News

Councillors call for U-turn on 20mph speed limits

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

Niki Favorido

Ted Peskett, Local Democracy Reporter

Councillors have called for roads that were recently changed to 20 mph speed limits to revert back to 30 mph.

The motion calling for the U-turn, tabled by the Conservatives group at Cardiff Council, also calls for an urgent review into the impacts of the default 20 mph speed limit and for the findings to be published in three months.

A new law introduced by the Welsh Government means that nearly all built up areas in Wales became 20 mph zones from September 17.

Local authorities were asked to submit certain roads which they felt should be exempt from the default 20 mph speed limit.

No date has yet been given for a debate on the recent motion, proposed by Councillor Joel Williams and seconded by Councillor Calum Davies.

In full, it calls on Cardiff Council to:

Exempt all roads within Cardiff that had 30 mph speed limits before the introduction of The Restricted Roads (20 mph speed limit) (Wales) Order 2022 from remaining at 20 mph and therefore revert these roads back to 30 mph speed limits

Undertake an urgent review into the adverse impacts of the default 20 mph speed limit and publish findings within three months of the date of this motion being debated

Once roads in Cardiff revert back to 30 mph speed limits; work with local communities to ensure any requests to reduce roads to 20 mph speed limits are undertaken on a case-by-case basis

Mixed reaction

The introduction of the 20 mph speed limit law has resulted in a mixed reaction from members of the public and ignited fierce political debate.

Those opposed to it argue that it will have a negative impact on the Welsh economy, increase congestion and increase response times for emergency call outs.

A petition set up calling for the default 20 mph speed limit law to be rescinded has so far gained more than 455,000 signatures.

Welsh Government deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, survived a vote of no confidence last week which was put forward by the Conservatives following the introduction of the 20 mph law.

However, there has also been wide support for the new law, which is intended to improve road safety.

The leader of Cardiff Council, Councillor Huw Thomas, vocalised his backing of the new law in the most recent full council meeting on September 21. He said: “I am very proud how most of the city is already 20 mph.

“We had repeated calls across numerous parties to roll this out in their areas. It will save lives.”

A number of polls were carried out in relation to the introduction of the 20 mph law.

One poll, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Welsh language magazine Barn Cymru, saw 61% of the 1,051 respondents answer that they were opposed to the speed limit reduction.

The same poll saw 31% of respondents answer that they were in support of the speed limit reduction.

Another poll, conducted by Redfield and Wilton Strategies, saw 46% of respondents supporting the speed limit change and 34% opposing it.

A poll for ITV showed that 66% of respondents were opposed to the speed limit change and that 31% support it.

Community

St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

Published

7 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).

The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.

A legacy of faith and unity

St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.

Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:

“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”

These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.

A symbolic exchange

The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.

Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”

The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.

News

Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

Published

8 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police say they received a call reporting the incident at around 4:30pm.

Tragically, a 15-year-old girl has passed away, it has been confirmed.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.

Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.

News

Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THREE people were taken to hospital following a collision on the A477 near Cleddau Bridge on Monday (Mar 17).

The crash, which involved three vehicles, happened shortly before 9:00am between Cleddau Bridge and Honeyborough roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene, and both lanes of the road were closed for nearly two hours.

One lane reopened at 10:45am, with the road fully cleared by 10:55am.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police attended a three-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 just before 9:00am. Three people were taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.”