Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
Cost of Living Support Icon
​

20mph default speed limits in Wales

 

About the 20mph default speed limit

New legislation from Welsh Government means that the default national speed limit was reduced from 30mph to 20mph on restricted roads in September 2023. Since that date, the maximum speed you can legally travel on restricted roads is 20mph.

 

Restricted roads are classed as 'roads with streetlights spaced no more than 200 yards apart, usually located in residential and built-up areas'.

 

The Welsh Government made this change for a number of reasons, including:

  • reducing the number of collisions and severe injuries from them

  • encouraging more people to walk and cycle in our communities

  • helping to improve our health and wellbeing

  • making our streets safer; and

  • safeguarding the environment for future generations

 

More information on 20mph and some frequently asked questions on the policy can be found on gov.wales.

 

 

Outcome of the Review

As part of the Welsh Government’s proposed review of 20mph default speed limits the council received 228 representations which resulted in the reassessment of 103 Vale roads - full list of roads reviewed is as attached.

 

All these roads have been reassessed in line with revised Welsh Government guidance ‘Setting 30mph speed limits on restricted roads: guidance highway authorities’ published in July 2024 and ten roads are now proposed for speed limit changes.

 

Roads proposed to reduce from 30mph to 20mph are:

  • Leckwith Road, Llandough (Canon Walk to 40mph limit)
  • B4524 Main Road, Ogmore-By-Sea (Hazelwood to northern extent of village)
  • B4267 Lavernock Road, Penarth (Augusta Road to Brockhill Rise)

 

Roads proposed to revert from 20mph to 30mph are:

  • Hayes Road (Hayeswood Road to 40mph limit), Sully
  • Pentir Y De, Rhoose
  • Llantwit Major Road (btwn the B4270 & Westgate), Cowbridge
  • Cardiff Road, A4222 (Primrose Hill), Cowbridge

 

Consideration is being given to variable 20mph restrictions passed school sites*:

  • A4222, Aberthin Road (passed Cowbridge Comprehensive School), Cowbridge
  • Ruthin Road (passed Llangan Primary School), Cowbridge
  • A48, St Nicholas (passed St Nicholas Church In Wales Primary School)

 

*The progression of variable 20mph speed limits is subject to detailed design and consultation with individual schools to confirm viability.

 

The full details of the changes will be set out within future Traffic Regulation Order(s) which is a legal process we must follow if we are to alter the speed limit.

 

Every TRO will be subject to a public consultation, where residents can show support or raise objections. We will publish details of any changes on our website as soon as available.

 

Following the TRO consultations, final decisions will be made on any changes as part of the council’s normal decision-making processes.

 

There are no other plans to change the default speed limit on any other roads in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the Welsh Government review process.