Monmouthshire council scraps 20mph limit in towns involved in trial

The Welsh Government passed a new law, this summer, making the lower speed the ‘default limit’ for most residential roads in Wales from September next year. 

But in response to the Welsh Government clarifying its rules around speed limits Monmouthshire County Council, in July, said it would restore the old 30 mph limit in Caldicot where there had been a number of objections to the lower limit that had been trialed since April. 

Residents had a chance to make further comments on the reversal throughout August and a report for the cabinet member for highways, Catrin Maby, is now recommending the council press ahead with reintroducing the 30 mph limit. 

It will see a section of the B4245 between Woodstock Way and the Castlegate roundabout revert to the 30 mph limit as well as a section of Caldicot Road between the Castlegate roundabout and the bridge over the former railway line to Portskewett. 

However on the B4245 there will be a part-time 20 mph limit outside Durand Primary School at school start and finish times, with the exact times to be agreed with the headteacher. 

The Welsh Government’s project officer for the 20 mph limit gave its backing to the council’s decision as it based on the advice it issued around local highway authorities making exceptions to the new, lower limit based on the layout of local roads and their use. 

The council will also confirm the 30mph “buffer” on the B4293 heading north out of Devauden, where there is a 20 mph limit, will also be extended to include a bus stop used by the school bus. No objections or comments were received in response to the proposal. 

The 20 mph pilot in Monmouthshire’s Severnside cost £243,790 which was funded by the Welsh Government while the introduction of the restored higher speed limits is expected to cost around £10,000 which the council will meet from its highways budget. 

The changes are due to be confirmed in a decision by Cllr Maby to be issued on Wednesday, November 30.