Two 20mph protest convoys aim to demonstrate "how bad things will get" this summer. In a bid to showcase the potential impact of Wales' 20mph speed limits, two protest convoys are being organised in North Wales.
The action coincides with a motion being presented to the Senedd urging the Welsh Government to reconsider and possibly reverse the policy. Critics of the default speed limit have scheduled convoys in Denbighshire and Conwy, both set to commence at 1.30pm on Saturday, April 27, reports North Wales Live.
While the route for the Denbighshire convoy is still to be confirmed, the Conwy demonstrators plan to depart from the Llandudno West Shore car park. The proposed path will take them through Penrhyn Bay, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, then onwards to Llanddulas and Abergele.
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The organisers, including Tina Lee from the online group Conwy County Residents Say No To Blanket 20 Limits, intend to illustrate the potential traffic congestion along the North Wales coast during peak tourist season. "We want to show how bad things could get," she said.
There's already chatter among holiday let businesses about negative feedback from tourists, with some suggesting that visitors might opt for destinations like Scotland, Cornwall, or the Lake District instead. However, opinions are mixed, with some locals observing no significant tourism downturn.
A social media user commented: "Judging by the campervans around the coast I'd say that 20mph has not put anyone off coming to Wales." For some visitors, the new 20mph speed limit is actually a draw.
One enthusiast shared: "As someone who walks, cycles and uses public transport, I'm now much more likely to visit Wales and am actively planning to do so." However, it's still too soon to tell what effect this will have on tourism, especially with inclement weather affecting early season travel
Opinions among tourists are varied, with one Stoke-on-Trent visitor finding the 20mph zones frustrating. While staying in Llandudno and exploring the region including Anglesey for 10 days, she expressed her irritation. "In some areas they were a pain mainly because we went from 40mph straight down to 20mph," she explained.
She said: "Cars behind us were having to break sharply and flashing their lights and honking their horns some even overtook us. I remained at 20, not wanting to get a ticket.
"Our hotel receptionist told us he got two fines, so we weren't willing to risk it. It will be interesting to find out if it does reduce accidents - although dropping from 40 to 20 could cause some rear-ending."
Tensions are still running high among permanent residents who face the daily reality of the speed limit, with fines on the rise. A recent poll indicates that opposition remains strong six months after the default speed limit was rolled out.
According to a Redfield and Wilton survey, 35% of people are "more opposed" compared to just 16% who are "more supportive". In response, the Welsh Conservatives have tabled a motion for debate in the Senedd on Wednesday, April 15, urging the Welsh Government to overturn the 20mph speed limit and instead take a "targeted approach".
They suggest implementing the reduced speed specifically around schools and hospitals, rather than across all residential areas. Furthermore, the motion demands a reassessment of the stringent criteria for new road construction in Wales.
These guidelines, established in February 2023, led to the cancellation of several key road projects, including the proposed third crossing over the Menai Strait. The debate will also serve as a platform for the Tories to address the perceived "North and South transport divide in Wales", criticising the disparity in funding between the South Wales Metro, which has received over £1bn, and the North Wales Metro, allocated a mere £50m.
The party is advocating for increased investment in public transport infrastructure across the board. Shadow transport minister Natasha Asghar MS criticised the Welsh Government's policies, saying: "Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay continue to push their anti-motorist agenda, with drivers being forced out of their vehicles through government policy.
"The people of Wales want to get on with their daily lives, yet Labour's lack of investment in public transport, the road building ban and 20mph speed limits are preventing them from doing exactly this." However, the Welsh Government has defended the 20mph speed limit, claiming it will save lives, reduce casualty rates, and foster stronger communities.
Environmental campaigners have praised the halt on major road-building projects, describing the move as "brave" and "world-leading". The sentiment is echoed locally, with residents acknowledging the benefits of slower speeds.
One individual highlighted that 20mph zones have led to better air quality, while a motorist remarked: "Most cities and towns in England have either already gone 20mph or are going, and I believe Scotland is thinking about it too."
Another driver expressed a pragmatic view: "I don't like 20mph zones but I've learnt to just go with it. If you want to go faster, go elsewhere."
