Over 150,000 people sign petition to repeal new 20mph rules

The petition has reached over 150,000 signatures – a Senedd petition record.

It comes after Welsh Government legislation kicked in on Sunday 17 September that reduces the speed limit on the majority of 30mph roads in Wales to 20mph. It is thought around 13,000km of road is affected by the legislation.

A recent poll by broadcaster ITV Wales showed that just 31% of people supported the change.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, Natasha Asghar MS said:  “For more than 150,000 people to sign a petition within such a short space of time highlights the extent of public outrage towards Labour’s disastrous policy. Labour and Plaid Cymru have refused to listen to public opinion and are continuing to wage their anti-worker, anti-road and anti-motorist agenda. Labour can still U-turn on this disastrous rollout and deliver what Wales wants by scrapping blanket 20mph zones across Wales.

“With little to no consultation from the public, the people of Wales are using this petition to send a clear message to Labour in Cardiff Bay – they have had enough of this socialist agenda and are tired of being dictated to.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The introduction of a default 20mph speed limit is a policy which has received cross party support in the Senedd.

“Reducing speeds reduces collisions and saves lives but also improves the quality of life – helping to make our streets and local communities safer for everyone.”

A recent vote in the Senedd by the Welsh Conservatives to repeal the law failed, with both Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru backing the changes.