Maps show Cardiff roads exempt from new 20mph speed…

Maps show Cardiff roads exempt from new 20mph speed limit

Maps showing roads in Cardiff which could be exempt from a new 20mph speed limit have been published. The public now has a chance to have its say on the roads which will remain at 30mph when the new 20mph default speed limit for residential areas comes into force in September this year.

Cardiff residents can view the online map which shows it's generally main arterial routes into the city which will be exceptions to the national 20mph legislation.

The main proposed exceptions are:

The A470 into Cardiff (Manor Way and North Road) will remain 30mph as will parts of the A469 (Western and Eastern Avenue) at the Gabalfa roundabout
The A4119 (Llantrisant Road) to Llandaf
The A48 (Cowbridge Road) through Ely and onto Western Avenue
The A4161 (Newport Road) between Rumney and Adamsdown

They have until June 7 to comment on the proposals.

The roads in Cardiff which could be exempt from a new 20mph speed limit (Welsh Government)

The proposed road exemptions, zoomed in on Cardiff city centre (Welsh Government)

The decision to make 20mph the ‘default national position in residential areas' in Wales was made in July 2022 by the Senedd and the law will come into force on September 17, 2023. A government report has said reducing the speed limit on Welsh roads to 20mph will have minimal impact on journey times.

The role of the council, as the highway authority, is to ensure that the statutory processes required are followed, any subsequent legal changes are made, and the signage on street is changed where necessary.

Cllr Dan De'Ath, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport said: "The council is working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure there is a smooth transition on Cardiff's highway network, so we are ready by September this year. The change is not a blanket approach but focusses primarily on residential areas, making these streets safer for residents and a better environment for people to walk or cycle."

"All of the proposed exemptions are on main arterial routes into the city, to ensure that the traffic can flow into and out of the city as efficiently as possible. Consultation has already taken place with local councillors, so we now want the public to give their views on the streets that will remain at 30mph."

Deputy minister for climate change, with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said: "The evidence from around the world is very clear - reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives. Slower speeds also help create a safer and more welcoming community, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, improving their health and wellbeing whilst protecting the environment."

Residents are asked to return their views on the proposed 30mph exemptions proposed by the council by June 7 by emailing roadtrafficorderobjections@cardiff.gov.uk.