Ruthin campaigners say speed limit guideline delay could be fatal

Campaigners say they are concerned that road fatalities outside a sports club are “only a matter of time” as new speed limit guidelines will not be introduced until 2026.

The current speed limit guidelines came in 16 years ago, but last month Transport Secretary Ken Skates said new guidance would not come into effect until after May’s Senedd election.

Two sports clubs on the outskirts of Ruthin in Denbighshire, which sit along a 60mph (97km/h) road, described it as “unacceptable”, saying they have been campaigning for years for it to be reduced.

The Welsh government said existing guidance could still be used to review speed limits until the new guidelines come in.

The A494 is one of the main roads in and out of Ruthin and, although it can be quiet during the week, it is a different story at the weekend.

Rhys Hughes, from the town’s rugby club, said they have about 300 children at the club on the weekend playing rugby, plus more children playing football across the road.

“The Welsh government needs to sort this out, otherwise there will be fatalities. It’s only a matter of time,” he said.

Although the speed limit leaving Ruthin town centre is 20mph, it triples to 60mph along the road where the football and rugby pitches are, and where the children train.

There is also no crossing.

Wynne Davies, from the local football club, echoed Mr Hughes’ concerns, describing it as “unacceptable” and “extremely dangerous”.

“We have families who have children playing football and rugby at the same time, so there are people crossing the road when the matches are being played,” he said.

“And people arriving in cars, children excited having travelled from away venues. They get here and they can’t wait to get out to play, so they’re opening the car doors and rushing across the road,” he added.

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS), who represents North Wales, urged ministers to make the change as it is “becoming ridiculous”.

“An accident is going to happen. Someone is going to be severely injured or killed and it’s on the government,” he said.

The ongoing campaign is reflected in the fact Mark Drakeford visited Ruthin when he was first minister to discuss the issue, and the campaign for change is also supported by Conservative leader Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West.

Mr Gruffydd said the decision to delay new guidelines until after the Senedd election was the wrong approach.

“For every delay, more and more lives are at risk,” he said.

The Welsh government said options for improving the A494 in Ruthin are being prepared and will go out to consultation next year.

Mr Skates said he was working with local authorities on “updating the guidance” now the 20mph speed limit is in place.

“It has to be practical, effective and fit for purpose and significant effort is being made to engage, listen and work with local authorities to achieve that,” he said.