Here’s a round-up of some backbench questions asked at this month’s full council meeting.
Consultation leads to changes to new speed limit proposals
If you didn’t already know, from 17th September 2023 most roads in urban areas – known as restricted roads – will see a reduction in the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph.
Earlier this year, Bridgend Council held a consultation to gather views on which restricted roads should keep its 30mph limit.
Cllr. Eugene Caparros (Lab, Brackla East & Coychurch) asked – given the reaction to the policy on social media – whether feedback given by the public during the consultation will impact what will happen on the ground.
Cllr. Melanie Evans (Lab, Pencoed & Penprysg) also asked whether there was a deadline in place for work to be finished on putting up new signs.
Council Leader, Cllr. Huw David (Lab, Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr) said the consultation “elicited a high number of responses” which are still being considered.
A council officer confirmed there will be another “official” consultation on traffic orders at a later date. Most people who’ve responded so far agreed with the proposed exemptions from the 20mph speed limit, though the feedback has led to some amendments – usually the specific points at which speed limits start and finish.
There was no specific date to complete any work, but it was expected any new signs will be installed long before 17th September.
Regional job creation “doesn’t fit 15-minute town aspiration”
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Ind, St. Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre) asked about the council’s policy on “15-minute towns”.
He said any policy to encourage services to be as close to people as possible should be welcomed, but there was a contradiction with employment.
Economic policy is largely led regionally by the Cardiff City Region which won’t necessarily lead to jobs being created in Bridgend but across southern Wales as a whole. How could these conflicting policies be tied together?
Cllr. Jonathan Pratt (Con, Newtown) also pointed out that some outlying suburbs and villages could potentially be left out if the “15-minute town” was based on a circle from a central point rather than urban areas more generally.
The Council Leader didn’t think there was a contradiction as the city region is investing in programmes such as a new enterprise hub at Ewenny Road in Maesteg to support new businesses.
