Motoring

Minister says majority in Wales support 20mph rules and record-breaking petition is not representative

Lee Waters, the Welsh Government Minister behind the controversial 20mph has rejected the record-breaking 20mph petition as “not representative” despite being signed by over 340,000 people – 325,000 of those living in Wales.

Published

2 months ago

21st September 2023

Editor

Welsh Government minister responsible for roads, Lee Waters MS in a 20mph zone in Llanelli

Mr Waters has instead pointed towards a new poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies of 1,172 people that shows 46% of those asked supported his 20mph rules.

The poll broke down responses against which political party they voted for in the 2019 Senedd election, with 56% of Labour voters in support of his new policy.

Petitions, and social media, are not representative https://t.co/NlCodUR0Iy— Lee Waters MS (@Amanwy) September 20, 2023

The 20mph petition breaks down responses into where respondents live. So far 325,000 people, 10% of the population have signed.

8,904 signatures, representing 10.7% have been made in Mr Waters’ own Llanelli constituency.

The highest percentage of regional constituents signing the petition (15.6%) come from Delyn in North Wales, currently held by Mr Waters’ cabinet colleague Hannah Bleddyn.

Cardiff West, First Minister Mark Drakeford’s constituency has seen 8,874 signatures – 9.4% of voters.

Mr Waters denied he was ignoring the petition results, but reiterated his claim that it was not the view of the majority in Wales.

Writing on X (formally twitter), Mr Waters said: “I am absolutely not ignoring it. I completely acknowledge the strength of feeling, and there will be places that we’ve got it wrong that will need looking at again

“But I am pointing out that not matter how large the opposition it is not the majority.”

In response to Mr Water’s comments, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport Natasha Asghar, MS said: “The Deputy Minister’s comments here are very disingenuous, it begs the question why does the Senedd have a petition service if he is going to be so dismissive of it?

“This smacks of arrogance and a lack of empathy with the Welsh people and businesses who have genuine concerns and feel the petition is the only way to get their voices heard. The Deputy Minister is quite simply out of touch.

“Labour’s Deputy Minister is attempting to undermine the will of the overwhelming majority of Welsh people because he is unable to admit he has got it wrong on his blanket 20mph policy. The Deputy Minister must park his pride and roll back on his anti-road, anti-worker and anti-motorist agenda.”