Welsh Conservative candidate for Llanelli says Welsh Gov is “running out of road” on 20mph speed limits

Charlie Evans, Welsh Conservative candidate for Llanelli in the General Election, has launched a “20mph road review”, following the Welsh Government’s concessions on their controversial blanket 20mph speed limit policy.

Ken Skates MS, Welsh Labour’s Transport Minister announced last week in the Senedd that the Government would be undertaking a “genuine programme of listening” over the coming months, with a view to some 20mph speed limits being reverted to 30mph.

In response, Charlie Evans has launched his own 20mph road review, asking local residents what roads need to have the 20mph speed limit reversed in the Llanelli constituency.

Charlie said, “This is a humiliating about-turn from the Welsh Labour Government. They know how unpopular these blanket 20mph speed limits have been. Whilst local schools are having to consider laying off staff, and hospital departments creaking at the seams, Vaughan Gething, Lee Waters and Mark Drakeford chose to spend money on blanket speed limits, at a £4.5 billion cost to the Welsh economy.

“But it’s not a U-turn- it is just window dressing from a Welsh Labour Government that is running out of road. They are keeping 20mph as the default speed limit and have said only a few roads will revert back to 30mph.”

Charlie continued, “Welsh Labour’s blanket 20mph speed limits are the most unpopular policy decision since the start of devolution. It shows that Cardiff Bay is completely out-of-touch, and pursues pet projects over the people’s priorities. And instead of taking ownership, Labour are passing the buck onto local councils.

“So this review is designed for residents to have their say, and tell the Plaid-run Carmarthenshire County Council what roads in the Llanelli constituency need to have the 20mph speed limit scrapped.”

Residents living in communities such as Llanelli, Kidwelly, Burry Port, Cross Hands, Pontyberem, Pontyates, Ferryside, Pembrey and across the constituency are encouraged to get involved.

The findings of the review will be sent to the Plaid Cymru-led Carmarthenshire County Council.

Charlie said, “Plaid Cymru also voted for these blanket speed limits. We can’t let them off the hook for this. Therefore, if we can get as many people to take part in my review as possible, they will have no choice but to listen!”

The review can be accessed on Charlie’s website.