A public consultation on roads that could remain at 30mph when the new 20mph default speed limit for residential areas comes into force in September 2023, runs from today Monday (May 15th) until June 7th.
Cardiff residents will be able to view an online map showing the roads which are currently proposed as exceptions to the national 20mph legislation. These are generally main arterial routes into the city.
Residents are asked to return their views on the proposed 30mph exemptions proposed by the council by June 7th by emailing [email protected]. All comments on the exemptions will be considered before a final decision is made. Comments on the change in law to move to a 20mph national default position will not be considered, as the law has already been passed by the Senedd.
The decision to make 20mph the ‘default national position in residential areas’ in Wales was made in July 2022 by the Senedd and the law will come into force on September 17th, 2023. The role of the council, as the highway authority, is to ensure that the statutory processes required are followed, any subsequent legal changes are made, and the signage on street is changed where necessary.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “The council is working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure there is a smooth transition on Cardiff’s highway network, so we are ready by September this year. The change is not a blanket approach but focusses primarily on residential areas, making these streets safer for residents and a better environment for people to walk or cycle.”
“All of the proposed exemptions are on main arterial routes into the city, to ensure that the traffic can flow into and out of the city as efficiently as possible. Consultation has already taken place with local councillors, so we now want the public to give their views on the streets that will remain at 30mph.”
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said:
“The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives. Slower speeds also help create a safer and more welcoming community, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, improving their health and wellbeing whilst protecting the environment.”
