Confusion about fire service’s role in enforcing Wales new 20mph limits

A response to a Written Question from Welsh Conservative Senedd Member Darren Millar MS, asking ‘What assessment has the Welsh Government made of whether firefighters have powers to routinely stop traffic exceeding new 20 mph speed limits’, the Labour Government has stated that ‘enforcement of speed limits is a matter for Police and GoSafe only.’

Yet, a press release from the Welsh Government said that ‘at roadsides across Wales, fire service staff will work with partners, to stop speeding motorists in 20mph areas and offer them the opportunity to watch an educational video rather than face a fine of prosecution.’

Commenting on the answer from the Deputy Minister, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar MS said: “It comes as little surprise that the Deputy Minister is confused by his own policy, but this does nothing more than confuse motorists already in the dark due to Labour’s failed awareness campaign.

“You would expect a Government policy that will cost an initial £30m and hit the Welsh economy by £4.5 billion, would be well thought out, yet it is unsurprising that this Labour Government are muddled about who can and cannot enforce their ludicrous policy.

“With 10 days to go before this absurd policy is rolled out, the people of Wales will want clarity, yet the Labour Government offer further confusion.”

Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar MS, who asked the questions said: “It seems that the Welsh Government’s war on motorists will have fewer troops on the ground than they have previously claimed.

“Gaffe prone Ministers shouldn’t be making announcements without checking their ability to deliver on them first. 

“Now that it is clear that it won’t be able to police the scheme, the Welsh Government must call time on its plans for 20 mph to be the default speed limit in built up areas here in Wales.”

In response the the comments, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Fire officers are involved in the educational aspect of the 20mph roll-out as they have to attend and deal with the devastating impact of traffic collisions. They will not be called away from their every-day duties.”