Power over national speed limits was devolved to Wales in 2018.
In 2019, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: ‘Local authorities have to have discretion to retain 30mph zones on key arterial routes, but outside that, and in residential areas, we know that 20mph zones reduce speed of traffic, reduce accidents - particularly accidents to children, and we want to see that become the default position right across Wales.’ Labour AM John Griffiths said there was cross-party support for a policy he felt had many benefits for society. ‘Older people will feel happier if they're able to walk along the streets with 20mph limits in place and parents will feel much happier in enabling their young people to play outside.’
On 15th July this year, the Senedd voted to institute a default 20mph speed limit in residential streets, subject to consultation and final decision, with a target date of 2023 for implementation.
The current guidance document with respect to speed limits is contained in Welsh Assembly Government Circular No 24/2009 Setting Local Speed Limits in Wales, dated October 2009. It states inter alia that:
· The underlying aim should be to achieve a ‘safe’ distribution of speeds which re?ects the function of the road and the impacts on the local community. The needs of vulnerable road users and communities must be fully taken into account.
· The characteristics of the road and the needs of the vulnerable road user should be considered as factors when setting a speed limit.
· The needs of vulnerable road users must be fully taken into account in order to further encourage their mobility and improve their safety. Setting appropriate speed limits is a particularly important element in urban safety management, with signi?cant bene?ts for pedestrians and cyclists.
Motion:
Council welcomes the recent Senedd vote to introduce a default 20mph speed limit in residential areas from 2023. Recognising that Powys contains a number of small towns of exceptional historic interest where the speed of traffic adversely affects the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors, Council agrees to:
1. Work collaboratively with communities which wish to assess the potential benefit of, and if appropriate institute, a 20mph speed limit in their town centre area
2. Take full advantage of the opportunities offered in Circular 24/2009, to improve the safety of vulnerable road users and consider the impact of traffic speed limits on communities
3. Demonstrate and evidence proper regard to the needs of road users other than those in motor vehicles (for example, those on foot, on horseback and cyclists) and those with impaired mobility or sensory deprivation when designing and implementing new traffic orders.
Proposed by Cllr Stephen Hayes
Seconded by Cllr Jackie Charlton
Minutes:
Council considered the following motion proposed by County Councillor Stephen Hayes and seconded by County Councillor Jackie Charlton:
Power over national speed limits was devolved to Wales in 2018.
In 2019, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: ‘Local authorities have to have discretion to retain 30mph zones on key arterial routes, but outside that, and in residential areas, we know that 20mph zones reduce speed of traffic, reduce accidents - particularly accidents to children, and we want to see that become the default position right across Wales.’ Labour AM John Griffiths said there was cross-party support for a policy he felt had many benefits for society. ‘Older people will feel happier if they're able to walk along the streets with 20mph limits in place and parents will feel much happier in enabling their young people to play outside.’
On 15th July this year, the Senedd voted to institute a default 20mph speed limit in residential streets, subject to consultation and final decision, with a target date of 2023 for implementation.
The current guidance document with respect to speed limits is contained in Welsh Assembly Government Circular No 24/2009 Setting Local Speed Limits in Wales, dated October 2009. It states inter alia that:
· The underlying aim should be to achieve a ‘safe’ distribution of speeds which re?ects the function of the road and the impacts on the local community. The needs of vulnerable road users and communities must be fully taken into account.
· The characteristics of the road and the needs of the vulnerable road user should be considered as factors when setting a speed limit.
· The needs of vulnerable road users must be fully taken into account in order to further encourage their mobility and improve their safety. Setting appropriate speed limits is a particularly important element in urban safety management, with signi?cant bene?ts for pedestrians and cyclists.
Motion:
Council welcomes the recent Senedd vote to introduce a default 20mph speed limit in residential areas from 2023. Recognising that Powys contains a number of small towns of exceptional historic interest where the speed of traffic adversely affects the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors, Council agrees to:
1. Work collaboratively with communities which wish to assess the potential benefit of, and if appropriate institute, a 20mph speed limit in their town centre area
2. Take full advantage of the opportunities offered in Circular 24/2009, to improve the safety of vulnerable road users and consider the impact of traffic speed limits on communities
3. Demonstrate and evidence proper regard to the needs of road users other than those in motor vehicles (for example, those on foot, on horseback and cyclists) and those with impaired mobility or sensory deprivation when designing and implementing new traffic orders.
By 59 votes to 1 it was
RESOLVED to welcome the recent Senedd vote to introduce a default 20mph speed limit in residential areas from 2023. Recognising that Powys contains a number of small towns of exceptional historic interest where the speed of traffic adversely affects the safety and enjoyment of residents and visitors, Council agrees to:
1. Work collaboratively with communities which wish to assess the potential benefit of, and if appropriate institute, a 20mph speed limit in their town centre area
2. Take full advantage of the opportunities offered in Circular 24/2009, to improve the safety of vulnerable road users and consider the impact of traffic speed limits on communities
3. Demonstrate and evidence proper regard to the needs of road users other than those in motor vehicles (for example, those on foot, on horseback and cyclists) and those with impaired mobility or sensory deprivation when designing and implementing new traffic orders.