‘Few exemptions’ to Welsh Government’s 20mph rules in Swansea say council

The Welsh Government law is set to come into force on 17 September 2023 and it will mean streets and roads across the country, including Swansea, see existing 30mph limits reduced to 20mph in most cases.

A spokesman for Swansea Council said: “The Welsh Government passed the 20mph law last year and has told councils they have to implement the changes.

“Although the new rules will not start until September, there is a lot of preparation work to do to, including setting up new 20mph sign-posts and taking down 30mph ones, where necessary.

“We’re expecting Welsh Government to fund the work we and other councils need to do and it will be our aim to keep disruption caused by the change-over process to a minimum.”

Following pilot studies before the law was introduced last year, Welsh Government has given councils some very limited scope to exempt a small number of current 30mph roads from the changes.

Swansea Council say they’re looking at which roads in Swansea might be affected by potential exemptions and are discussing the issue with councillors in each ward before finalising arrangements and undertaking a formal public consultation on the proposed exemptions.

Welsh Government has told councils they introduced the new law because evidence shows that lower speeds result in fewer collisions and a reduced severity of injuries. Evidence suggests pedestrians are five times more likely to be killed if hit by a vehicle driven at 30mph, compared to 20mph.

The council spokesman said: “It’s our understanding that this is the reason why there will be few exemptions to the Welsh Government’s 20mph rule. It’s anticipated exemptions could be allowed for 30mph roads where evidence exists that higher speeds are safe for pedestrians and cyclists interacting with traffic.”

Once the new rules are in place, they will be enforced by the police and GoSafe. Swansea Council stressed that the proceeds of any fixed penalty notices or other fines will go to the Welsh Government and not councils.

Lead image: Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Transport, Lee Waters MS at one of the 20mph trial zones in Llanelli