New 20mph limits not affected education provision in Pembrokeshire, councillors have heard

THE new 20mph limits in Wales have not harmed education provision in Pembrokeshire, or led to longer days for children, councillors heard.

Concerns had been raised by Newport and Dinas Independent Group councillor Huw Murphy that the speed reductions would harm children’s education due to longer journey times to and from school.

A submitted question by Cllr Murphy, heard at the October 12 meeting of the county council, asked: “Can the Cabinet Lead for Education [Cllr Guy Woodham] please inform councillors and residents of Pembrokeshire what impact the recent implementation of the new 20mph speed limit has had on the delivery of education within Pembrokeshire?”

The submitted question went on to say: “The change in legislation will probably be more keenly felt in secondary schools and rural schools due to likely longer journey times, with pupils either having to catch bus transport earlier (on many occasions in dark weather) and arrive home later or alternatively the school teaching day will be reduced to avoid pupils catching bus transport earlier in the day and arriving home later in the afternoon.

“The new 20mph speed limit will inevitably have a consequence on education in Pembrokeshire, be it reduced teaching times or a longer day for pupils due to increased travelling times.”

Responding, Cllr Woodham said: “To date, there is no impact on the delivery of education across the county of Pembrokeshire.

“The school day has not been affected or altered; our school transport team have not been made aware of any significant impact on the journey times to schools from drivers or operators following the introduction of the 20mph speed limits.”

Cllr Murphy, responding, said he just wanted it confirmed that pupils’ education would not be compromised, adding: “It’s incumbent that teaching time is not lost.”