Mordaunt: Completely insane to roll out 20mph on residential roads in Wales
T
he rollout of a brand new 20mph velocity restrict for residential roads in Wales is “absolutely insane”, in response to a UK Cabinet minister.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt stated having such a restrict because the default for a lot of roads is “crazy”, after acknowledging there are circumstances the place 20mph is a good suggestion.
Ms Mordaunt went on to accuse Labour of “punishing” motorists.
The Welsh Government has stated that reducing the velocity from 30mph to 20mph on residential roads would defend lives and save the NHS in Wales £92 million a yr.
Most roads in Wales which are at the moment 30mph will turn out to be 20mph, though councils have discretion to impose exemptions.
The change will probably be carried out from September 17 and First Minister Mark Drakeford stated it’s the “right thing to do”, citing a fall in city street deaths in Spain after it made the same change in 2019.
This is completely insane even by the requirements of Labour’s Welsh Government
Speaking within the House of Commons, Conservative MP Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Mon) stated: “The Labour Government in Cardiff supported by Plaid Cymru will be introducing a blanket 20mph speed restriction in built-up areas across Wales from September 17.
“In many places – outside schools, outside hospitals – 20mph is appropriate.
“Does the Leader of the House agree with many of my Ynys Mon constituents that this blanket approach will impact main roads and impact the Welsh economy?
“And will she make time for a debate on how we should be supporting the Welsh economy, not punishing it?”
Ms Mordaunt replied: “This is absolutely insane even by the standards of Labour’s Welsh Government.
“They have ignored businesses and they have ignored the public. They are pushing ahead with this scheme despite huge opposition to it and I think the latest estimate is it will cost the Welsh economy £4.5 billion.
“But more disturbingly it is going to increase individuals’ fuel bills considerably and actually be harmful to the environment.
“(Ms Crosbie) is right, there are circumstances where of course 20mph speed limits are a good idea, but having them as the default for many roads is crazy.
It is estimated that the casualty prevention savings, including the reduced impact on NHS and emergency services, could be up to £92 million every year
“Instead of punishing motorists, Labour should be focusing on fixing public transport, in particular the trains.”
Ms Mordaunt added: “This situation is what the Labour Party refers to as their blueprint for governing Britain.”
The Welsh Government, responding to why folks say the change will price the financial system £4.5 billion, writes on its web site: “Our assessment shows that reducing speeds to 20mph can result in an average increase of one minute per journey, nine lives saved and 98 serious injuries prevented each year.
“Before the law was passed, we produced an impact assessment that considered all the potential costs. This was included in the explanatory memorandum.
“It included the costs of any delays to travel time. The method used is now under academic debate for its effectiveness when calculating small delays.
“So the estimated cost to the economy of £4.5 billion over 30 years may not be an accurate reflection of the true cost. The slightly longer travel time was the only negative economic impact identified.
“It is estimated that the casualty prevention savings, including the reduced impact on NHS and emergency services, could be up to £92 million every year.”
Ms Mordaunt is the MP for Portsmouth North.
Portsmouth was the “first British city to implement a 20mph speed limit on almost all residential roads to reduce road casualties and protect pedestrians and cyclists”, in response to town council’s web site.