Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Speed Limit: Residential Roads

Wednesday 31 January 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Scott Benton asked whether discussions have taken place with the Welsh Government on the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on residential roads, noting that the policy is damaging communities and businesses, costing the economy 4.5 billion according to the Welsh Government's figures.
  • James Davies inquired if the Secretary of State agrees that the Welsh Government failed to properly consider the impact of their 20 mph policy and should repeal it, citing bus service reductions by Arriva as a reason.
  • Hywel Williams referenced a previous statement from the Secretary of State for Wales expressing anger over an unenforced 20 mph speed limit in Caerwent, asking if the anger persists. The Secretary of State supports 20 mph limits where safety is an issue but opposes a blanket policy, criticizing the Welsh Labour Government for lowering speed limits on dual carriageways.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Scott Benton
Transport Wales
Context

The Welsh Government has introduced a blanket 20 mph speed limit on residential roads and pedestrian streets across Wales.

Question

Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on residential roads and pedestrian streets in Wales. The policy is damaging communities and businesses across Wales, creating a £4.5 billion hit to the economy according to the Welsh Government's figures.

Answer from David Davies

The policy is damaging communities and businesses across Wales, creating a £4.5 billion hit to the economy according to the Welsh Government's figures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide information about any discussions with the Welsh Government on the economic impacts of the 20 mph speed limit

How: Repeated Criticism Of Policy

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Q2 James Davies Con
Economy Transport Wales
Context

Bus services no longer serve Dyserth's high street or the Tweedmill shopping outlet in Trefnant, impacting vulnerable people.

Question

Arriva has stated that the Welsh Government's 20 mph policy is a key reason for bus service reductions. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Welsh Government have failed to properly consider the impact of their policy and should repeal it?

Answer from David Davies

Not only have the Welsh Government not considered this policy's impact on the economy, businesses, commuters, but also users of public transport. We are seeing bus timetables being ripped up across Wales because of this daft policy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether the Welsh Government should repeal the 20 mph speed limit

How: Repeated Criticism Of Policy

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Q3 Scott Benton
Transport Wales
Context

Blanket 20 mph zones lack public support, are unenforceable, and do not improve road safety or air quality.

Question

Blanket 20 mph zones lack widespread public support and are widely ignored. The roll-out of the scheme in Wales has proved to be a farce. Does my right hon. Friend share concern that Labour would impose similar policies in England?

Answer from David Davies

My hon. Friend is correct that not only has the Welsh Labour Government ignored the largest petition in Senedd history, but also it is inevitable they would pursue anti-motorist policies such as 20 mph speed limit, ban on new roads, congestion charges and emission zones.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he agrees with the petitioner's concerns about Labour's potential policies in England

How: Repeated Criticism Of Policy

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Q4 Hywel Williams PC
Transport Wales
Context

The South Wales Argus reported the Secretary of State's “anger” about non-enforcement of 20 mph limit.

Question

The South Wales Argus of 28 December 2022 reports that the Secretary of State for Wales outlined his anger over Caerwent's unenforced 20 mph speed limit. Is he still angry?

Answer from David Davies

All support 20 mph limits where there is an issue of safety, but do not support a blanket 20 mph policy. The Welsh Labour Government are using underhand methods to bring down speed limits on dual carriageways from 70 mph to 50 mph.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he is still angry over Caerwent's unenforced 20 mph limit

How: Repeated Criticism Of Policy

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Transport Wales
Context

The Welsh Assembly has introduced a blanket 20 mph speed limit, affecting people's movement.

Question

Clearly the 20 mph speed limit will restrict people's movement. Has the Minister had any discussions with the Welsh Assembly on providing more buses and provisions for cyclists?

Answer from David Davies

Unfortunately, there are no discussions on reconsidering the policy. The Welsh Labour Government has an anti-motorist agenda including blanket 20 mph speed limits, speed reductions on dual carriageways, congestion charges and M4 charging.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether he discussed providing more buses and cycling provisions with the Welsh Government

How: Repeated Criticism Of Policy

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