Drivers are set to see several controversial 20mph speed limits rolled back for the first time in nearly two years across a major region.
It comes after Powys County Council has completed an extensive review of its reduced speed zones, with proposals now advancing to reverse limits on dozens of roads back to 30mph.
The changes follow a comprehensive public consultation that identified 43 individual sites where residents requested modifications to existing speed restrictions.
Multiple sections of roads in towns, including Newtown, Knighton and Ystradgynlais, are among those earmarked for increases back to 30mph, while several major towns will retain their current 20mph zones.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk
PA | Drivers across the region will see several 20mph zones revert to 30mph
But before the roads can officially return to 30mph, the proposals will still need to undergo a formal legal process, including statutory Traffic Regulation Orders and further public consultation.
The council revealed that during a listening exercise, conducted last summer as part of the Welsh Government's review, it generated 217 responses from residents.
Among these, 97 submissions supported maintaining the current 20mph restrictions, while 53 called for complete revocation of the policy, which was forwarded to the Welsh Government.
The remaining 67 responses requested specific alterations at particular locations, with some overlapping suggestions ultimately affecting 43 distinct sites or road sections.
An additional 25 submissions fell outside the review's scope and will be examined once the Welsh Government publishes new guidance on setting local speed limits.
PA | Motorists can be fined £100 for driving over the 20mph limitCouncil officials assessed each of the 43 locations against revised Welsh Government criteria for establishing 30mph limits on restricted roads.
The proposals were subsequently shared with county councillors and town and community councils for additional input before finalisation.
In Newtown, several roads will see their limits raised from 20mph to 30mph, including portions of Pool Road, Kerry Road, Heol Vastre and Heol Treowne.
The Dyffryn Industrial Estate road and Wem Ddu Lane will also revert to higher speeds, along with sections of Milford Road and Llanfair Road.
Knighton will witness changes on the B4355 Penybont Road, which will return to 30mph.
The council plans to extend 30mph zones on Ffrydd Road to just before Ffrydd Terrace, and introduce a 30mph limit on Ludlow Road and Llanshay Lane between the existing 40mph restriction and Farrington Lane.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
In Ystradgynlais, the industrial road Trawsffordd will see its speed limit increased to 30mph.
Llandrindod Wells will experience minimal alterations, with only Ithon Road affected between specific junction points.
But several prominent towns will maintain their existing 20mph zones despite change requests.
Welshpool, Machynlleth, Builth Wells and Llanidloes will see no alterations to their current speed restrictions following the review.
Montgomery, Llanbrynmair, Llanfyllin, Brecon and Bronllys submitted applications for modifications that were ultimately rejected by the council.
In Newtown, while multiple roads will revert to 30mph, a request to maintain Bryn Lane at 30mph was declined.
Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain will retain 20mph on the B4393, though sections of the A495 will receive 30mph buffer zones.
Caersws will expand its 20mph coverage, with new restrictions planned for the Trefeglwys road, Four Crosses on the B4393 and the Street in the village centre.
ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL | The council has submitted formal plans to the Government on reversing the speed limit in the area
The proposals now await consideration through a Portfolio Holder Delegated Decision before progressing to the statutory traffic regulation order process.
Councillor Jackie Charlton said: "We are grateful to those who took the time to provide us with feedback during the Welsh Government's recent listening exercise.
"It was pleasing to receive so many positive comments in support of the 20mph policy and how residents felt it had improved road safety and the local environment in their communities."
She explained that for the roads where the speed limit is proposed to change, "we will now be going through the formal legal process, which allows the people of Powys to have another look at the plans".