Seven areas of Monmouthshire will be subject to a 20mph speed limit from March as part of a Welsh Government pilot scheme.
The scheme's proposal was approved at Monmouthshire County Council’s full council meeting last December.
This follows the announcement in 2019 by the First Minister that 20mph should be the default speed limit for all residential roads in Wales.
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The areas subject to the speed limit change are:
Abergavenny
Llanfoist
Magor
Undy
Caldicot
Portskewett
Caerwent
In these areas, all publicly maintained roads will become subject to a 20mph speed limit. This includes the A40. Monmouthshire County Council say features will be introduced to "encourage compliance and change the feel of entering into a distinctly different environment".
Speed signs will be erected throughout the affected areas.
Subject to Cabinet Member approval on March 9, 20mph zones are also proposed for Monmouth and Wyesham, Mathern, Devauden, Shirenewton/Mynydd Bach and parts of Chepstow.
Councillor Jane Pratt, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Neighbourhood Services, said: “By reducing the speed of our residential streets, we can create neighbourhoods which are shared more equally between different road users.
"We will create a safer environment, encouraging people to walk and cycle and enjoy spending time in their neighbourhoods.”
In 2021, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that all residential areas in Wales will be made 20mph speed limits.
Pedestrians are five times more likely to be killed if hit at 30mph compared to 20mph. As well as safety benefits, 20mph zones improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and can encourage more physical activity through walking and cycling.
Monmouthshire County Council will be consulting on further proposed 20mph zones later in 2022.
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