Update: 376,000 people have now signed the petition calling on the Welsh Government to rescind the 20mph rollout. You can sign the petition here: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245548
I want to make clear my continued opposition to the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on all roads in built-up areas throughout Wales.
This measure, imposed by the Cardiff based Welsh Labour government, supported by Plaid Cymru, is ideologically driven, unnecessary and risks real harm to livelihoods, our economy and communities. The costs of implementing the scheme are diverting money away from our struggling frontline services at a time of significant strain. The changes will also inevitably divert police from their other essential duties.
In short this is not a priority of residents in Aberconwy. Further, it risks undermining efforts of my efforts – along with Conservative colleagues across north Wales – to attract investment and better paid jobs to communities across north Wales.
Many others have challenged the safety arguments, questioned the environmental benefits and criticised the so-called consultation carried out by the Welsh government. There are also legitimate concerns for it being just the latest step in a campaign against private transport – with further restrictions in the pipeline.
So I will highlight three simple points of concern.
First, there is no public demand for this restriction.
In nearly four years since I was elected as the Member of Parliament for Aberconwy, I have met thousands of residents, business owners, visitors and community groups. They have taken the time to share their concerns with me, along with their ideas to make our local communities even better places to live and work. I can honestly say I do not recall the suggestion to reduce the 30 mph speed limit ever being raised with me. Not once. I receive hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls to my office each week about all sorts of matters – but not reducing the speed limit in urban areas.
By contrast, opposition to the new speed limit is widespread. Within 24 hours of the new restrictions being imposed, a petition to abolish the new restrictions had become the most signed in Senedd history. At time of writing, it has 286,000 signatures and climbing – nearly 10% of the Welsh population.
Most people understand concerns for restricting speed outside schools and in known accident blackspots. But simply put, a blanket imposition is not a priority for residents in Aberconwy or, I believe, the people of Wales.
Second, this is money and time that could have been spent on genuine priorities.
Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has effectively been in Special Measures for eight years. Newspapers carry regular stories of treatment delays, tragic deaths or another damning report into services. Most recently a leaked report identified financial irregularities and mismanagement of up to £122 million. Across the rest of Wales, over 75,000 patients have been on Patient Pathways for more than two years, often waiting in agony for treatment. Quite simply the estimated £32.5 million spent on imposing this 20mph limit – and the considerable legislative time and effort – could have been better spent on additional staff and reducing waiting times in our health boards.
Third, the new speed limit is a drag on economic growth and – indirectly – threatens the long-term viability of our traditional communities.
I was born in Bangor, and I now represent areas where I was raised including large parts of Eryri and long stretches of the north Wales coast. But like so many here, I grew up believing that I would have to leave north Wales to develop a career as the opportunities were just not to be found here.
I am determined young people growing up today should not have to face the same choice I did. I want them to have the opportunity to develop the skills they need, for jobs they want, to build a future and the home they deserve, right here.
The 20mph speed limits undermines concerted attempts to attract those jobs for our young people. The Welsh Government’s own impact states the policy could pose a "substantial" economic disadvantage to car-based communities, with costs to businesses and households of up to £8.9 billion.
Why does this matter? The Welsh language, communities and our culture need to be preserved and promoted. Yet the recent census showed that the population is declining and ageing in Welsh speaking areas as young people leave for better paid jobs. How is there a tomorrow without young people? Why will they stay if there is no work or opportunity? Why will companies come and invest if business – everything from supplies and deliveries to household errands, carers and public transport – is carried out in slow motion?
For me, this makes the support of Plaid Cymru – needed by Welsh Labour to introduce the measure – even more confusing.
Sadly, this latest restriction fits a pattern of recent Welsh Labour government policy. First a blanket freeze on all road upgrades, then cuts to funding for local bus services (our vital T19 service in Dyffryn Conwy was only restored after public outcry), and now the imposition of costly, unpopular and unjustified 20mph speed limits.
It is hard not to conclude that north Wales remains overlooked and underfunded by a Cardiff-centric government that does not understand, or worse, does not care what happens in north Wales.