News

Ceredigion defends 20mph zones amid fresh criticism from Pembrokeshire residents

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

No changes planned after review finds speed limits align with safety guidance

CEREDIGION County Council has confirmed that no changes will be made to its 20mph speed limits following a detailed review prompted by new Welsh Government guidance and public feedback.

The council reviewed 34 road sections across the county, evaluating them against updated criteria issued in 2024 for making exceptions to the national 20mph policy. These criteria include proximity to schools, medical facilities, community centres, and the density of homes and shops along affected routes.

Between May and September 2024, the council received 62 submissions during its ‘listening phase’. Of these, 23 supported the new limits, 20 called for changes to the national policy, 16 objected to 20mph zones on specific county roads, eight related to trunk roads outside the council’s control, and three were deemed irrelevant.

Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, said: “The review was an opportunity to assess how closely the guidance from the Welsh Government was applied on county roads in Ceredigion. Collision data recently released by the police and the Welsh Government suggests that the national change to the speed limit does seem to be reducing casualties on roads across Wales.”

He added that while some dissenting voices remain, the correspondence also showed support for safer streets, particularly near schools and residential areas.

The review did not include trunk roads such as the A487 and A44, which are managed directly by the Welsh Government.

Pembrokeshire latest: growing local anger over enforcement and fairness

In neighbouring Pembrokeshire, criticism of the 20mph policy has resurfaced following recent enforcement actions and growing calls for a more flexible approach. The Herald understands that several town and community councils, including Haverfordwest and Tenby, are preparing motions asking the county council to reconsider specific zones introduced under the national rollout.

Campaigners in Milford Haven and Neyland argue that the blanket restrictions are not suitable for wider, well-lit distributor roads, and should be eased in locations where pedestrian footfall is low.

Pembrokeshire County Council is expected to carry out its own review later this summer. However, internal documents seen by The Herald suggest that any proposed changes will have to comply strictly with the same Welsh Government guidance used by Ceredigion.

Meanwhile, Conservative Senedd members have pledged to reverse the 20mph law entirely if elected to government, while Plaid Cymru and Labour maintain it is essential for reducing road deaths and encouraging active travel.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

19 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.