Community

Two years of 20mph sees over 1,000 fewer casualties – but critics remain unconvinced

Published

6 months ago

September 17, 2025

ON the second anniversary of Wales’ default 20mph speed limit, campaigners say the policy has prevented more than 1,000 casualties on the nation’s roads.

Collision data for the first 18 months shows 882 fewer people were hurt on 20mph and 30mph roads — a 25% reduction compared with the previous year. Campaign group 20’s Plenty for Us projects the total will pass 1,000 avoided casualties by the two-year mark.

The figures suggest 14 lives have been saved and 98 serious injuries avoided since the lower limit came into force in September 2023. Motor insurers have also reported fewer claims. Esure says Welsh drivers saw premiums cut by an average of £45 last year, and claims for vehicle damage are down by around 20%.

Campaign director Adrian Berendt said: “As well as making Welsh communities safer, with over 1,000 fewer casualties, 20mph is benefitting drivers in lower insurance costs. We thank Welsh drivers who have altered their behaviour to make their communities even better places to be.”

Divisive policy

But the policy has been far from universally welcomed. A YouGov survey in 2024 found 72% of Welsh people opposed the default 20mph limit, with nearly half saying they “strongly opposed” it. Around 40% of drivers admitted they often exceeded the new limit.

The roll-out also triggered the largest petition in Senedd history, with almost 470,000 signatures calling for the measure to be scrapped. Opponents argue it amounts to a blanket restriction, slowing journeys unnecessarily and confusing motorists about where the rules apply.

Some local authorities have begun reviewing stretches of road and reverting certain routes back to 30mph following complaints.

Questions over evidence

Motoring groups including the AA and RAC have previously raised concerns about “blanket” speed limits, arguing that 20mph should be targeted around schools, housing estates and busy pedestrian areas rather than applied wholesale.

Experts also caution that while early results are encouraging, 18 months of data may not tell the full story. Road safety researchers note that other factors — including changes in travel patterns, vehicle safety improvements, and wider traffic trends — could also influence casualty numbers.

The Welsh Government’s own regulatory impact assessment estimated implementation costs at more than £30m over five years, prompting further debate over value for money.

A policy under review

Ministers insist the lower limit will save lives, cut NHS costs and encourage more walking and cycling. At the same time, they have stressed that councils can apply exemptions where 20mph is deemed unsuitable.

The Herald understands that further evaluations will be published later this year, with campaigners and critics alike watching closely to see whether the casualty reductions continue.

On the second anniversary of the introduction of Labour and Plaid Cymru’s disastrous 20mph speed limit, the Welsh Conservatives have criticised the Welsh Government’s 20mph speed limit policy, saying it has cost millions, risks billions in economic damage, and ignores overwhelming public opposition.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS said: “The Labour Welsh Government ignored the people of Wales when they forced through their disastrous 20mph speed limit and dismissed a record-breaking Senedd petition calling to scrap it.

“The rollout has already cost taxpayers £32 million, with an estimated economic hit of up to £9 billion. Labour and Plaid’s blanket 20mph speed limit has been nothing short of a disaster for Wales.

“Lower speed limits make sense outside schools, hospitals and in dangerous areas, but Labour and Plaid’s one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The Welsh Conservatives are the only party in the Senedd committed to scrapping Labour’s 20mph speed limit.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

17 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Banking hub plans gather pace in Pembroke Dock

Published

20 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to deliver a new Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock are moving forward, following a key meeting between local representatives and Cash Access UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS met with Cash Access UK Regional Manager Debbie Crow on Wednesday (Mar 19), alongside community representatives, to discuss the next steps after confirmation last week that the campaign for a hub had been successful.

The new facility is expected to be up and running within 12 weeks, providing vital access to banking services for residents, businesses and community groups across Pembroke Dock and the wider South Pembrokeshire area.

***Samuel Kurtz*** MS: **“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area”**

Banking Hubs offer a shared space where customers can carry out everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access face-to-face support from individual banks on designated days.

The development follows the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock, which had raised concerns about access to essential financial services in the area. Samuel Kurtz has been working with LINK, local businesses and community groups to secure the new hub.

Discussions at the meeting focused on identifying a suitable location and ensuring the service meets the needs of those who continue to rely heavily on cash.

Following strong public interest in the project, Mr Kurtz has confirmed he will hold a series of drop-in sessions in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to update residents and answer questions.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Last week’s news that the campaign for a Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock had been successful was incredibly welcome for our community.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area. I have already been inundated with questions from people wanting to know what happens next.

“That’s why I will be holding drop-in sessions in both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock so residents and businesses can come along, ask questions and hear the latest updates.

“I was pleased to meet with Cash Access UK’s Regional Manager to discuss the next steps, and I will continue working closely with local stakeholders to help ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Further details about the drop-in sessions are expected to be announced shortly.