Wrexham: Worries over changes to 20mph limit slow reversal

The leader of Wrexham council, councillor Mark Prichard, said the introduction of the 20mph policy had been “a mess” from the start.

“The Welsh government were told and no-one listened,” he said.

“What I would say to any government, not just the Welsh government, is learn from this and don’t do it again. The numbers on the petitions, the money that has been spent.

“It’s millions upon millions at a time when local authorities are struggling for money.”

Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, said the main objective of the policy had been to save lives and reduce casualties.

“Building on the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play, we want to ensure we have the right speeds on the right roads,” he said.

“With Welsh government support, highway authorities have now started the formal process of reviewing their 20mph roads based on the revised guidance and the feedback they received.”

Mr Skates said a number of local authorities have completed this process with more to follow in the coming weeks and months.

Wrexham council is aiming for a target date of May to complete to complete the roll-back.

While Bithell said the local authority hoped to work with road safety organisation Go Safe and North Wales Police on a campaign making people aware of the changes.