March 01, 2026 - 138 views
Fresh changes to 20mph speed limits are set to be made on a number of trunk roads across Wales, in what critics have described as another U-turn on one of the Welsh Government’s most controversial policies.
Ministers have confirmed that, following a further review, dozens of routes under their direct control will see speed restrictions amended. The move follows last year’s decision to give local authorities greater flexibility to change certain 20mph roads back to 30mph where there is a clear case to do so.
The default 20mph limit was introduced across most restricted roads in Wales in September 2023, replacing the previous 30mph default in built-up areas. The Welsh Government said the policy was designed to reduce collisions, save lives and encourage walking and cycling, particularly around schools and in residential communities.
At the time, ministers pointed to evidence suggesting that reducing speeds from 30mph to 20mph can significantly cut both the number and severity of collisions. Research used to support the change indicated that a pedestrian struck at 30mph is far more likely to be killed than one hit at 20mph.
Early data published by the Welsh Government has suggested a fall in road casualties on 20mph roads during the first year of the scheme, although longer-term analysis is ongoing.
However, the policy sparked widespread public backlash. A record-breaking Senedd petition calling for the default limit to be scrapped attracted hundreds of thousands of signatures, and the scheme became a major political flashpoint.
In response to the criticism, the Welsh Government carried out a national review and updated its guidance, allowing councils to reassess roads where a 30mph limit may be more appropriate. Since then, hundreds of roads across Wales have been reviewed, with many reverted.
In Aberconwy, dozens of roads were identified for reassessment. Some residents say progress has been slow, with uncertainty remaining over which routes will change and when.
Concerns have also been raised by motorists about roads where the speed limit drops sharply from 60mph to 20mph. Some drivers argue that sudden reductions can lead to harsh braking and increase the risk of rear-end shunts, particularly on busy commuter routes.
Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has been highly critical of the policy and the latest round of revisions.
“This is yet another review of the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy, with more roads now being reverted back to 30mph,” she said. “The fact that speed limits are continually being changed back clearly shows this was a flawed and poorly thought-out scheme from the start.
“The rollout and repeated reviews have cost far too much, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that this approach has not worked. The whole thing cost around £32 million to set up and since then has cost a further £3–5 million on changes, before this most recent review. That money could and should have been spent on far more urgent priorities, such as health services or other frontline needs.
“Constantly backtracking only adds confusion for drivers and highlights the need for a more sensible and priority-based approach from the Welsh Government.”
The Welsh Government maintains that the original aim of the policy remains unchanged: to improve road safety and make communities safer places to live. Ministers argue that the review process shows the system is flexible and responsive to local concerns, rather than evidence of failure.
Transport officials have stressed that trunk roads — which are managed by the Welsh Government rather than councils — are also being assessed to ensure speed limits reflect local conditions, road layout and safety data.
With further changes now expected on key routes, drivers across North Wales are once again being urged to check signage carefully as speed limits are updated.
