Monmouthshire County Council has conducted a comprehensive review of the 20mph speed limits across the county, following the Welsh Government’s call to gather residents’ feedback and provision of new ’30mph exception’ guidance in 2024. 

The council participated in the first phase of the 20mph rollout in 2022-3, with selected roads in Abergavenny and the Severnside area included as two of the eight national pilot projects. 

Participating in the pilot helped us to prepare for the national rollout in 2023. We recognised that the way each local road is used is different, and we reviewed each one with local councillors before making decisions within the scope of the original exceptions guidance from the Welsh Government. We also amended certain roads in the pilot, including changes to the B4245 and Caldicot Road going back to 30mph following feedback.

The council’s request for feedback generated 1,496 responses from residents. The feedback highlighted 143 roads where some residents felt that returning to the 30mph speed limit would be more appropriate. After conducting an analysis, four roads were selected for reassessment: B4245 through Magor, Undy, Rogiet, and Caldicot; Hereford Road, Abergavenny; A4143, Abergavenny; and A4077 Abergavenny Road and Cae Meldon, Gilwern.

After reassessing the identified roads against the Welsh Government’s updated 30mph guidance, which reiterates the importance of providing a safe environment for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, taking into account also the movement function and road characteristics, the council has concluded that no further changes are required, and all roads currently set at 20mph should remain. 

To find out more about the reassessment, visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/welsh-governments-default-20mph-speed-limit/

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback during the review. The council’s top priority is the safety of all our residents and visitors. The reassessment concluded that all roads changed to a 20mph speed limit will remain at that limit.”

It is important to note that comments related to the general policy or Trunk Roads were not considered, as these are matters for the Welsh Government.

For more information on the updated Welsh Government 20mph Speed Limits FAQ, please visit https://www.gov.wales/introducing-20mph-speed-limits-frequently-asked-questions