could be introduced in all residential areas in Wales. 

The announcement builds on the hundreds of millions already invested by the Welsh Labour Government to provide 20mph zones in many parts of Wales.

The next step would be to make 20mph the default limit for residential areas, whilst leaving local authorities with the discretion to retain 30mph zones on key arterial routes and would use new powers devolved to Wales in 2018. 

During the weekly First Minister’s questions Welsh Labour’s First Minister Mark Drakeford said:-

“The Welsh Government believe that 20 mph should be the default speed limit for residential areas.

“The Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, together with the Welsh Local Government Association, is taking forward work to identify the practical actions needed to implement 20 mph speed limits in residential areas across Wales”.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“This would be great news for communities across Cynon Valley, as twenty miles per hour zones make a real difference in making our streets safer and encouraging active travel, giving more people the confidence to cycle and walk rather than jump in the car.

“Research suggests 20mph limits would also reduce air pollutants, which is especially important as Public Health Wales suggest that half of all deaths caused by air pollution are the result of vehicle emissions”.