New 20mph speed limit aims to boost road safety

As communities across Wales prepare for the introduction of a new 20mph speed limit on 17 September, Bridgend County Borough Council has revealed which local roads the authority believes should feature exemptions from the change.

Part of a Welsh Government initiative to improve road safety across Wales, the speed limit change is designed to reduce the likelihood of related collisions, injuries and fatalities on roads or portions of routes which currently carry a 30mph limit and are largely located within residential and built-up areas.

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.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for transport

The list of proposed exemptions has been compiled following careful analysis by the council’s Traffic Management team using Welsh Government criteria as well as feedback from local residents. This was gathered during extensive public consultation held earlier in the year which resulted in a number of adjustments to the lengths of several of the proposed exempt routes.

To ensure that Bridgend County Borough is ready for the launch of the new speed limit, a proposed traffic order has been published and is available to view on our Legal Notices page.

This details which roads or specific parts of a route will retain the 30mph limit, and explains how people can comment upon or object to individual exemptions. The retained roads and portions of routes have also been uploaded to the Datamap Wales website to make it easier for people to check their exact locations and lengths.

Research carried out as part of a Welsh public health study has suggested that a 20mph default speed limit could result in 40 per cent fewer collisions, save between six and 10 lives a year, and avoid injuries for between 1,200 to 2000 people.

Evidence has also confirmed that when vehicle speeds are lowered, people feel more comfortable walking and cycling. It is much safer for children to play or to walk to and from school, and people who are older, disabled or who have additional needs find it easier to travel independently.

As not all roads are suitable for a 20mph speed limit, we have carefully analysed and considered a total of 97 local routes where we do not feel a change would be beneficial. Residents can be assured that Bridgend County Borough will be ready for when the speed limit change takes place on 17 September, and that we will be monitoring the scheme closely.

Councillor John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment