VALE OF CLWYD Senedd member, Gareth Davies, has penned a letter to Denbighshire County Council requesting an update on the implementation of exemptions to the controversial 20mph default speed limit.
Despite revised guidelines issued by the Welsh Government in July 2024 to facilitate local authorities in determining appropriate exemptions, Denbighshire County Council has yet to make any significant adjustments.
Gareth and the Welsh Conservative Senedd Group supported the lowering of speed limits to 20mph outside schools and hospitals but were opposed to the default policy employed by the Welsh Government.
Only 0.6% of highways in the county have been exempted— the lowest figure in Wales according to most recent data—lagging behind neighbouring authorities such as Conwy County Borough Council, which this year announced 15 roads up for reassessment in relation to their eligibility for 20mph exemption.
He has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the lack of progress on this issue in the Senedd and had previously submitted a list of key roads identified by residents as suitable for exemption. No update or evidence of progress has been provided by the council, leading to increasing consternation amongst Denbighshire residents and road users.
In his letter to Denbighshire County Council, Gareth has sought clarity on:
- The status of the exemption process for the roads submitted.
- The council’s timeline for reviewing and implementing exemptions.
- An explanation as to why Denbighshire County Council lags behind neighbouring authorities in adopting exemptions.
- Any additional steps the council plans to take in response to the updated Welsh Government guidelines.
Commenting, Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies said: “Roughly a year and a half on from the introduction of the Welsh Government’s default 20mph policy and we haven’t seen a single road in Denbighshire reassessed and exempted.
“The Welsh Government updated their guidance to local authorities and neighbouring councils are pressing ahead with sensible exemption however Denbighshire County Council appear to be on a go-slow, with a lower exemption rate than any other council in Wales.
“I have asked for an update from the council on 20mph reassessments, and an explanation as to why there has been no apparent progress. I will continue to push for clarity and accountability until we see action that balances safety with practicality on our roads.”
