Confederation of Passenger Transport welcomes new guidance on 30mph speed limits in Wales

The Welsh Government has today released draft guidance on setting 30mph speed limits on restricted roads, alongside other 20mph roads. This move is in response to ongoing concerns about the impact of the default 20mph speed limit on bus speeds across Wales.

Aaron Hill, Director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Cymru, welcomed the publication. He stated: “Bus operators across Wales will be pleased to see the Welsh Government has recognised the negative impact its 20mph policy has made on bus speeds across the country.”

Hill highlighted that while the new guidance will lead to a small number of speed limit changes, it only partially addresses the concerns of bus passengers. “Passengers want faster, not slower journeys. For better and more reliable services, local authorities must ensure buses are given greater priority on our roads,” he said.

Bus operators have identified over 50 routes across Wales that could safely return to 30mph. Hill called on local authorities to engage with operators and work closely to implement these changes.

Since the implementation of the default 20mph speed limit, bus operators have strived to minimise disruption and maintain timetable adherence. However, passengers have consistently faced delays.

The new draft guidance serves as an addendum to Circular No. 24/2009 on Setting Local Speed Limits in Wales. It supersedes the section on exceptions to the 20mph default speed limit for restricted roads and applies to roads regulated under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The default position, under the 1984 Act, is that a road in England and Wales is restricted if it has street lighting with lamps no more than 200 yards apart. However, traffic authorities have the power to adjust these restrictions.