Fuming tourist vows to never return to Wales after 20mph speed limit introduced

30 October 2023 , 09:51

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The driver has vowed to stay away from Wales (Image: Getty)

A retired holidaymaker has vowed to avoid Wales after the country introduced a new 20mph driving limit.

The anonymous man, from the Midlands, said he has previously enjoyed holidays in Wales but will now go to Devon instead as he's not prepared to risk being fined. He said: "Being now retired we are able to take several breaks each year and travel as late as November.

"Sadly we have decided to call a stop to our Welsh breaks as we are not prepared to risk a large fine and three penalty points for accidentally doing 22mph in a built-up area. It looks as if Wales' loss will be Devon's gain. I might add that several of our acquaintances all feel the same."

The Welsh Government launched its 20mph rule in all areas with street lights unless there is signage stating a different speed in September. However, not everyone is happy about this with 463,000 people signing a petition calling for the Government to reverse the law.

The petition reads: "Welsh Government claim to have supporting evidence stating that reducing to 20mph EVERYWHERE saves lives! Yet we get flyers merely claiming that it will, and opinions from doctors that see RTCs coming into A&E. This is NOT evidence. The only true evidence is from Belfast and it states it makes no difference to RTCs!"

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The Welsh Government said: "The evidence from around the world is very clear decreasing speeds will reduce collisions, save lives and reduce injuries helping to improve quality of life and make our streets and local communities safer for all."

The Welsh Government says: "The evidence from around the world is very clear – decreasing speeds will reduce collisions, save lives and reduce injuries – helping to improve quality of life and make our streets and local communities safer for all."

According to ministers, a public health study estimated that the 20mph default speed limit in Wales could result – every year - in:

• 40% fewer collisions
• 6 to 10 lives saved
• 1200 to 2000 people avoiding injury

They claim the change will also:

• make streets safer for playing, walking and cycling
• encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle
• makes our communities safer
• improve health and wellbeing
• reduce noise pollution

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Emma Grimshaw