WALES will introduce a new default speed limit of 20mph (32km/h) for residential roads from Sunday, making it the first UK nation to make such a change. This follows Spain, which has already adjusted its national speed limits in 2019. However, drivers are being urged not to rely solely on their satellite navigation systems for the speed limit updates, as some GPS firms have indicated that immediate updates might not be possible.

What This Means for Drivers

The new law will affect around 35% of Welsh roads with lamp-posts no more than 200 yards (183m) apart. Notably, since this will be the national speed limit, 20mph signs will be unnecessary on those roads unless the limit changes. But while police have noted that enforcing the new speed will be a “last resort” in the early stages, fixed speed cameras will not show such leniency.

Simon Williams, of the RAC, advised drivers to stay updated. “Until sat-nav systems have been fully updated, they shouldn’t rely on them to know what the speed limit is on any particular stretch of Welsh road,” he stated.

Political Reactions

The speed limit change has spurred varied responses from politicians. House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt criticised the move, terming it “insane”. Mordaunt suggested that the Labour party was punishing motorists. However, Lee Waters, the deputy climate change minister for Wales, described Mordaunt’s comments as a “pantomime”.

Economic and Safety Implications

First Minister Mark Drakeford highlighted the safety benefits, stating that while it may take an extra minute for journeys, the change could save ten lives in Wales each year. However, the Welsh Conservatives have drawn attention to Welsh government documents which estimate that the speed change could cost the Welsh economy between £2.7b and £8.9b due to increased journey times. Yet, Mr Drakeford counters that the NHS could see savings of £92m annually.

Historically, more people were severely injured or killed in 30mph zones in Wales than in any other zones. Safety campaigners, Brake, have emphasised that the risk of fatality is five times higher at 30mph compared to 20mph.

Which Roads Will Change?

Of the 22,000 miles of road in Wales, an estimated 7,700 miles will change from 30mph to 20mph. About 30,000 road signs are set to be replaced.

However, not all 30mph roads will experience this reduction. Local authorities have the discretion to maintain the 30mph speed limit where they can provide evidence that such speeds are safe and won’t endanger pedestrians and cyclists.

Controversial Change?

The speed limit adjustment has seen its share of controversy. A majority of respondents to a Welsh government-commissioned consultation were against the change. Furthermore, the Welsh Conservatives have voiced strong opposition.

Mark Drakeford admitted the change would require adjustment, likening it to the introduction of the breathalyser. He expressed hope that, over time, the community would see the benefits of the reduced speed in terms of safety.

As Wales moves forward with this landmark change, it remains to be seen how smoothly the transition will be and what the long-term impacts, both positive and negative, will be.

Osian Pryce and co-driver Stephane Prevot clinched a decisive victory at this year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion. Their triumph was marked by a stellar performance, as they surged into the lead during the event’s second stage and maintained their dominance to cross the finish line a commanding 22.9 seconds ahead of their closest rivals.

Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson secured the second position, showing remarkable tenacity throughout the rally, finishing 8.6 seconds ahead of James Williams and Dai Roberts, who fiercely battled on the second day, ultimately determining the final podium standings.

Reflecting on his triumph, Osian Pryce expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It’s been a challenging rally, I’ve really enjoyed the driving and I’m delighted to have won. But I couldn’t have done it without everyone who has supported me, Melvyn Evans Motorsport for providing me with such a great car, and Stephane for being part of the team. This has been a fantastic event. It’s great for the area, great for the sport, and I applaud the organizers for all they have achieved.”

The stage for this year’s rally was set during the Rali Show and Ceremonial start on Aberystwyth Promenade, bathed in the stunning glow of a Cardigan Bay sunset, drawing massive crowds eager to witness the competing cars and crews.

The first day of the rally featured a trio of morning stages followed by a repeat in the afternoon, covering a challenging 54.32-mile route across the Cambrian Mountains. Day one concluded with two exhilarating stages in Aberystwyth, which captivated spectators with their half-mile blasts along the sea-front road.

The battle for supremacy intensified on the opening day when Pryce seized the lead after Evans encountered a spin and a puncture in the ETT Trailers Cwmerfyn 1 stage. Pryce showcased his dominance by claiming four fastest stage times out of eight, amassing a 42.4-second lead by day’s end. Evans, determined to mount a comeback, displayed resilience and won three stages to secure second place overnight.

Callum Black, eyeing the Protyre Asphalt Championship title, held second place on Saturday morning but opted for a conservative approach in the afternoon to ensure victory on the penultimate round. James Williams, despite a shaky start, maintained fourth place by day’s end.

The competition witnessed its fair share of drama, including marker-bale encounters for James Ford and Neil Shanks, which, fortunately, caused no significant mechanical damage to their Citroen C3 Rally2.

Saturday concluded with the Cambrian Training/Get Jerky/LAS Recycling Aberystwyth 1 & 2 stages, providing fans with thrilling entertainment and demonstrations by Matthew Wilson in an M-Sport Puma Rally1 Hybrid.

Sunday’s schedule featured a trio of runs over the Cambrian Mountains in the morning, followed by a repeat in the afternoon. Each of the top-five drivers pursued distinct strategies, with Pryce aiming for a comfortable lead, Evans pushing to narrow the gap, Williams striving for a podium place, Black securing the championship title, and Ford vying for a top-three finish.

While Evans exhibited speed in the day’s first stage, Pryce remained steady, and Williams made a strong push. The day’s action also witnessed a tied stage win between Evans and Williams. Williams eventually clinched two outright fastest times, but Evans held onto his second position.

Ultimately, Osian Pryce maintained his composure and flawless driving over the final three stages, securing his fifth fastest time of the rally on the penultimate stage. James Williams gave it his all but couldn’t surpass Evans, leaving the podium positions unchanged. Callum Black secured fourth place, and Garry Pearson and Daniel Barritt delivered a consistent performance to secure fifth place.

Phil Pugh, Chairman of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion organising committee, commended Osian and Stephane for their impressive performance and thanked all participants, marshals, officials, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the success of the event. He expressed excitement about the prospect of hosting the rally once again next year.

The 2023 Rali Ceredigion Overall Results:

1. Osian Pryce/Stephane Prevot (VW Polo R5): 1:24:30.8
2. Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (VW Polo R5): 1:24:53.7
3. James Williams/Dai Roberts (Hyundai i20 Rally2): 1:25:02.3
4. Callum Black/James Morton (Ford Fiesta Rally2): 1:26:18.1
5. Garry Pearson/Daniel Barritt (VW Polo R5): 1:28:19.0
6. James Ford/Neil Shanks (Citroen C3 Rally2): 1:29:29.1
7. Kevin Davies/Owain Davies (VW Polo R5): 1:29:57.4
8. Mark Kelly/Will Atkins (Skoda Fabia R5): 1:30:06.3
9. Andrew Purcell/Shane Buckley (VW Polo R5): 1:31:53.4
10. John Dalton/Gwynfor Jones (Darrian T90 GTR): 1:31:59.1

TEIFI driver James Williams, hailing from Newcastle Emlyn, notched his maiden victory in the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship. Williams, at 25 years old, partnered with co-driver Dai Roberts to steer their Michelin-equipped Hyundai i20 N Rally2 to a remarkable third-place finish at the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, marking a significant milestone in his rallying career.

Williams, who had been competing in the Junior BRC category since 2017, expressed his elation, saying, “I’m delighted to take my first BRC win, and it’s well deserved. It’s been a long time coming, and I have to thank my team, supporters, sponsors, and local backers who played a vital role in this achievement.” He emphasized the need for more seat time to maximize his performance in the Hyundai.

The Aberystwyth-based event unfolded across two intense days, featuring 100 miles of challenging stages that combined fast moorland roads with narrow, hedge-lined lanes. The rally drew thousands of enthusiastic fans, lending a vibrant international atmosphere to the event.

Williams showcased his talent early in the competition, securing third place on the opening stage, only five seconds behind the leader, Meirion Evans. However, a detour into a field during the second test momentarily dropped him to sixth place. Determined to make a comeback, Williams delivered four top times on the second day, reclaiming his position on the podium and securing his first BRC victory. He further boosted his points with a strategic Joker card play.

The overall rally victory was claimed by 2022 British Rally Champion Osian Pryce and co-driver Stephane Prevot, while Garry Pearson and Daniel Barritt secured the runner-up spot in their Volkswagen Polo GTi. Pearson, currently the closest contender to series leader Adrien Fourmaux, maintained a strong performance throughout the weekend.

The Junior BRC category featured a captivating battle, with Ioan Lloyd initially leading in his Peugeot 208 Rally4. However, Kyle White surged ahead over subsequent stages. Yet, local heroes Lloyd and co-driver Sion Williams returned to the top spot on Sunday, securing their first Junior BRC victory to the delight of the home crowd. White still remains in contention for the championship.

In contrast, Kyle McBride and Liam McIntyre endured a challenging rally in the Fiesta Rally4, suffering a non-finish after an unfortunate jump-related incident.

Returning to the series, Callum Black entered the National Rally Title contest in his Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally2, putting on a strong performance and briefly holding second place overall. He eventually settled for fourth place and maximum National points.

Welshman William Mains made a triumphant return in his Vauxhall Nova, clinching a class win and second place in the National Rally Title alongside co-driver Tomos Whittle.

The British Rally Championship now shifts to gravel for the final two rounds of the season, with the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire in September and the penultimate event of 2023.