March 11, 2026 - 165 views
A North Wales Senedd member has criticised the continued changes to speed limits in her constituency after more roads were recommended to return to 30mph following the rollout of Wales’ controversial 20mph policy.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, said the latest review shows the original introduction of default 20mph limits across Wales was “rushed and poorly thought through”.
Conwy County Borough Council recently concluded a further review of the speed limit policy and has recommended that ten roads in Aberconwy should revert from 20mph back to 30mph.
The move follows previous reviews carried out by both the council and the Welsh Government after the nationwide introduction of the default 20mph limit on many residential roads in September 2023.
Since the policy came into force, councils have been asked to examine local roads and determine whether some routes should return to 30mph where higher limits are considered more appropriate.
However, Finch-Saunders said the repeated reviews and revisions were creating uncertainty for drivers and communities.
She said residents, motorists and businesses across Aberconwy had raised concerns about the impact of the policy from the outset, arguing that it had caused confusion and affected local traffic and transport.
The Aberconwy MS also warned that repeatedly changing speed limits could come at a financial cost.
Every time a road’s limit is altered, it often requires new signage, consultations and administrative work, which she said meant additional public spending at a time when government budgets are already under pressure.
The 20mph policy was introduced by the Welsh Government with the aim of improving road safety, reducing collisions and encouraging more walking and cycling.
Supporters argue that slower speeds can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death if a collision occurs, particularly in built-up residential areas where pedestrians are most at risk.
But critics, including Finch-Saunders, say the way the policy was implemented has led to confusion and unnecessary disruption.
The proposed changes in Aberconwy will now move forward through the formal process required to alter speed limits, including consultation before any final decisions are made.
