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Calls for speed reduction in villages meets positive response


April 25, 2024 - 328 views

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed a response from the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport following an exchange in the Senedd this week on speed limits in Pwllglas and Llanferres in Denbighshire.

Mr. Millar has repeatedly raised in the Senedd Chamber concerns that the current 40mph speed limit on the A494 in both villages is dangerous and has urged the Welsh Government to look in to reducing it.

This week in the Senedd , responding to the Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and ‘Transport: Priorities for Transport: Listening, Partnership, Making Change, he raised the matter again.

He said: “Can I ask you about the A494 in Pwllglas and in Llanferres? You mentioned the need for appropriate speeds on appropriate roads. Clearly, the speed limit of 40 mph through both of those villages is inappropriate, and, of course, these are on the trunk road network for which the Welsh Government is directly responsible.

“You've indicated yourself that you feel that 30 mph is more appropriate in Llanferres; the previous First Minister undertook a visit to Pwllglas, at my request, and saw for himself the inappropriate speed limit through that village and felt, in the same way that you do, that there ought to be a speed reduction.

“Can I ask how long it will take the Welsh Government to effect these changes on the roads for which it is responsible?

In his response, the Cabinet Secretary offered to visit the villages in a bid to progressing the requested changes to the speed limit.

He said: “I thank Darren Millar for his questions and agree that the residents of Llanferres and Pwllglas have been very clear that the speed limit through their community should be reduced.

“It is something that officials within the Welsh Government are aware of. I'm happy to visit either or both of those villages, if the Member would wish me to, just take a look myself again at what's happening on the ground. In regard to time frames for any potential change, I'd need to write to the Member, because these would have to be undertaken on an individual basis.”

Speaking afterward, Darren Millar said: "This is something I have been raising with Ministers for years, I am therefore pleased that they are at last taking this seriously.

“People should feel safe on our roads and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on these stretches would ensure that they do.”