A massive driving law change set to be introduced in Wales that will see urban roads downgraded to a default 20mph speed limit - is said to be at a cost of £4.5bn to the Welsh economy.

Now a local Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, wants to know the views of the general public through a consultation he has launched.

As of September 2023, the Welsh Government have confirmed that urban roads will see their speed limit downgraded to a default 20mph - a decision which has been made by Welsh Labour politicians in Cardiff Bay.

This change in legislation will see Wales become one of the first countries in the world, and the first nation in the UK, to introduce a compulsory 20mph speed limit on all roads in urban areas.

However, the Welsh Government has confirmed that this universal change in speed limit will come at a cost of £4.5bn to the Welsh economy.

Despite the huge impact this will have on daily lives, there is concern amongst local politicians that this decision has been made without any consultation with the Welsh public.

In response to the Welsh Government’s lack of public consideration, Samuel Kurtz MS has launched his own consultation to seek local views on this massive change to driving law.

Speaking about the drastic change in speed limit, Mr Kurtz said: “Lower speed limits outside schools, hospitals and other areas where there is clear evidence of it being necessary and appropriate is, of course, welcomed.

“But this blanket 20mph approach on main artery roads, is a sledgehammer to crack a nut policy that’s been taken with little to no consultation with local communities in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

“These changes are set to substantially increase traffic congestion, exacerbate emission rates, and hugely impact on local businesses; all at a cost of £4.5bn to the Welsh economy.

“If you want to have your say on these changes, please consider filling out my survey consultation found on my website. It’s vital the Welsh Government are aware of local concerns about this ill-thought policy.”

You can find Samuel Kurtz’ public consultation on the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy by visiting: https://www.samuelkurtz.wales/campaigns/20mph-speed-limit-survey.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government stated: These changes will affect most 30mph roads but not all.

“This legislation changes the default speed limited on restricted roads. These are generally residential or busy pedestrian streets with streetlights. 

“But not all 30mph roads are restricted roads, and these remain at 30mph, and will be signed.

“For restricted roads, local authorities and the 2 Trunk Road Agencies, can also make exceptions to the default speed limit in consultation with their communities.

“We have published a map on DataMapWales that shows which roads would stay at 30mph,” they added.