Wales’ 20mph speed limit backfires as cycle race turns to chaos | UK | News
The race route has been changed due to the 20 mph speed limit (Image: GETTY/Beico Cymru)
The route of a prestigious Welsh cycle race has been changed and shortened – because the 20mph speed limit imposed by the local government means support vehicles could not keep up with the riders without breaking the law.
Councillor David Thomas, leader of the reform group at Torfean County Borough Council, through which the Junior Tour of Wales will pass, described the situation as “embarrassing” while criticising the Welsh Government’s “rigid adherence” to its policy – despite polls suggesting widespread opposition.
The Junior Tour of Wales is an annual race that began in 1981. Participants have included former Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and double mountain bike gold medallist Tom Pidcock.
A total of 100 runners will start the race in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, on Friday and will travel through Powys and Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire over the weekend.
The race ends with a final stage through Monmouthshire on Monday.
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Councillor David Thomas with British Reform MP Lee Anderson and two other councillors (Image: Wales Online)
Three of the five stages were changed because support vehicles could not keep up with the riders’ pace without exceeding 20 mph.
The race finish has been moved from Nantgaredig in Carmarthenshire, the hometown of triple Olympic cycling medallist Emma Finucane.
Mr Thomas told Express.co.uk: “The road problems continue here in Wales.”
He said the change of route was a “glaring example of the Welsh Government’s failure to consider the practical consequences of its policies”.
Councillor Thomas added: “While the intention behind reducing speed limits in some locations is understandable, the evidence surrounding the decision remains questionable at best, and blanket enforcement without exceptions for events such as this is short-sighted and damaging.
“Polls this week clearly show that Welsh people think this policy is wrong, with seven in 10 people objecting to its rigid application.”
The decision not only disrupted the event but also reflected what Mr Thomas called “a lack of foresight and flexibility on the part of the Welsh Government”.
The 20mph zone has proven highly controversial (Image: GETTY)
He explained: “Instead of supporting an event that attracts attention and brings economic benefits to the region, the government’s rigid adherence to these limits undermines the race and casts doubt on its commitment to balancing safety with the needs of local communities and organisations.
“It is time for the Welsh Government to reassess its approach and ensure that future policies are better suited to the practical realities of local communities and such significant events.”
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservative group in the Senedd, said: “This is just another example of the absurd consequences of this crazy policy.
“Every day people in Wales face further inconvenience because of this measure, and now new 20mph zones are coming to England under the UK Labour government.
“It is time to put the brakes on this policy and abandon the default speed limit of 20 mph.”
Robbie George, development and events director for Beicio Cymru, the governing body for cycling in Wales, said: “Overall, the speed default is a positive – proven by the reduction in road accidents and resulting insurance claims.
“We now have a safer Wales which, over time, will help build the confidence needed for more people to take part in cycling.
“For racing it’s a challenge. Beicio Cymru and its partners have been trying to resolve the impact on racing for two years, right up until the last minute, but it hasn’t been possible.”
Organisers had requested temporary traffic orders to ensure riders and the convoy could maintain a speed of 20mph in the sections but were unable to obtain them, Mr George revealed.
He added: “While some recognise that cyclists cannot be prosecuted for speeding, we still have a convoy of vehicles to manage and we also have no benchmark for what happens if an incident occurs in a 20mph zone.
“We make decisions to protect the riders, the organizers, ourselves and cycling in general.
“It’s not as simple as sticking to the limits, especially when the 20mph zones aren’t all the same.
“In some sections, uphill, the speed limit will not be exceeded and will therefore not pose a problem; in other sections, downhill, riders will be able to double the speed limit.”
In September last year, Wales became the first country in the UK to lower the default speed limit from 30 to 20mph in built-up areas.
A petition against the law, published on the Welsh Parliament’s website, has been signed by almost 470,000 people.
The Welsh Government says reducing the speed limit will protect lives and save the NHS in Wales £92 million a year.
He predicts that this change will save up to 100 lives and 20,000 victims in the first decade.
Not all 30mph roads will have their speed limits reduced, as councils have the power to exempt certain routes.
The project cost around £33 million to implement and has proved controversial, with reports that the new 20mph signs have been defaced in areas including Conwy, Gwynedd, Newport, Torfaen, Wrexham and Flintshire.
The Welsh Conservatives opposed the plan, citing Welsh Government documents estimating the cost to the Welsh economy of increased journey times at between £2.7 billion and £8.9 billion.
