Fury over ‘madcap’ 20mph zones as Welsh Labour accused of being ‘anti-driver’

Drivers in Wales are tying purple ribbons to their vehicles in protest at plans to chop the pace restrict to 20mph in all city areas.

And Natasha Ashgar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, has launched a scathing assault on the ruling Labour devolved administration, branding the scheme “ridiculous” and “madcap”.

The stunt is a reference to the Locomotive Act 1865, also referred to as the Red Flag Act, which launched the world’s first pace restrict – 4 mph in rural areas and two mph in cities. Vehicles which had been hauling carriages had been mandated to have a person with a purple flag strolling in entrance of them.

Critics declare the 20mph restrict may have little affect of the behaviour of drivers, with RAC analysis suggesting compliance with such restrictions is poor.

Ms Ashgar, a member of the Welsh Senedd, pointed the finger at Labour and First Minister Mark Drakeford, saying: “I want to put full responsibility of this on the Welsh Labour government.

“They have always been anti-road, they’re clearly anti-driver. And this is just so detrimental to the economy here in Wales”

Speaking to GB News, she continued: “Unfortunately, it’s a really ill-thought out policy and it’s going to have such a profound effect on people’s day-to-day lives going forward.”

The Welsh Government ought to be specializing in “prevalent issues” reminiscent of what she referred to as the “failing health service”, and requirements inside training, Ms Ashgar stated.

She added: “We have so many issues across Wales that we need to be dealing with, but unfortunately, their priorities is this ridiculous, madcap 20 mph blanket speed limit, which they are going to be spending approximately £60 million, and of that £26 million has been spent on road signs.”

The Senedd handed the regulation by 39 votes to fifteen following a heated debate.

Ministers declare that improved highway security might lead to a £58 million saving over 30 years because of lowered emergency service demand and hospital therapy.

Most streets in Wales which presently have a 30mph pace restrict will change to 20mph on Sunday, September 17.

Speaking in June, Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters, who has accountability for transport points, stated: “In Wales we do things differently, we look after each other and trust the science.

“Evidence shows that a vehicle travelling at 30mph will still be travelling at 24mph in the time it would take a car travelling 20mph to stop.

“Reducing speed not only saves lives; it will help build stronger, safer communities – better places to live our lives.”

Mr Drakeford added: “Our streets will be quieter, reducing the scourge of noise pollution, and slower speeds also boosts the confidence of people to cycle and walk around their local areas and for children to play outdoors.

“Evidence from around the world is clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.

“I am confident if we all work together, we can make the necessary changes that will benefit us now and in the future.”