11. The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:16 pm on 12 July 2022.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 5:16, 12 July 2022

I absolutely accept that logic and understand that completely, but what's happened here is that residents have not being listened to by Government in terms of the concerns that they've raised throughout this trial. As the Member has mentioned over there, it is a trial, you're right, but you'd expect the concerns and the information raised by residents would be taken into account— [Interruption.] Well, it has been brought forward today, in this motion here today. Let's move on. 

In terms of the cost, Llywydd—we're talking about £33 million, as has already been mentioned—I'm sure that that could be better spent on employing more teachers, doctors and nurses here in Wales. Along with this, there's real concern that there is going to be a massive impact on business and the economy as well, because it simply won't allow ordinary people to get on with their normal life activities at the same rate, such as getting to work, dropping the kids off at school. People will be spending more time in their car, rather than getting on with what it is they need to do. 

In addition to this, a huge concern regarding the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit is whether people will be able to abide by this and the enforcement of this as well. So, just this morning, a constituent of mine contacted me from Buckley saying the following: 'Only this morning, as I was just pulling onto Liverpool Road, I was nearly taken out by a car overtaking six other cars. Luckily, I slammed my brakes on in time, but, if traffic was coming the other way, it would have been fatal.' There is no enforcement taking place there at the moment, and my understanding is that the police capacity to put further enforcement in place will not be there. 

Another constituent wrote to me and said, and I quote, 'Drivers checking their speed constantly, not giving their full attention to road conditions, as well as impatient drivers trying to overtake will make the roads more dangerous, not less.' [Interruption.] I'm just sharing information; they don't like to hear what constituents or residents have to say. I'm sharing information that they are sharing with me. 

It's clear the Welsh Government has not properly consulted with those who have undergone this trial. It has caused real anger across many of our communities. In addition to this, it's clear, for those who have undergone the trial, it simply hasn't worked and won't work. So, in light of this, I call on all Members of the Senedd to reject today's Order, which could have a dangerous impact and is a backwards step in how we go about our daily lives in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.