CPT Cymru has welcomed new draft guidelines to highways authorities outlining where 30mph limits should be reintroduced on roads in Wales.
It follows the Welsh Government’s announcement in April to reinstate the 30mph on some roads amid backlash over the 20mph default limit for urban roads imposed last year.
Many in the bus sector welcomed this review after operators cited the new speed limit for service reductions and reduced punctuality.
The documentation published yesterday says in part: “A 30mph speed limit could be set on roads if they are located outside city, town or village centres and away from places that attract frequent pedestrian and/or cyclist traffic or on roads with low housing density (less than 20 properties per km) and where if there are pedestrians and cyclists they are or could be segregated from motor traffic).”
The Welsh Government adds that it expects such limit revisions to be made on A and B roads and that there is no need to review all roads.
Changes away from the 20mph limit are to be considered by councils from September onwards.
In response to the guidelines, Aaron Hill, Director, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Cymru says: “Bus operators across Wales will be pleased to see the Welsh Government has recognised the negative impact its 20mph policy has made on bus speeds across the country.
“Ultimately, this new guidance will result in a small number of speed limit changes, and only go some of the way towards addressing the concerns of bus passengers, who want faster – not slower – journeys.
“If they are to see better and more reliable services, it is vital for every local authority to ensure buses are given greater priority on our roads.
“Bus operators have identified more than 50 routes across Wales where roads could be safely returned to 30mph. It is essential local authorities now engage with operators and work closely with us to achieve this change on these roads.”
