Another backbench question at this month’s full council meeting came from Cllr. Mark John (Ind, St Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre), who asked whether Bridgend Council was responsible for repairing or replacing damaged or stolen signs.
Several 20mph speed limit signs have been stolen or defaced across Bridgend since a new default 20mph speed limit was introduced in built-up areas across Wales in September 2023.
Cllr John said that at least 3 signs have been stolen or removed in his ward.
While the policy has been controversial – and is set to be reviewed – Cllr. Paula Ford (Lab, St Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre), hoped certain roads in the ward would stay at 20mph.
Cost of vandalised signs covered by Welsh Government
There was slight confusion over who was liable for the cost.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr. John Spanswick (Lab, Brackla West Central), said funding for the 20mph limit signs came from the Welsh Government – including the cost of replacing damaged or vandalised signs.
Cllr. Steven Bletsoe (Ind, Bridgend Central), was sure an officer said at a previous meeting that BCBC was liable for damaged signs.
Corporate Director for Communities, Janine Nightingale, clarified that BCBC – as a highways authority – was responsible for replacing any signs, regardless of whether they were speed limit signs or not.
Councillors were told that Lee Waters MS, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, guaranteed additional funding to replace damaged, stolen, or defaced signs due to the “troublesome” introduction of the new speed limit.
On a more positive note, she told the chamber that instances of vandalism have “significantly dropped” as people got used to the new speed limits.
