Roads across a major UK region have returned to 30mph speed limits for the first time in more than two years, offering a sigh of relief to thousands of drivers.
Wrexham County Council has become the first authority to begin officially remove the punishing 20mph limits imposed nationwide on some of its major roads.
Two roads in the area have now reverted to 30mph limits, marking the beginning of changes that will eventually affect 52 roads across the borough.
The adjustments come after a comprehensive review of the blanket 20mph speed limit that was implemented for built-up areas throughout Wales.
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Wales saw a reduction in road fatalities due to the lower 20mph speed limits GETTY/GOV.WALESThe lower speed limits became mandatory on all main roads in Wales in September 2023 in a bid to improve road safety.
But since then, it has received huge backlash with Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and transport, announcing in May 2024 new measures which would grant authorities the powers to reverse the default 20mph speed limit.
The review led by Skates recognised "the need for balance between safety concerns and potential benefits of higher speeds on key strategic or main roads".
He indicated that "revised guidance is required to provide a systematic procedure for assessing roads for speed limit adjustments".
Motorists can be fined £100 for driving over the 20mph limitPAUnder the changes, the Welsh Government would bear the cost of reversing the 20mph limits, rather than local authorities.
Local authorities have been given updated guidance allowing them to consider making changes "where it is safe and appropriate to do so".
The process involves looking at how the higher speed limit will impact residential areas as well as pedestrian safety, and if feasible, they can change the speed.
The Welsh Government explained that these changes were about getting "the right speeds on the right roads" while maintaining the safety benefits of the 20mph policy.
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The specific routes that have now returned to 30mph limits include the B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road.
Speaking in Wrexham ahead of the implementation on May 21 Skates addressed the reasoning behind the changes.
He said: "The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties, and we know there is widespread evidence it does that.
"However, this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads, building from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play."
The Cabinet Secretary also praised Wrexham Council's approach, in managing "to strike a balance" in road safety while also listening to feedback from residents.
Wrexham has become the first authority in Wales to reverse speed limits back to 30mph
GETTYCouncillor David Bithell added: "We have been working with the Welsh Government to make the necessary changes to speed limits following our consultation process and Executive Board decision.
"Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out changes to speeds from 20mph to 30mph in line with the Welsh Government criteria."
