20mph in Wales - why???

[Flpwer]

I don't understand why Mark Drakeford has done this - surely this will just cause more road rage??? Is this a money-making ploy because they know a lot of people will probably drive over it as 20mph feels so unnatural.

But no-one is suggesting reducing the speed limits on rural Welsh roads to 20 mph unless going through populated areas that currently have a 30 limit

You're being ridiculous. It's only on roads that were 30MPH anyway. Its not like the dual carriageways are going from 70 to 20.

Plenty of local authorities have introduced similar. My parents live over in Chester and residential roads have been 20 for years.

Because he has no real power to change anything important so this is how he gets his kicks. The only laws they ever pass are petty, alcohol tax, speed limits etc. I pray that people vote them out in the next election after this farce, it's cost a ridiculous amount of money to change road signs and would have been better spent fixing the roads or finishing off his abandoned M4 relief road after spending £24 million on it.

@StarbucksSmarterSister I think if you read more into it, you'll find most 30mph are changing to 20mph; fair enough you googling and screenshotting a website but in practice, local authorities are changing most 30mph to 20mph

There is a huge gulf between 20mph limits in built up places like London and Cardiff and more rural areas.

And isn't the limit in residential areas in Scotland already 20 mph?

@BarbaraofSeville I live in rural Wales and the roads are changing to 20mph so yes, people aren't suggesting it because they're actually doing it

@Teddleshon thank you! I don't understand why people are comparing it to Chester, London etc. when a lot of North Wales is not like driving in a city.

please do not meditate while driving 🙏

If a child is knocked over at 20 they are far more likely to survive than at 30mph. The fools that drive at 40 on 30 roads will hopefully now just do 30 on the 20 roads. Win win.

As far as I'm aware, the only 20mph being imposed is in built up, 30mph areas where there are schools. For other roads, the local council will have the final say so I doubt it will affect your rural road.
I've been working to get a 20mph speed limit in our village. 2 years ago, a 10 yr old coming back from a birthday party with his Dad was killed by a van going at 33mph. He was thrown over a wall, his Dad survived although was injured. Children are much more vulnerable at speeds over 20mph. Go to "20s plenty" for the research.

You're not the only person on MN who lives in rural North Wales you know.

The reason you think no-one likes it because only angry people bother to comment, there will be loads of people who love it so feel no need to comment

Has all signage been changed? Or are you just supposed to know which 30mins roads are now 20mph and which are exceptions?

What's so special about rural Wales you need to drive at 30mph?

Quite right!
And an even better chance at just 15mph or 10mph.

I’ve also heard that in pedestrianised areas could reduce the death rate of children being hit by cars to 0.

Let’s ban cars.

They can’t be that rural if they are 30mph to begin with! This isn’t national speed limit roads being suddenly changed to 20.

I live in South Wales and find the 20mph rule ridiculous. Before I get slated, once this comes into force tomorrow. The next road safety rule he will start planning is 50mph on the M4 for the whole stretch. Why is the 20mph ridiculous, part of our dual carriage way the infamous A470 will change to 20mph. Most of the residential areas by me have already changed to 20mph but this new rule affects busy/main roads which are sometimes the only road in/out.

Surely it will only cause road rage among twats who will then hopefully lose their licences quicker?
I drive at the correct speed and have had 25 yrs of losers getting annoyed behind me. They're not my problem.

I was trying to find some hint on which roads would and would not be changing. It may have something to do with how far apart lampposts are - so in more urban areas but maybe not in more rural areas.

We are on the border ish and will have the be careful as we did in and out of Wales on a regular basis.

I'm in North Wales and I'm glad it's happening, my all be it small route to work will be affected but it doesn't bother me. The main road which has a few schools along it that I live next to, is one of the worst for drivers exceeding 30mph even in the small 20mph zone section that is outside my youngest primary school. Signs for schools kids crossing and flashing lights as a warning kids are crossing doesn't stop them from going faster. So I'm hoping the whole area being 20mph does stop them, If not the speed camera van that's going to be there next week surely will.

It is up to the individual local authority to change the signage. Mine hasn’t as of yet. SatNavs will also not be updated or the Highway Code for that matter.

There are many A roads that are national speed limit 60 for many miles, but switch to 30 as you pass through a small hamlet (by which I mean a terraced row on either side of the road, couple of street lights and possibly a petrol station.

Slowing to 30 for a short stretch can feel a bit unnatural as nothing about the road conditions or visibility has changed, and the zone only lasts a few hundred metres until you have passed the garage and are on your way. It does make sense to look out for pedestrians of course, and these are the rules of the road - fine.

Further slowing the 30 to a 20 on these roads brings added risk imo, namely of somebody coming round a bend or over the brow of a hill at a possibly unwise but not illegal 60mph, and smashing into the law-abiding car in front that has obediently slowed to 18-19 for the 20mph zone stretch.

Another money making scam.

There are plenty of rural roads with a 30 mph speed limit. And not just through villages / hamlets with housing on both sides of the road. Some go on for 3 miles or more at a time.