A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd
Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here.
In this month’s column Wrexham’s MS writes:
The major story from the past few weeks has been the introduction of a default 20mph speed limit, which came into effect across Wales on 17 September.
I have had many discussions with constituents regarding this policy and find, in general, individuals are content to have a 20mph speed limit on the road they live but are more concerned about such a restriction on the roads on which they travel to work or shop for example.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not an overnight proposal, however, I recognise it is a major change.
The evidence from around the world is very clear – lowering speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.
It is estimated to save up to 100 lives in its first decade and help avoid 20,000 casualties. As well as saving lives, this policy will help ensure our communities are stronger, safer and better places to live.
According to 20splenty.org, 28 million people in the UK now live in Local Authorities which implement 20mph speed limits.
Scotland is following Wales’ lead, committing to making 20mph the norm nationally by 2025 and many communities in England already have 20mph, such as Norwich, Tonbridge and Chichester.
UK Local Authorities where there are 20mph speed limits and the amount of residents living in each council area (Image from 20splenty.org)
The political discourse surrounding the 20mph policy has been deeply disappointing and some of the mistruths constantly repeated by political opponents has stoked the fires and certainly not helped matters.
‘Default’ is an important word in my original sentence as this is not a blanket speed limit. Roads not already limited to 30mph are not affected and Local Authorities, who know their roads best, have the power to make further exemptions.
Councils can work with local communities to decide which roads should remain at 30mph, where there is a clear and reasoned case. These exemptions can be identified following the introduction of the new limit.
Before the new speed limit came into effect, I understand Wrexham County Borough Council identified 10 roads that have retained a 30mph limit, equating to just over 1% of the eligible roads in the County Borough.
Other Local Authorities in Wales, such as Cardiff and Neath Port Talbot, have retained a 30mph limit on nearer 5% of their roads, whereas Swansea and Bridgend have exempt over 10%.
The change in the law is still in its infancy but Local Authorities should continually monitor the situation.
I have written to the Leader of Wrexham Council asking how the Local Authority is observing and analysing the impact of the new limit across the Borough and whether he envisions any further exemptions will be announced in future.
There are 2 cars, first one moving at 30mph and other at 20.
They both brake.
The first car will still be moving at 24mph when the other has stopped.
At 20mph, it’s safer for everyone.
Let’s look out for each other.#BetterAt20mph pic.twitter.com/TpYVYwfgDb
— Welsh Government Transport (@WGTransport) September 24, 2023
The Gresford Colliery disaster had a devastating impact on the Wrexham community so it is important we come together every year to ensure the 266 men who tragically lost their lives are never forgotten.
This year’s poignant service was very well attended and it was particularly pleasing to see so many local schools taking part. Special praise must go to the pupils of Ysgol Bryn Alyn who wrote a poem to mark the commemoration – Cofiwch: 1934.
Poignant service marking the 89th anniversary of the #Gresford Colliery disaster.
Many people in attendance paying tribute to the 266 men who tragically lost their lives and it was particularly pleasing to see so many local schools taking part. pic.twitter.com/mXApxzr4V4
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) September 22, 2023
Regular readers of this column will be aware Ken Skates MS and I have been taking a stand against Euro Car Parks, the company that operates the car park as Island Green Shopping Centre in Wrexham, for many months.
Despite managing to get some parking charge notices overturned, constituents are still contacting us complaining about unfair fines. It is clear shoppers are avoiding Island Green and this is negatively impacting the businesses.
The unscrupulous practices of private car park operators is a nationwide problem and the UK Government has recently reacted by launching a consultation. If enough people respond, it may force UK Ministers to legislate against these unprincipled companies.
Both Ken Skates and I have responded to the consultation, which closes on 8 October.
There’s an opportunity for UK Ministers to clamp down on the unscrupulous practices of private parking companies and I hope people in @wrexham make their voices heard https://t.co/qMeqTirFvb
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) September 14, 2023
If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is anything I could help you with, please email me: [email protected] or call 01978 355743. You can sign up to my regular e-newsletter by clicking here.
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