Politics
M4 variable speed limit will be enforced

DRIVERS that flout the Variable Speed Limit restrictions in place along a busy stretch of the M4 around Newport will face tougher enforcement action, says Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates.
The warning was issued ahead of a new safety campaign launched Wednesday (25 July) which aims to ensure drivers are more aware of and adhere to the variable speed limits in place on the M4 between Junctions 24 (Coldra) and 28 (Tredegar Park) before enforcement action is stepped up.
The Welsh Government introduced a Variable Speed Limit along this stretch of road in 2011 as a means of reducing congestion and improving safety and journey time reliability.
Infrastructure and technology installed along the motorway between Junctions 24 and 28 monitors traffic flow and calculates the optimum speed limits for current traffic volumes. The limits are lawfully displayed on the electronic Visual Message Signs [VMS] above lanes and at the sides of the road.
When vehicles travel at consistent and similar speeds, journey times become more predictable. Congestion and queuing is reduced as traffic continues to flow steadily and the risk of collisions from vehicles approaching the back of queues is lessened.
Ken Skates explained: “Since its launch the scheme has helped to improve traffic flow and reduce the number of collisions along this stretch, with the majority of drivers adhering to the limits in place.
“However, a minority of drivers continue to flout the displayed limits and act as if the restrictions do not apply to them so it is these motorists we are primarily targeting with this awareness campaign and subsequent enforcement action.”
The campaign is being led by GoSafe, Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, and it will consist of two stages.
Phase one will focus on an education and awareness drive, to alert motorists that tougher enforcement will shortly be coming into effect. It will include publication of the number of offences captured on that stretch of motorway and a grace period for drivers during which those who exceed the stated limit will receive warning notices.
The second phase will focus on enforcement and those caught exceeding the speed limit displayed will be issued with a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
GoSafe Partnership Manager, Chris Hume, adding his support to the initiative, said: “Managing the speed of traffic through this busy section of the M4 Motorway is vital, and proactive enforcement of the variable speed limit assists GoSafe in achieving its strategic goal to make people safer on Welsh roads by reducing casualties and saving lives.”
The Cabinet Secretary added: “There is always room for improvement in road safety and everyone has a responsibility for improving safety and playing their part. The M4 variable speed limit is just one element of a multifaceted approach the Welsh Government takes to improving road safety on the motorway and trunk road network as a whole.”
News
Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.
The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.
Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.
The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.
Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.
Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].
The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.
Crime
Vagrancy Act to be scrapped after 200 years

Law criminalising rough sleeping to be repealed by spring
ROUGH sleeping will no longer be treated as a crime, as the UK Government confirms plans to formally repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824.
The 200-year-old law, introduced to tackle homelessness in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, has been widely criticised by campaigners for treating poverty as a criminal issue.
Although prosecutions under the Act have declined significantly in recent years, it remains enforceable in England and Wales. The Government says it will now be repealed entirely by spring 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We are drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society, who deserve dignity and support.
“No one should ever be criminalised simply for sleeping rough, and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.”
The move forms part of a wider government strategy to tackle the root causes of homelessness. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has increased homelessness funding by £233 million this year, bringing the total for 2025–26 to nearly £1 billion.
Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “Today marks a historic shift. Scrapping the Vagrancy Act is another step forward in our mission to tackle homelessness in all its forms.”
The Government says new powers will be introduced to replace elements of the Vagrancy Act which deal with criminal behaviour, not rough sleeping. These include a new offence of facilitating begging for gain – aimed at tackling exploitation by organised crime groups – and an offence of trespassing with intent to commit a crime.
Matt Downie, Chief Executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: “This is a landmark moment that will change lives. For 200 years the Vagrancy Act has meant that people who are homeless are treated as criminals. Ending its use recognises a shameful history of persecuting people for poverty and destitution.”
Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “The repeal of the Vagrancy Act cannot come soon enough. We are supporting thousands of people sleeping rough, all with their own stories – from complex health issues to an unaffordable housing market.”
The Deputy Prime Minister is working with councils, mayors, and frontline organisations on a new national homelessness strategy, due to be published later this year.
News
Teacher pay row intensifies as NAHT Cymru responds to Welsh Government offer

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has come under fire from a leading education union after announcing its latest pay recommendation for teachers and school leaders.
Laura Doel, National Secretary of NAHT Cymru, has criticised the government’s proposal of a 4% pay increase, arguing it falls short of the 4.8% uplift recommended by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB).
The union, which represents headteachers and senior school leaders, welcomed the IWPRB’s recognition of the recruitment and retention crisis in Welsh schools, but expressed disappointment that the Welsh Government appeared unwilling to fully honour the review body’s advice on financial grounds.
“While we are relieved that the IWPRB has listened to the evidence put forward on behalf of leaders about the challenges with recruitment and retention, we are concerned that the Welsh Government’s counteroffer of 4% seeks to ignore the recommendations of the review body due to affordability,” said Ms Doel.
The Welsh Government has framed the pay offer as part of a two-year package, combining last year’s 5% award with this year’s proposed 4% to give a headline figure of 9% over two years. However, NAHT Cymru has criticised this approach, saying it creates a “false impression” and does not reflect the pay pressures currently facing the profession.
“For over a decade we have been campaigning for pay restoration,” Ms Doel said. “Years of below-inflation and partly funded pay awards have left teachers and leaders significantly behind other graduate professions—up to 20% behind where pay would be if it had kept pace with inflation.”
The union has also questioned what the government means by describing the pay award as “fully funded,” warning that in the past, similar claims have led to confusion and inconsistent levels of support for schools.
“Leaders will be forced to make incredibly difficult decisions about how to balance the books,” she said. “That could mean cutting support, reducing resources, or not replacing staff—actions that ultimately harm pupils’ education and undermine the goal of improving standards.”
Ms Doel also accused ministers of placing school leaders in an unfair position: “They shouldn’t be expected to choose between providing for their learners and being paid what they are owed. Other professions are not made to feel guilty in this way, and leaders should not be either.”
NAHT Cymru has confirmed it will consult its members on the offer but warned it has no intention of recommending a deal that it believes will worsen the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said the proposed award reflects “the financial constraints facing the public sector” and noted that discussions with unions are ongoing.
-
News4 days ago
Sudden death prompts major police response in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime2 days ago
Two arrested following affray near Milford Marina
-
News4 days ago
Pembroke Road closed after serious crash near school
-
Crime4 days ago
Haverfordwest woman faces multiple assault charges, including against police officers
-
Crime4 days ago
Locals rally to support Milford Haven taxi driver after terrifying robbery
-
Crime2 days ago
Pembrokeshire businessman sentenced for £150,000 Covid loan fraud
-
Crime4 days ago
Scaffolder fined £1,500 for drink-driving in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime18 hours ago
Pembroke woman spat at police while in ‘zombie-like’ drug state, court hears