‘Absolutely insane’ is the verdict of Penny Mordaunt MP on the Welsh government’s introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads. Having driven along not a few residential roads in Welsh towns and cities earlier this year, I can only agree, with one caveat. There are quite a few places in Wales, and not just in Wales, where the combination of narrow roads, parking and other traffic makes any thought of reaching even 20mph optimistic.
Urban areas, in particular, are quite adept at imposing their own speed limits, in the form of traffic conditions. This is a reality that probably influences someone’s decision about what form of transport, if any, to use, without the need for even the gentlest nudge from officialdom.
The steady encroachment of the 20mph limit is only adding to the sense that motorists are under siege
But the 20mph evangelists are winning, in many places without drivers ever being properly asked, or authoritative findings that it really works.
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