Labour’s mandatory 20mph speed limits across Wales have caused tourism numbers to plummet by up to 25 per cent as business leaders blame the controversial speeds for damaging the nation's economy.
The Welsh Government's blanket 20mph limits, introduced across most restricted roads in 2023, have faced mounting criticism for damaging the country's appeal to holidaymakers.
A prominent Welsh business executive has now warned that the speed restrictions, combined with forthcoming visitor levies, send a message that "tourists are unwelcome".
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The 20mph policy has sparked unprecedented public backlash during its implementation, with political parties and drivers in the area unifying in their opposition towards the lower speed limits.
Experts have warned that the 20mph limits have caused a £9billion economic impact on Wales
| PAIndustry figures have now suggested that the economic impact of the 20mph speed limits could reach £9billion.
Meanwhile, major hospitality companies have already been redirecting investment from Wales to England due to concerns about declining visitor numbers and increased journey times affecting tourist accessibility.
Stephen Davies, who heads Welsh whisky producer Penderyn, has accused the Welsh Government of actively discouraging tourism through its transport policies.
He told The Telegraph that "the Welsh Government is not doing a very good job for tourism or for companies like ours," highlighting how the 20mph restrictions and planned visitor charges create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
The mandatory 20mph speed limits have impacted tourism throughout Wales
| GETTY"It may not be said explicitly, but we've got 20mph speed limits and we've got tourism taxes [coming], which will apply to adults and children. I feel that a lot of that messaging basically says we don't want you here now as a nation," Mr Davies explained.
His company operates three visitor centres that typically welcome 100,000 tourists annually but have experienced significant declines, matching broader industry trends.
The Welsh Government imposed the 20mph default speed limit on most roads in September 2023, triggering fierce opposition and accusations of conducting a "war on motorists".
The policy generated a record-breaking petition with 469,571 signatures demanding its withdrawal, which the Senedd debated in May 2024.
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The petition detailed: "We want the Welsh Government to rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law. YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED TO US. The Welsh Government was put there BY THE PEOPLE OF WALES. We demand that this foolish idea be stopped."
Recent data has also revealed that over 134,000 drivers have been caught speeding since the implementation, indicating widespread confusion and non-compliance.
Journey times across Wales have also continued to increase due to slower driving conditions on the roads, according to transport officials.
Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, called the policy "a disaster for Wales" that has already cost £32million to implement.
Roads across Wales became 20mph in September 2023 | PAThe Welsh Conservatives stated that it remains the sole party in the Senedd committed to scrapping the speed limit and reverting to 30mph defaults with targeted restrictions in sensitive areas.
Mr Davies emphasised that families face particularly steep costs under the proposed levy system. "If you're a family and you come for a week, and you're two adults and three children, and you've got to pay,".
"I think the messaging that gets out there is that Wales is determined to drive tourists away because we're going to tax them," he said.
However, the Welsh Government defended its approach, with a spokesperson stating: "Visitor levies are used successfully around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses, where visitor economies continue to thrive."