UK speed limit rule 'unpopular' with drivers could be axed after 'urgent review'

A UK speed limit law could be scrapped after it proved "unpopular" and leaders promised an "urgent review". Motorists and drivers up and down Wales could soon find changes to the widespread 20mph zones in the country, it has been revealed.

Mark Harper posted on social media platform X: “20mph limits should only be used in the right places, like outside schools. While the Welsh Labour Govt is finally starting to agree with the @Conservatives, it must be frustrating for those Welsh drivers ignored by Labour & for Welsh taxpayers who have to pick up the bill.

“Now Labour have begun to undo their anti-driver policies, they must urgently review their ideological ban on new road building – particularly for safety schemes.” It comes after new Welsh transport secretary Ken Skates admitted the country could row back on the measures.

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Mr Skates said: “There is a growing consensus in this debate that 20mph is right around schools, hospitals and nurseries. I really strongly feel across the chamber there is support for 20mph in those areas where it is appropriate especially where children and the elderly are at risk.

"In such areas, it all makes sense, it all makes people feel safer but we do need to make sure that 20 mph is targeted in those places as we always promised it would be. Changes will be done with and for the communities we all serve with the voice of citizens at the heart of all we do."

Responding to the debate, one driver on Twitter said: "What about the streets where the children live? And the streets they walk along on their way to school?" They asked: "Don't they have the right to be safe on those streets as well?"

A second said: "Good morning, Minister. Have you spoken with @MickWhelanASLEF yet about starting negotiations to end this dispute? My suggestion would be to allow individual TOCs to speak directly with Union reps as this would be far simpler and quicker.."

Another said: "And how do children get to the edges of these 20mph zones safely? Shouldn't they be safe on their _whole_ journey?" Another typed: "Kids do not teleport to school. They walk alongside the road all the way from their homes to school. It must be frustrating for children and parents to know that for the majority of their journey, you do not care about their lives as much as you care about drivers going fast."