Much has been made in recent weeks over the newly introduced 20mph speed limit restrictions throughout Abergavenny. These extend across Monmouthshire and include Llanfoist and Monmouth among other towns and villages.
The introduction of the pilot 20mph zones is part of an all-Wales scheme that will come into full effect in 2023. Plans for the introduction of pilot 20mph zones across Monmouthshire were raised at Monmouthshire County Council’s full council meeting last December and introduced at the beginning of April.
According to Monmouthshire County Council, 20mph limits on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets reduces the risk and severity of injuries as a result of collisions between vehicles and vulnerable road users. The limit also encourages more people to cycle and walk and makes Monmouthshire more attractive for our communities.
In spite of the cited benefits, local social media has been awash with angry comments and widespread condemnation from residents regarding the speed limit itself and the blanket coverage that takes in the more major roads in Abergavenny.
The rollout of the limit has been much maligned, largely as a result of placement of signs as well as delays in the supply of signs themselves, causing confusion about which speed limit applies where. Monmouthshire County Council conceded that there had been “a small number of issues”, while another spokesperson said “The Abergavenny pilot 20mph project has been widely supported by the local community.”
Do you have an opinion about the new limits? Are you in favour or against? Do you think people are sticking to them? We’d love to hear from you. Email your views to hello@thefocus.wales
Not supported! What evidence is there that “the project has been supported by the local community”? What evidence is there that “it encourages peoplre to cycle or walk”? If we follow the logic then why not stop people driving altogether in 30/20 mph limits? This will make roads much much safer and save many more lives and accidents!
This is yet another example of I’ll thought out rules and restrictions. Better to appeal to the common sense of the general public than this.
Personally I have heard of no support for the measure.