New UK 20mph speed limit rules coming with 'three places' prioritised

Labour has been forced into a humiliating U-turn after a huge petition over the so-called "ridiculous" Welsh 20mph speed limit. Nearly 500,000 motorists - half a million - demanded the rules for 20mph zones in Wales were scrapped amid a growing backlash.

Ken Skates acknowledged the backlash and said changes would be made since the "voice of citizens is at the heart of all we do". Mr Skate said schools, hospitals and nurseries would be prioritised instead of a widespread, blanket limit.

The Welsh Conservatives said Mr Skates was responding to its "pressure" on a "hugely unpopular" policy. Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "We will continue to highlight the stupidity of these rules and this legislation."

READ MORE UK to roast in 'glorious' Saharan scorcher with three parts of England hottest

Mr Davies blasted the Labour "review" claim. "I want to change the law and scrap Labour and Plaid’s 20mph speed limits," he said. "Labour’s talk of 'reviewing' the policy is a sham. The only way to sort this mess is to scrap it and focus on stopping speeding near sensitive sites like outside schools and hospitals."

Mr Skates told MSs: "I really strongly feel across the chamber there is support for 20mph in those areas where it's appropriate, especially where children and the elderly are at risk. And I think in such areas it will make sense if it all makes people feel safer.

"But we do need to make sure 20mph is truly targeted in those places, as we always promised it would be and we'll need to work exceptionally closely with our partners in local government, with town and community councils, and indeed citizens, in order to achieve that.

"Changes will be done with and for the communities that we all serve, with the voice of citizens right at the heart of all we do." He went on: "I look forward to working with Members across the Chamber when it comes to developing solutions to transport challenges we face here in Wales."