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20mph limit in Wales – one year on, the debate intensifies

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AS Wales marks the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the 20mph speed limit on residential roads, the policy continues to stir controversy.

Initially rolled out by the Labour government with the intention of improving road safety, the reduced speed limit has faced both criticism and support from various quarters, with ongoing debate about its effectiveness and economic impact.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar has been vocal in her criticism of the policy, calling it a “disastrous 20mph rollout.” She emphasised that despite widespread public dissent, including the largest petition in the Senedd’s history and predictions of a £9 billion impact on the Welsh economy, the government has been reluctant to reconsider the policy. Asghar reiterated the Conservative stance: “Scrap the £33m scheme altogether, only have 20mph in high footfall areas and get Wales moving again.”

The policy has not only faced political opposition but also a significant public backlash. A petition against the default 20mph limit garnered nearly half a million signatures, highlighting the extent of dissatisfaction among the Welsh public. Additionally, there has been a reported rise in offences related to the new speed limit, with many motorists finding the varying speed limits confusing.

The 20mph speed limits have been welcomed by some, such as these St Dogmaels residents (Pic: Herald)

Labour’s Eluned Morgan has acknowledged the policy’s challenges, admitting that the blanket implementation of the 20mph speed limits had caused problems. She indicated that the government recognises that some roads may need to revert to 30mph, and a review is currently underway. The First Minister recently acknowledged that through roads with 20mph limits had been causing the most frustration among the public, and it is now up to local councils to address these concerns.

Lee Waters, the former transport minister who introduced the policy, defended it, stating that reduced speeds have led to fewer accidents and saved lives. However, he conceded that the rollout could have been better executed, citing insufficient public awareness and preparation for such a significant change.

Despite the criticisms, recent figures indicate a positive trend in road safety, with injuries on 20mph and 30mph roads falling by a third in the final quarter of last year. Furthermore, insurer esure reported a 20% drop in accidental damage claims from Welsh customers following the implementation of the 20mph limit, resulting in reduced insurance premiums for Welsh drivers. If this trend were applied across the UK, it could result in a significant economic benefit, with potential savings of approximately £50 per policy, amounting to £1.4 billion nationwide.

The First Minister recently acknowledged that through roads with 20mph limits had been causing the most frustration among the public

The introduction of the 20mph speed limit has also affected events such as the Junior Tour of Wales cycling race, which had to be shortened and rerouted due to the new speed regulations. This has prompted criticism from Conservative figures who argue that such policies should not negatively impact sporting events and other activities.

Natasha Asghar further commented on the need for a “common-sense approach” to active travel, highlighting that while promoting walking and cycling is important, the current strategy of pushing people out of cars through measures like the 20mph limit is not practical or effective.

The Welsh government’s decision to make 20mph the default speed limit in built-up areas has sparked a complex debate, balancing road safety against public opinion and economic concerns. With a review in progress and ongoing discussions, the future of the 20mph policy in Wales remains uncertain. Whether the government will make adjustments or hold firm in its commitment to reduced speed limits will likely continue to be a point of contention in Welsh politics.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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