THE FIRST year of Wales’ controversial 20mph speed limit saw around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on roads previously subject to 30mph restrictions, according to government figures.

New data on road casualties was cautiously welcomed by the Welsh Government, while former transport minister Lee Waters, who led the policy, described it as “the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”

Statistics indicate that road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads fell by 26% compared to the previous year, with ten fewer fatalities recorded. The period from July to September 2024 saw the lowest number of casualties on these roads since records began in 1979.

Policy controversy and review

The default speed limit on most urban roads was lowered from 30mph to 20mph on 17 September 2023, with certain exemptions in place. Introduced under former First Minister Mark Drakeford, the policy has been one of the most divisive initiatives since Welsh devolution, with nearly half a million people signing a petition demanding its repeal.

Public backlash prompted a review, and councils are now considering whether some roads should revert to 30mph. The Welsh Government has also commissioned a five-year study assessing the economic costs and benefits of the scheme, with findings expected in 2029.

Cautious optimism over casualty reduction

Government officials have urged caution in directly linking casualty reductions to the 20mph limit, noting that road collisions have been steadily declining over the past decade. The Welsh Government’s chief statistician has stated that at least three years of data are needed for a meaningful analysis of the policy’s long-term impact.

Figures released on Wednesday show that between July and September 2024, 410 road casualties were recorded on 20mph and 30mph roads. These included three fatalities, 90 serious injuries, and 317 minor injuries—a 35% reduction compared to the same period in 2023 and the lowest figures on record.

Over the full 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024, road casualties on these roads were 28% lower than the previous year.

Political reaction

Current Transport Secretary Ken Skates said the trend was “encouraging” and reiterated that the full effects of the policy would take time to assess.

“We know there is a way to go, and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy,” he said. “But to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.”

Former minister Lee Waters, now a Labour backbencher, told Herald.Wales: “We can now say with confidence that in its first year, the speed limit reduction represents the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”

However, the policy has divided opinion both within the Labour Party and among the wider public. First Minister Eluned Morgan has acknowledged that there were issues with its implementation.

The Welsh Conservatives remain critical of the rollout. Shadow Transport Secretary Peter Fox said: “While we welcome any decrease in road casualties, these figures don’t tell the whole story. Our concern remains the way the 20mph speed limit has been implemented.

“The Welsh Labour Government’s default approach has created confusion and frustration for drivers. Their current review must address these implementation issues and ensure a more sensible and effective approach.”

THE DEMOCRACY and Boundary Commission Cymru has published its Final Recommendations for the future community arrangements for Pembrokeshire.

The recommendations follow two periods of public engagement, which saw many representations made on Pembrokeshire’s community arrangements.

These include the number of community and town councils, their boundaries, and the number of councillors within each community.

The overriding aim of the review was to ensure effective and convenient local government. 

Part of this is to ensure that representation on town and community councils is, as far as is practicable, similar across all councils in Pembrokeshire.

The Final Recommendations Report contains all of the Commission’s recommendations for Pembrokeshire.  Where it has made changes to the existing arrangements a description of the change, the representations received, the reasons for change and a map of the recommendations are contained in the report.

The Final Recommendations Report has been submitted to Welsh Government Ministers, and it is now for Welsh Government to decide how to proceed. Usually they will make an Order.

Any changes included in the Order will come into effect at the next Local Government elections in 2027.

County Councillor Neil Prior, Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement, and the Well-being of Future Generations said:

“We would like to thank the Commission for the thorough and balanced work undertaken throughout the review.  We would also like to thank the organisations and individuals who took the time to make representations during both periods of consultation.

“As the Welsh Government take the next steps, changes will be implemented in 2027 for the next round of local elections.”

The Pembrokeshire Community Review’s final recommendations propose specific changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements to better reflect local identities and improve governance. Key proposed changes include:

• Amalgamation of Communities: The communities of Ambleston and Spittal are recommended to merge into a single community named “Spittal,” comprising two wards: Ambleston and Spittal.
• Boundary Adjustments: Several communities, including Clydau, Crymych, Eglwyswrw, and Boncath, are proposed to have boundary modifications to better align with local identities and improve electoral parity.
• Community Ward Changes: In the community of Fishguard and Goodwick, it’s recommended to replace the existing Fishguard North East and Fishguard North West wards with a single “Fishguard” ward, and to rename the Goodwick ward to “Goodwick and Harbour.”
• Councillor Representation: Adjustments in the number of councillors are proposed for various communities to ensure fair representation. For instance, the new Spittal community would have a total of 12 councillors, with 5 representing the Ambleston ward and 7 representing the Spittal ward.

These recommendations aim to ensure effective and convenient local governance, reflecting the evolving needs and identities of Pembrokeshire’s communities.

The Final Recommendations can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.dbcc.gov.wales/reviews/01-25/pembrokeshire-community-review-final-recommendations

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has pressed First Minister Eluned Morgan on how the Welsh Government plans to meet the skilled employment demands of emerging industries and technologies.

Speaking in the Senedd, Kurtz emphasised Pembrokeshire’s strong industrial heritage and the continued importance of the hydrocarbon sector, including Valero oil refinery and RWE power station. He highlighted new opportunities arising from the Celtic Freeport and potential investment in Floating Off-Shore Wind, which could bring renewed prosperity to the region.

Following the plenary session, Kurtz said: “Pembrokeshire is home to a diverse mix of established and emerging industries, and it is vital that our workforce has the flexibility to transition into the jobs of the future.

“Businesses understand their needs better than anyone, so the Welsh Government must engage directly with the industries that will be creating these opportunities.

“It is unacceptable that the Welsh Labour Government has yet to present a clear plan to support workers in traditional industries should they wish to reskill. Their slow response is damaging investment, harming businesses, and failing those whose future careers depend on decisive action.”