WIREDGOV

Transport Minister, Edwina Hart, has announced £500,000 funding to introduce part-time 20mph mandatory speed limits outside eight schools across Wales.

Part-time advisory 20mph speed limits will be in place by the end of April 2015, and will be made mandatory shortly after subject to legal orders being passed.  If successful and subject to funding the speed limits could then be rolled-out to other schools, next to or nearby trunk roads, over the next two financial years.

The eight schools were identified during the first part of a Welsh Government review of community safety on Wales’ trunk road network. More measures to improve safety for people living alongside trunk roads will be announced early in 2015.

Mrs Hart said:

“I am committed to improving the safety on Wales’ trunk road network and improving conditions for those who live, work and go to school on or nearby trunk roads. The evidence shows that 20mph speed limits can improve driver behaviour and reduce speeds around schools, however enforcement is key to the success of the speed limit.

“However due to the nature of the trunk road network and some of the long distance journeys undertaken we need to balance the need of the drivers and that is why I have decided to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits, around when pupils are traveling to and from school. As well as improving safety I hope this will encourage more children and young people to walk or cycle to school.”

The eight schools to receive the initial funding are:

• Ysgol Gynradd Penllwyn, Ceredigion
• Ysgol Gynradd Talybont, Ceredigion
• Ysgol Gynradd Llanarth, Ceredigion
• Ysgol Y Glanllwyd, Gwynedd
• Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd, Gwynedd
• Ysgol OM Edwards Lanuwchllyn, Gwynedd
• Newbridge on Wye CIW School, Powys
• Llanelwedd CIW School, Powys