Welsh Government is set to make speed limit changes on trunk roads including the A494, A487 and A40 following the controversial 20mph speed limit review
Speed limits in Wales are changing again (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The Welsh Government is poised to alter speed limits on numerous roads across Wales. As of September 2023, the default speed limit for residential and unrestricted roads in Wales was reduced to 20mph.
This move has sparked controversy, despite leading to a decrease in accidents and fatalities on the road since its implementation. However, the backlash prompted the issuance of new guidelines regarding ‘exception’ powers – allowing local authorities to maintain a 30mph limit on specific routes. This has resulted in hundreds of Welsh roads reverting to a 30mph limit.
When it comes to the trunk road network, the powers rest with the Welsh Government as the highways authority.
They have conducted reviews on a multitude of roads nationwide. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Road officials have now released a list of proposed changes – along with locations where they will further consider potential modifications in the future, reports North Wales Live.
The government stated: “We are proposing changes to some 20mph or 30mph speed limits on the trunk road network. We are also considering introducing buffer speed limits in some areas.
“These are short sections of road approaching or leaving a 20mph or 30mph speed limit. They help drivers slow down more gradually.
“For example, if a driver is travelling at 60mph and is about to enter a 20mph speed limit, we may add a short 40mph section in between. We may also use buffer speed limits even when the main speed limit on a road is not changing.
“All speed limit changes will need new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). People can object to planned changes when the draft TROs are published. The legal process for TROs can take 9 months. Speed limits may not change on these roads until early 2027.
“We do not propose changing speed limits on roundabouts and junctions that join local authority roads.”
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Discussing speed limit modifications at Ruthin and Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “I was extremely pleased to see these two sections of the A494 included in the list following a review of 20mph speed limits.
“Having to quickly reduce your speed from 60mph to 20mph can be dangerous, so having buffer speed limits at these sections will make the road far safer.
“The proposals could result in a short 40mph section being added between the 60mph and 20mph to ensure a more gradual reduction in speed.
“Sadly we have seen a number of fatalities on the A494 over the years, which is why I have repeatedly called for the speed limit to be reduced.”
Full list of where they plan to change speed limits:
The government proposes to change the 20mph or 30mph speed limits on these sections of trunk road:
Increase to 30mph on part of the A494. Buffer speed limit north of the 20mph.
Decrease to 20mph on part of the A487. Buffer speed limit south of the 20mph.
Increase to 30mph on part of the A40. Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Increase to 30mph on part of the A4076
Decrease to 20mph on part of the A479. Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Increase to 30mph on part of the A483.
Decrease to 20mph on part of the A487 where there is currently a part time 20mph limit.
- A487 Aberystwyth, Southgate, Trefechan and A44 Llanbadarn Fawr
Increase to 30mph on part of the A487. No change to the speed limit on the A44.
- A40 and A487 Fishguard and Lower Town
Increase to 30mph on part of the A487 and on part of the A40.
- A487 and A489 Machynlleth
Increase to 30mph on part of the A487. No change to the existing speed limit on the A489.
Roads where other options will be explored
The 20mph and 30mph speed limit on these sections of trunk road will remain the same, but they will consider introducing buffer speed limits, pedestrian crossings, pavements, or improved speed limit signage:
Buffer speed limit proposed for the south side of 20mph limit. Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the north side of 20mph limit.
- A494 Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd
Buffer speed limit proposed for the west side of 20mph limit.
Buffer speed limits proposed for either side of 20mph limit.
Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the north side of 20mph limit on the A470.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the east side of 20mph limit.
- A5 Pont Cyfyng near Capel Curig
Buffer speed limit proposed for the south side of 30mph limit.
Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Buffer speed limits proposed for either side of 20mph limit.
Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
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Consider if pedestrian crossings are needed.
Consider if pedestrian crossings are needed.
Buffer speed limits proposed for either side of 20mph limit.
Article continues below
Buffer speed limits proposed for either side of 20mph limit.
Buffer speed limits proposed for either side of 20mph limit.
Buffer speed limits proposed for the north side of 20mph limit. Consider if a pavement can be installed.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the south side of 20mph limit on the A470.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the north side of 20mph limit.
- A470 and A483 Builth Wells and Llanelwedd
Buffer speed limit proposed for the north side of 20mph limit on the A483.
Buffer speed limits proposed for all 3 approaches to the 20mph.
Consider if pedestrian crossing is needed.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the south side of 20mph limit.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the west side of 20mph limit.
Buffer speed limit proposed for the south side of 20mph limit.
The government added: “We are also considering engineering measures – such as pedestrian crossings and pavements – to improve safety for people who walk, wheel or cycle. We may also improve speed limit signage. Each section of road will be assessed to determine what work is needed.”
Reviewed roads where no changes are proposed
- A40 Abergavenny
- A40 Bwlch
- A40 Johnstown
- A40 Sennybridge
- A40 St Clears
- A44 Ponterwyd
- A48 Chepstow
- A458 Welshpool
- A470 Blaenau Ffestiniog
- A470 Caersws
- A470 Dolwyddelan
- A470 Ganllwyd
- A470 Glan Conwy
- A470 Llandinam
- A470 Rhayader
- A477 London Road, Pembroke Dock
- A479 Tretower
- A483 Ammanford, Penybanc and Tycroes
- A483 Crossgates
- A483 Dolfor
- A483 Ffairfach and Llandeilo
- A483 Llandrindod Wells
- A483 Llanwrtyd Wells
- A483 Llanymynech
- A487 Aberarth
- A487 Dinas Cross
- A487 Eglwyswrw
- A487 Llanarth
- A487 Llanfarian
- A487 Llannon
- A487 Llanrhystud
- A487 Penrhyndeudraeth
- A487 Taliesin
- A494 Gwyddelwern
- A5 Corwen
- A5 Glyndyfrdwy
- A5 Llangollen
- A5 Menai Bridge
- A55 Holyhead
- B5125 (Chester Road) and Broughton Roundabout (A55/B5125), Flintshire
Mr Millar added: “These proposals are therefore very much welcomed, however I am disappointed that there will be no changes on A494 Gwyddelwern as this is also a dangerous stretch.
“I will continue putting pressure on the Cabinet Secretary for Transport for this section of the A494 to also benefit from safety measures. We must do all we can to prevent any further fatalities on the A494.”
