Temporary 50mph speed limit on A483 to remain “for as long as necessary”

A controversial 50mph speed limit on a section of the A483 in Wrexham is to remain in place “for as long as necessary”.

The stretch of the bypass between the Gresford and B&Q Roundabouts is one of five roads in Wales to have have seen speeds reduced to 50mph as part of what the Welsh Government initially described as a ‘temporary’ measure.

It comes as a result of Welsh Government action to try and reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions on some of the busiest stretches of roads across Wales by 18 per cent.

In 2018 the Welsh Government announced that the temporary 50mph speed limits would be introduced at five locations where levels are currently above legal limits of nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Such locations include the A483 in Wrexham, the A494 at Deeside, M4 between junctions 41 & 42 (Port Talbot), M4 between junctions 25 & 26 (Newport) and the A470 between Upper Boat & Pontypridd.

The speed limit has been in place locally and the above locations since June 2018.

During Environment & Rural Affairs Questions at the Senedd on Wednesday, Lesley Griffiths AM (also Wrexham’s AM) confirmed the temporary speed restrictions would remain in place for as long as they’re deemed necessary – including the one locally.

The Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Minister said: “We will leave them in place as long as we think necessary to maintain air quality standards on that part of the road.

“I think what’s really paramount to the effectiveness of these 50mph speed limits – I’ve got one in my own constituency – obviously, is compliance.”

Since the introduction of the speed limit seven months ago there has been criticism from some motorists, who say road the has now become dangerous with many drivers choosing to ignore it on what was a 70mph stretch of road.

Ms Griffiths added: “I think we need to be much more upfront about what it is. I’ve certainly heard people say in Wrexham that they don’t understand why they’ve got that stretch of 50mph.

“We’ve now got a sign saying that it’s to reduce emissions. But I think perhaps we need to be even more clear in relation to that.”

The top image comes from this article back in September, with the section on the A483 likely to have enforcement cameras placed on it to ensure the limits are adhered to.

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