Map of where new default 20mph restrictions will be in Carmarthenshire is revealed

The plans affect the majority of existing 30mph roads with a handful of exemptions on some stretches of major A roads.

It comes as the Welsh Government introduces controversial new legislation in September 2023 that bring a default 20mph speed limit on restricted (street lit) roads across Wales in place of the current 30mph limits.

The Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire Council say the proposals will improve road safety, create safer walking and cycling areas and help improve our health and wellbeing.

Critics claim that blanket 20mph restrictions are expensive to implement and not effective, with latest figures from the Department of Transport showed that a shocking 87% of Britain’s car drivers routinely break the speed limit in 20mph residential areas.

The new speed restriction maps for Carmarthenshire have been released by the council, who are now asking for feedback from the public on the proposals.

Cllr Edward Thomas, Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services said, “We, as a Local Authority, are implementing the Welsh Government’s legislation to set a speed limit of 20mph on most of our restricted roads.

“The key aim of the 20mph speed limit is to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, and encourage more walking and cycling.

“The change in legislation will require a fundamental change in driver behaviour to achieve its goals and we will be working closely with the Welsh Government to educate the public of the changes that are afoot.”

A new website has been launched by the council with more information about the changes.

The interactive map can also be viewed online at: https://carmarthen.traffweb.app/.