Welsh Conservatives have renewed calls for scrapping Labour’s 20mph speed limit policy, as new data confirms journey times across Wales are getting longer.
With over 134,000 drivers caught speeding since the law came into force, it’s clear the policy is causing confusion and disruption. The Welsh Conservatives continue to call for the unpopular approach to be scrapped, return the default limit to 30mph and focus on a targeted approach in sensitive areas using evidence-based road safety measures.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said, “With the expected economic hit of up to £9 billion and the £32million already spent roll it out, these latest figures show that Labour’s 20mph speed limit has been a disaster for Wales.
“The Labour-run Welsh Government is leading a war on motorists and slowing Wales down. The Welsh Conservatives are the only party in the Senedd committed to scrapping Labour’s 20mph speed limit.”
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “These disturbing figures show the twin evils of driving under the influence of drink and drugs are behind a frightening number of lives lost on the UK’s roads every year.
“It’s simply unacceptable that an estimated 260 people a year lose their lives as a result of drink-drivers. It remains the case that the proportion of road deaths where drink-driving was a cause is at a similar level to the late 1980s. Drugs, too, are playing an increasing role in fatalities and are now behind a record number of fatal collisions.
“A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy.
“We’ve consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it’s clear the status quo isn’t working. RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks (‘alcolocks’) to offenders’ vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders.
“Since 2022 we have urged the Government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily. We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside.”
