News
New 20mph speed limit: Safety improvement or economic setback?
STARTING September 17, the Welsh Government’s broad 20-mph speed restriction will replace the current 30-mph norm in urban areas. Designed to boost road safety, the decision is a double-edged sword, balancing between reduced casualties and potentially significant financial and operational ramifications.
Professor Stuart Cole, CBE, Emeritus Professor of Transport Economics and Policy, University of South Wales, has explained his several concerns, set out below, regards the new legislation.
Operational Challenges & Financial Strains
Bread’s morning delivery offers a window into potential hiccups. Timed for 30-mph speeds, reduced speed limits can lower van productivity, possibly raising prices for end consumers. Urban bus passengers, too, are bracing for longer commutes. The need for extra vehicles, more driver shifts, and anticipated increased hourly rates for drivers paint a challenging financial picture for bus companies.
The modern bus, optimized for speeds of 30-mph or 40-mph, now faces a disruptive 20-mph mandate. This shift could necessitate overriding automatic gearing systems, potentially undermining safety objectives and leading to higher maintenance expenses.
A Conservative Perspective
In the backdrop of these insights, Natasha Asghar MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, voiced her concerns. She remarked, “The observations by Professor Stuart Cole underscore a significant oversight by the Labour Government.“
“For over a year, I’ve highlighted potential drawbacks — from slower emergency response times to increased delivery durations, and even the likelihood of bus route adjustments. As we near this policy’s roll-out, these unforeseen consequences, combined with a £4.5 billion expenditure by Labour, paints a worrying picture for the Welsh economy,” Natasha expressed.
Seeking Solutions
The 20-mph limit aims to tilt preference scales from cars to buses. To truly succeed, bus priority schemes on congested routes, like Cardiff’s Castle street and Swansea’s Kingsway, could be vital. But with electric buses demanding almost triple the price of conventional ones, financial challenges loom large.
In this scenario, bus companies, looking at a requisite profit margin of 10% on local tenders, are hesitant to invest significantly, especially with the fiscal support measures like the Welsh Government’s Bus Transition Fund set to end by March 2024.
Conclusion: Striking A Balance
With potential bus service reductions, especially in rural Wales, stagnant passenger numbers, and escalating costs, the bus sector faces a challenging trifecta.
While the Welsh Government’s intentions echo safety and environmental concerns, perhaps a staggered approach could have been more judicious. Considering a rollout in high-casualty zones, introducing supportive bus priority measures, and delaying the scheme’s onset until the bus industry finds firmer financial footing might have catered to all stakeholders more effectively.
Crime
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Lib Dems blast Welsh Gov for ‘failing women suffering from cancer’
THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Government of failing women suffering from cancer.
Speaking in the Siambr on Wednesday, party Leader Jane Dodds MS lamented the challenging experiences faced by many women suffering from Gynaecological cancer.
The Welsh Lib Dem leader highlighted how many women felt that their cancer symptoms had been either ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, with others reporting lengthy delays in receiving treatment.
According to a recent report from BBC Wales, the number of Gynaecological cancer patients starting treatment within the recommended 62-day time frame has worsened since it was prioritised by the Welsh Government last year.
A recent Senedd Committee Inquiry also found that women’s cancer concerns were often “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” as part of a “dangerous bias” against women when it comes to healthcare.
The Welsh Lib Dems have heavily criticised the Welsh Government for failing to tackle gender healthcare inequalities, stating that they have “failed countless women”.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:
“I was ashamed and appalled to hear how so many women suffering from Gynaecological Cancer have had to deal with grave failings in our healthcare service.
Many of these cancer victims have reportedly had their worries and concerns sidelined by medical professionals who had dismissed serious symptoms that, if spotted earlier, could have resulted in a more positive outcome.
These biases present a serious threat to the health of thousands of women, we cannot allow these inequalities to take any more lives.
The Welsh Government has failed countless women by their lack of action in dealing with these biases.
These brave women and their families should not have to suffer from the indecisiveness of Welsh Labour Ministers.
It is now up to the Welsh Government to ensure that we will have a future where no woman will have to face the agonising experience of Gynaecological cancer alone.”
News
New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet
THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.
First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.
“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”
Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.
Photo: Matthew Horwood
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