Andrew RT Davies MS - Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has given a damning criticism of the Welsh Government over what he calls a ‘disastrous blanket 20mph speed limit’ roll-out over the country, with ‘little to no consultation’.

The Welsh Government’s 20mph rollout reducing many 30mph speed limits to 20mph, in accordance with new legislation, began on September 17, but many across the country are calling for it to be rescinded already.

Welsh Government has stated that it has made the change to ‘help save lives and protect our communities’.

Commenting on the matter, Andrew RT Davies said: “This week we saw a record-breaking Senedd petition calling for Labour to rescind their disastrous blanket 20mph speed limit, reach over 400,000 signatures from Wales.

“To put this into perspective, the petition has now received more signatures than those who voted for Labour in the last Senedd election.

“The Welsh Conservatives will always support 20mph speed limits where it’s appropriate, but we cannot support a blanket approach, which Labour have imposed onto the people of Wales. It is clear from the petition that the Welsh public agree.

“What has caused this massive uproar is the way this blanket change has been rolled out. Little to no consultation – and when the people were asked and they said no, Labour pressed ahead with it regardless.

“Labour have admitted that it will harm the economy. The Police have said it will change the way they deploy their officers. A fireman has explained how it will slow down fire engines getting to an emergency. And emissions will actually go up,” he continued.

“On top of all of that, people are rightly angry about the cost.

“Instead of wasting money on their vanity projects like their blanket 20mph rollout, you might think Labour would prioritise finally ending the inhumane two-year waits in the Welsh NHS.

“Or reducing the drop in the number of young people taking GCSEs in ICT and Maths. Or doing away with the £1,600 payments for illegal immigrants.

“No, instead of addressing these pressing issues, they have attacked motorists. Costing the Welsh economy up to £9 billion in the process. But what does that £9 billion hit actually mean?

“Simply, it’s less money coming in through taxes to pay for nurses, doctors and teachers.

“It means less money for businesses to give pay rises or bonuses to staff.

“Ultimately, it’s less money in your pocket to pay for the things you want to do for you and your family.

“However, it’s all fine for Labour as they’re creating jobs for the boys. Labour, Plaid and the Lib Dems would rather spend £120 million on more out of touch politicians than giving our nurses a pay rise.

“Twenty-five years of Labour running Wales has put us at the bottom of every league table. Labour need to change their priorities and put the people of Wales first,” he added.