Drivers could see national speed limits on major A-roads slashed to 30mph as landmark petition demands change

The call for change follows research which found that there is a 10 per cent increase in speeding on rural roads, which contributes to a 30 per cent increase in fatal and serious crashes.

This has become particularly concerning considering the sharp bends and turns on rural roads, which limit driver visibility, especially at night.

The petition, which has already received hundreds of signatures, warned that rural roads are the "most dangerous roads" for all kinds of drivers, with speed being the primary problem.

It detailed: "I think the fact that drivers can legally do 60mph is absolute negligence and shows a disregard for human life.

"Rural roads account for well over half of all fatal crashes. Cyclists, motorcyclists, and car drivers are more than three times as likely to be killed per mile travelled on a rural road as on an urban road. Even if you are driving slowly, others may not be. I think this change is urgent."

The petition was created by Rhiannon Vivian and will run until November 13. It has already received heavy traction from drivers who have shown mixed support for the new driving rules.

The petition was picked up by the Deputy Mayor of Wrexham, Tina Mannering, who shared: "It's not very often I ask for help with petitions, but this one is important. Especially the race tracks, sorry, I mean road.

"Between Llay Alyn Waters and Bradley entrance to Alyn Waters. Park Road and Jackie Barrats. Please spare a moment to support."

She highlighted that the road from the Llay Alyn Waters and Bradley entrance to Alyn Waters on Park Road is subject to a 60mph national speed limit due to the lack of street lighting.

The Deputy Mayor detailed how she was thrown from her horse four years ago, after the animal was scared by a speeding car on the narrow road, prompting her call for a speed limit change.

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Meanwhile, Labour MP Andrew Ranger for Wrexham has joined in the call for lowering the speed limits on the Welsh single carriageways.

Posting a video on Facebook, he shared: "It's really important we get the speed of traffic on this road down to make it safe for everyone who uses it.

"I'm really grateful to North Wales Police, who've agreed to do some surveying of the speed that's going on down this road and working with the local residents as well, so we can get a satisfactory solution for everybody and make sure it's safe for everyone to use."

In response to the call for change, a spokesperson for Wrexham Council said that a speed survey and traffic count were conducted on Park Road, with the conclusion being that the average speed of the vehicles "is far below the national speed limit".

"This would indicate that a reduction in the speed limit would have little impact. Park Road has benefitted from additional signage over and above the minimum standards," the spokesperson explained.

The council added: "It is accepted that the local authority has a responsibility to do what it can to make roads safe, but it is the responsibility of individuals to drive in accordance with the road conditions, regardless of speed limit, giving appropriate considerations to the width of the road, visibility and other road users.

"Speeding issues and traffic concerns are matters that can only be enforced by North Wales Police."

If the petition receives more than 10,000 signatures, it will prompt a response by the Government, but if it gains more than 100,000, the petition could be debated in the House of Commons.