Warning to UK drivers as town gets new speed limit for 'first time in two years'
The B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street, in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road have returned to 30mph following public consultation. Local residents have spoken of their frustration at the delays
A UK town has witnessed the end of 20mph speed limits for the first time in two years, with the local council revoking the restrictions along specific routes. On roads like the B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road, the Wrexham County Council reverted to 30mph following consultations with the public.
These roads are merely the beginning - 52 stretches of road are earmarked by Wrexham County Council for a return to 30mph, in accordance with new guidance from the Welsh Government, which aims at applying the 20mph limits more strategically.
One local resident, Samantha Challis, expressed her relief at the change: "Disgusting waste of precious resources while our schools and health services go poor... but at least common sense has prevailed and we can all get back to normal."
Agreeing with the sentiment, Juliet Ann Williams commented: "They should have never been changed in the first place - it was just a waste of money especially when our schools and hospitals are having to make cuts."
During a visit to Wrexham Road, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, alongside Councillor Bithell, lead member for housing and climate change, emphasised the policy's priorities.
He said: "The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties – and we know there is widespread evidence it does that.
"However, this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads, building from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play.
"I am pleased that Wrexham Council has managed to strike a balance and has started to make the changes following feedback from local people. Our updated guidance allows local authorities to consider making changes where it is safe and appropriate to do so."
Councillor Bithell, lead member for housing and climate change, said: "We have been working with the Welsh Government to make the necessary changes to speed limits following our consultation process and Executive Board decision.
"Over the coming weeks we will be rolling out changes to speeds from 20mph to 30mph in line with the Welsh Government criteria."