News

Emergency services raise alarm over new 20mph speed limit in Wales

Published

1 year ago

August 18, 2023

THE RECENT announcement of a default 20mph speed limit by the Labour Government has caused a stir within emergency services, as concerns rise over potential delays in response times.

The new policy has been critically appraised by a retained firefighter, who warns of possible ramifications in the field. The firefighter’s key points of contention include:

Potential delays for firefighters reaching stations in personal vehicles due to the new speed limit.

Increased time for fire engines to arrive at incidents.

An extension in the permissible distance for retained firefighters from 5 minutes travel time to a lengthier 10 minutes. This adjustment, coupled with the new speed restriction, is feared to further exacerbate response times.

Additionally, South Wales Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Travis, disclosed in a recent statement, “The newly instituted 20mph limit in Wales will inevitably alter the dynamics of how both the police forces and emergency services in Wales operate.”

In light of these revelations, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservatives Shadow Minister for Transport, voiced her concerns. “A confidential email divulged last week starkly illustrates the potential for the 20mph limit to hinder police responses,” she commented. The email, which starkly outlined these repercussions, has now been made public.

Asghar continued, “The firefighter’s insights merely accentuate the imminent threat. Such blanket policies, while they may be well-intentioned, can have inadvertent consequences. With lives potentially at stake, it’s high time we recognise that safety can’t be compromised.”

She concluded with a clarion call for the Labour Government to re-evaluate its stance. “The unfolding events of the past week have shed light on public apprehension. Labour must rethink this strategy, and consider pausing the 20mph default limit rollout. Safety should always precede policy, especially when such policy appears more and more to be rooted in vanity rather than practicality.”

The debate continues as Wales grapples with balancing safety concerns with the need for efficient emergency response. Only time will reveal the tangible effects of the new speed limit on Wales’ streets.

A letter from the Assistant Chief Constable for South Wales Police, Mark Travis, to other blue light services in Wales has given away that the new default 20mph speed limit in Wales “will have an impact on how we within the four Welsh police forces and you as emergency services, carry out your core business…”.

The Assistant Chief Constable goes on to say that “we recognise that this will influence the speeds at which our responders are able to travel to emergency calls and may have an impact on how we respond or deploy staff to incidents.”

As well as the revelation by South Wales Police, a FOI shows that the Welsh Government has not recorded any statistics or minutes during consultation with emergency services on the effect the 20mph speed limit change will have on emergency vehicles.

Commenting on the shocking disclosures, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS, said.

“Labour claim that this policy is to save lives. But with the Police admitting it will impact response times and no work carried out to measure the affect blue light services – contrary to saving lives, I fear that lives will actually be lost.

“This is clearly a very ill thought out policy by Labour and what we all want to know is why the Labour Government is hiding the truth from the people of Wales of what the emergency services said of their unreal plans which will cost the Welsh economy £4.5 billion.

“The Labour Minister needs to urgently put a hold on the roll out of the default 20mph, delaying it until all these questions are answered. I hope that the Labour Government will then decide that this ludicrous plan has hit a red light – indefinity.”

Crime

‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby

Published

16 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.

The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.

It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.

After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.

Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.

Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.

The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)

News

Milford Haven honours fishermen with annual memorial service

Published

19 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN held its annual Fishermen’s Tribute Service on Saturday (Sept 28) at The Rath, in a heartfelt event that drew members of the community to honour its maritime legacy.

The Milford Haven Town Band played, adding to the solemnity of the occasion, attended by Mayor Councillor William Elliot, who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

This year’s service, led by Reverend Samuel Patterson, focused on commemorating those connected to the fishing industry, reflecting on their contributions to the town’s prosperity. The event underscores the challenging conditions faced by fishermen and the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in Milford Haven’s economy and culture.

As part of the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at the memorial, which bears the inscription, “A Tribute to Our Fishermen,” affirming the community’s gratitude and remembrance of their efforts.

(Photos Lloyd Jones / Fiona Galliford)

Community

Narberth Food Festival: A feast of flavours and fun for all ages

Published

20 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NARBERTH’S annual Food Festival has returned this weekend, bringing together a delicious mix of food, music, and educational activities that highlight the best of Welsh culture and cuisine. Held in the picturesque town of Narberth, the festival promises an exciting lineup of chefs, musicians, and local artisans, showcasing the rich diversity and culinary talent of Wales.

The festivities began with an Education Day, an enlightening experience for local school children from Narberth School and St Oswald’s VA School. The day was packed with engaging workshops hosted in a large marquee, including sausage making by Andrew Rees Butchers, seaweed discoveries with Câr y Môr, cake decorating skills by Ysgol Greenhill School, essential food preparation with Corinne Cariad, and delightful chocolate making with Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Co.

This educational initiative, heavily supported by local businesses and volunteers, is designed to teach the young attendees about the origins and production of food, a foundational knowledge that the festival organisers are keen to impart to the next generation.

As the festival opens to the public, attendees are invited to a culinary journey through the Food Theatre events on Saturday. Highlights include chef demonstrations from noted chefs like Dougie Balish of The Grove and engaging taste sessions with local food innovators such as Owen Rosser from Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm.

The Music Stage offers a melodic backdrop to the delicious fare, with a lineup that spans folk, rock, and acoustic performances. Saturday’s performances will see the likes of Abbie Jebbers and the dynamic duo BoxSet, while Sunday welcomes talents like Rosey Cale and the unique sounds of Ella Guru.

The festival is not only a platform for food and music but also a spotlight on the innovative local traders. Among them is James from Still Wild, who returns to share his foraging insights and his latest creation, Oystershell Vodka, already lauded with two Great Taste stars.

For the youngsters, the festival is packed with additional fun. Entry is free for under 16s, encouraging families to enjoy the face painting, circus skills workshops, and the antics of beloved street performers. These elements ensure that the Narberth Food Festival is a weekend where learning, fun, and gastronomy delightfully intersect.

Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or just in search of a vibrant community event, Narberth Food Festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all tastes and ages. With its commitment to education, local entrepreneurship, and cultural celebration, the festival continues to be a standout event in Wales’s festival calendar.