New 20mph limit will slow down emergency services, Welsh shadow minister claims

Natasha Ashgar MS says the road network isn't suited to driving that slow

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 22nd Aug 2023
Last updated 29th Jun 2024

The Shadow Minister for Transport in Wales, Natasha Ashgar MS, claims the new default 20mph speed limit will slow down response times with the emergency services.

The idea was first introduced last year, and will finally be implemented on September 17.

Hearing concerns from a firefighter over the impact of the Labour Government's new plans, the Conservative MS said: "Fire responders don't live at the fire station. That means when there is an emergency, they have to first travel to the station, then kit up, and then travel to the emergency.

"Are you really telling me that's not going to have an impact on the response when it comes to fire?"

When speaking to the retained firefighter, it was heard that:

  • The 20mph default speed limit will delay firefighters getting to stations in their own vehicles
  • Fire incidents will take longer to get to
  • Labour have extended the distance of retained firefighters from 5 minutes travel to 10 minutes, with the new speed limit impacting journeys

These claims add to comments by the Assistant Chief Constable for South Wales Police, Mark Travis, who disclosed that the new default 20mph speed limit in Wales 'will have an impact on how we - within the four Welsh police forces - and you as emergency services, carry out your core business'.

Natasha Asghar MS said: “A leaked email last week highlighted that Wales’ 20mph speed limit will slow police response times, the email is in black and white for the world to see.

“Now we have new revelations from a member of the fire service that blanket 20mph speed limits will slow them down, and put lives on the line. It proves that this ludicrous policy is not about safety when lives are being put at risk as a result.

“The last week has raised some serious concerns from the public and Labour need to have a rethink and urgently put a hold on the roll out of default 20mph speed limits. They’re a risk to people’s lives, this has to be more important than the Labour Minister’s fragile ego and vanity project which is what this blanket 20MPH has become.”

In response to these claims, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Changing the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales to 20mph does not impact on the legislation that allows police, fire and ambulance services to exceed speed limits in the course of emergency response duties.”

The implementation of default 20mph zones across Wales is being introduced on the 17th of September 2023 in a bid to help communities become a more cohesive, safe and pleasant place to live in line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Legislation.

This change in default speed limit applies to all current 30mph roads which means that following the 17th of September 2023 all these roads will have a default speed limit of 20mph.

There are exceptions to this limit, and each local or highway authority can “exempt” certain roads that fall within the guidance provided by Welsh Government.

You can find out more on the GoSafe website.

Read more: 20mph speed limits to be debated in the Senedd

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