In response to legislation that will come into force across Wales on 17th September 2023, whereby the maximum speed you can legally travel on restricted roads will be 20mph, James Evans MS is calling for calmer waters on the debate and for the Welsh government to listen to the public outcry and scrap it all together.
Commenting on the debate, James Evans said.
“The debate has become increasingly heated with different factions coming to a head on social media and in the press. However, underpinning all of this is whether the people of Wales want to see this policy implemented. One consultation in Ceredigion resulted in 70% of respondents rejecting the policy all together and a senior South Wales Police officer has recently claimed that the blanket rule could have a potential "influence" on how fast police can travel and may affect how they respond. With an already dire response time amongst Ambulance services in Wales, due to the Welsh Government underfunding the NHS, this could put more lives at risk and undermine the work of our emergency workers, if true.”
James Evans MS goes on to say.
“Just last week the Fist Minister informed the nation that Wales is currently facing the worst financial situation since devolution. We’ve also heard that the Welsh government are unlikely to hit their climate targets for lowering CO2 emissions and we know through general knowledge that cars driving at a lower speed do so in a lower gear which is less efficient and more polluting.
Based on public discourse, the current financial climate and the concerns of our emergency services, this policy has become completely untenable. Roughly costing the taxpayer £32.5 million between 2022-2027, the Welsh Government need to take a long hard look in the mirror and consider whether this is the best use of public money.”
