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Minister urged to ensure visitors are aware of speed limit


August 24, 2023 - 1360 views

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar says he is concerned that visitors to Wales will be confused by the Labour Welsh Government’s new 20mph speed limit, which is being introduced across Wales next month.

The default 20mph speed limit is being introduced on restricted roads across Wales on September 17. This will affect residential and built-up areas, roads that often have street lights on them that are positioned no more than 200 yards apart.

Concerned that the change may confuse visitors to Wales, Mr. Millar tabled the following question for the Welsh Government.

He said: "What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that visitors to Wales are aware of the different default speed limit in built up areas in Wales compared to England?"

A response from Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, stated:

"We have shared information on the default 20mph speed limit with a range of stakeholders in the tourism industry including Cardiff Airport, Welsh ports and car hire companies. We have also worked with Visit Wales to help engage with tourism networks across Wales and beyond. Media updates on 20mph have also been provided to national media and have received extensive coverage across UK-wide media outlets.

"In addition, there will be a public information leaflet sent to those living in England, on the England/Wales border, to complement digital marketing that already extends to border communities."

Commenting on Welsh Government plans to communicate the changes, Mr. Millar said:

"Wales is an important visitor destination for people travelling from other parts of the UK and I am very concerned that the change in the default speed limit in built up areas will cause a great deal of confusion for those who travel into Wales by car across the English border. 

"It is essential that the Welsh Government communicates clearly to visitors and makes them aware of these changes."