The Welsh Government has praised Wrexham Council for becoming the second local authority in Wales to begin the process of reverting selected 20mph roads back to 30mph limits.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, visited Wrexham on December 13 to review progress on the council’s speed limit changes.
The visit highlighted Wrexham’s efforts to assess roads that could safely return to 30mph following the nationwide implementation of 20mph speed limits in September 2023.
A total of 52 roads across Wrexham have been identified for potential changes, with Chester Road being one of the key routes under consideration.
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Wales has given powers to local authorities to review 20mph roads GETTY/GOV.WALESThe move follows revised guidance published by the Welsh Government in July to support local authorities in reviewing their speed limits.
During his visit to Chester Road, Ken Skates met with Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change, to discuss the review process and inspect the section proposed for reverting to 30mph.
“I’m pleased to see councils listening to people’s views and making progress in reviewing the roads in their areas that they deem could possibly be safely changed back to 30mph,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
He emphasised that while the policy’s main objective remains saving lives and reducing casualties, it’s about “getting the right speeds on the right roads.”
The Cabinet Secretary praised local authorities across Wales for their dedication, noting there is “widespread evidence” that 20mph limits help reduce casualties where people live, work and play.
The public consultation on proposed speed limit changes began on December 13, marking a significant step in the review process.
Wrexham Council received 440 emails during their initial feedback period, showing strong public engagement with the issue.
Of these responses, 207 contained general comments against the 20mph scheme, while 152 suggested specific locations for reverting to 30mph.
A further 54 responses proposed multiple locations for review, with 27 people expressing support for maintaining the 20mph limits.
But the council noted that all proposed changes will need to be processed through a Traffic Regulation Order. The Welsh Government has committed to fully funding all costs associated with the proposed changes.
Among the major routes proposed for change is the B5445 Chester Road in Gresford, which would revert to 30mph from Clappers Lane to Woodlands Road, covering 1.69km.
The A5152 Chester Road in Acton has two sections under review, including a 703m stretch from Box Lane to Grove Road.
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20mph speed limits have begun being reviewed across Wales with some able to return to 30mph
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Key arterial routes like the A534 Holt Road in Wrexham and Rhosnesni would see changes across multiple sections, including a 709m stretch from Hullah Lane to the Cefn Road roundabout.
The A525 Kingsmills Road in Hightown is also proposed for change, covering 692m from Derby Road to Kingsmills Loop. Significant changes are planned for the B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road in Rhosymedre, with a substantial 2.45km section under review.
The A539 Llangollen Road in Trevor would see changes across 1.46km from Trefnant Park to Trevor Hall Road. A final decision on the proposed changes will be taken at the council meeting scheduled for February 12, 2025.