Wales 20mph: The way the law came in created problems, says Eluned Morgan

The speed limit law, which came into force in September 2023, has arguably been the most controversial since devolution began 25 years ago.

It means that 20mph rather than 30mph is the default speed limit in built up areas, with local councils able to make exceptions based on Welsh government guidelines.

It has led to a significant public backlash, with a petition of just under half a million signatures and road signs being defaced.

But recent figures suggest that injuries on 20mph and 30mph roads fell by a third in the final quarter of last year.

Ms Morgan told the podcast that 20mph had come up regularly during her summer “listening exercise”, during which she had been speaking to voters.

Local councils are currently considering what, if any, changes to make to speed limits in their area after asking the public for their views.

The first minister, and Welsh Labour leader, was asked by the BBC’s Political Editor Chris Mason whether the review of the guidelines was an acknowledgement that there had been government overreach.

“I think you’ve got to bring people with you,” she replied.

“If you impose too much without laying the ground out then, obviously, that’s going to create a problem. And it created a problem, we have got to acknowledge that.”