New speed limit changes set to launch in weeks ‘could be really dangerous’

Politicians have raised concerns about rules changes which will introduce new speed limits in weeks. Wales will introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit on restricted roads from 17 September in a major change for motorists. The scheme will make Wales one of the first countries in the world to have a default 20mph limit in built-up areas. However, councillors and campaigners have warned the changes could have unintended consequences just three weeks out from launch date. Wrexham County Borough Council is one area holding a consultation on the scheme with residents given until 1 September to have their say. Speed limits will be cut to 20mph from September (Image: Getty) Although Councillor Brian Colley backed the idea of 20mph limits near schools residential areas, he warned the new hard limits will ‘never be policed’. He has also raised fears the new scheme could actually lead to more accidents as frustrated motorists lose their cool. According to the Shropshire Star , he explained: ‘If frustrated drivers are behind someone doing 20 they might be tempted to overtake and this could be really dangerous. I have seen it happen here when people are doing 30.” Fellow Wrexham councillor Carrie Harper has also spoken out against the project and feels the policy will eventually be scrapped. Several councillors have expressed their concerns with the plan (Image: Getty) She told Nation.Cymru : ‘The blanket introduction will cause problems and I have no doubt will need to be reviewed and undone. ‘We’re calling on the Welsh Government to take their time to get this right first time rather than have to unravel the scheme.’ The Welsh Government claims they are introducing new rules to cut down on the number of collisions and severe injuries and encourage more people to walk. The Senedd also feels the scheme will help improve health, make streets safer and safeguard the environment for future generations. But Darren Millar, Member of Sennedd (MS) for Clwyd West is concerned the new limits may have a considerable impact on the country’s tourism trade. He is worried visitors may be baffled about the changes and simply unaware of the rules before they arrive. Speaking to the North Wales Pioneer , he said: ‘Wales is an important visitor destination for people travelling from other parts of the UK and I am very concerned that the change in the default speed limit in built-up areas will cause a great deal of confusion for those who travel into Wales by car across the English border.’ He tabled a question for the Welsh Government to enquire what they were doing to make tourists aware of the changes between roads in Wales and England. Responding, Lee Waters MS, Hinsawdd Deputy Minister for Climate Change said information about the new rules had been shared with the tourist trade including ports and car hire firms.