Bridgend Council is gathering views on how it will introduce a new default 20mph speed limit.
The new default limit will come into force from 17th September 2023. The plans were proposed in July 2020, with regulations approved by the Senedd on 12th July 2022.
The change will mean that from 17th September the maximum speed limit on any road in a built-up area (known as “restricted roads”) – such as side streets, or roads with street lights located no more than 200 metres apart – will be 20mph unless signed otherwise. At the moment the default speed is 30mph.
The change aims to reduce the number of serious injuries caused by collisions and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Nonetheless, there’s been some disagreement over the possible benefits and drawbacks of the change.
The consultation seeks views on which restricted roads in Bridgend county will keep a 30mph limit. Examples include spine roads in areas such as Brackla (i.e. Brackla Way) and Broadlands, roads serving industrial estates and the likes of the Bridgend Inner Bypass/A473.
The consultation is only open for a (suspiciously short) three-week period and ends on Monday 24th April 2023. All of the details are available here.
