MP’s FOI reveals council spending £32,500 on traffic notices to inform public about 20MPH changes

A Freedom of Information request has revealed the breakdown of a £400k sum associated with the 20MPH roll out – branded a “waste of taxpayers money” by the local MP

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton has said she has been contacted by many of her constituents concerned by the introduction of a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wrexham and the rest of Wales and conducted her own survey that found 94% of respondents disagreeing with the policy.

On 22nd June 2023, Mrs Atherton made a Freedom of Information request to the Welsh Government for an analysis of the cost to introduce a 20mph speed limit on roads in Wrexham, including an itemised breakdown of costs and in a (late) response the Welsh Government confirmed that this would cost £361,500. This is in addition to £35,399.15 claimed towards 20mph implementation in the last financial year.

That £35k sum was broken down as:

The £361k has not been processed by Welsh Government yet, however the claim is being formed up as:

• Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) statutory notices (which Wrexham Council say are published in a single outlet with a circulation of just over 2,000 copies) £32,500
• Signs £230,000
• Communications £10,000
• Other e.g. Costs of 30mph exceptions £89,000

In addition to Mrs Atherton publicly raising her concerns with the policy, she also recently met with North Wales Police to discuss the operational difficulty of enforcing the changes. It was recently reported that Wrexham’s Fire Service has been asked to assist North Wales Police in enforcing new speed limits. Mrs Atherton has raised her concerns about this proposal, particularly as North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority is currently consulting on the provision of fire service emergency cover for Wrexham – two of their three proposals would see one of Wrexham’s two full-time appliances (fire engines) removed and a reduction in firefighters.

Sarah Atherton MP said: “Rather than slowing Wales down, Mark Drakeford needs to implement a pro-growth, pro-driver and pro-business transport infrastructure that matches the needs of our growing city. Time and time again the Welsh Labour Government does not prioritise spending money where it really matters.

“Instead, they waste hardworking Wrexham taxpayers’ money on a blanket 20mph policy that people do not want – just ask the residents of Buckley!

“At a time when Wrexham has never been more ready for growth and opportunity, this policy will undoubtedly deter visitors, businesses, and people from moving to Wrexham. Sadly, this is the reality of a Labour-run Wales. Going forward, I will continue to press the Welsh Government for details on how they plan to access the success of the policy once implemented.”