Additional 20mph exceptions considered

The number of exceptions to the 20mph limit in built up areas in Torfaen could increase to 44 under revised proposals. 

In September 2023, the Welsh Government changed the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built up areas. The new legislation meant 30mph roads defaulted to 20mph, unless they met Welsh Government guidance to be classed as an exception.    

In Torfaen, 36 exceptions were put in place - among the most in Wales.  

Last year, the Welsh Government invited residents to contact their local authorities to suggest additional exceptions and issued revised guidance to councils on the assessment criteria.

Torfaen Council received a total of 702 comments about roads in the borough, with a mix of views for and against exemptions. 

The council reviewed all suggestions according to the revised guidance, and is proposing the following roads are added to the exceptions to the 20mph limit:   

• Newport Road, Cwmbran (part) 
• Estate Road, Blaenavon (including Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate)  
• The A4043 north from Pontypool towards Abersychan (part) 
• New Road, between Griffithstown and New Inn (part) 
• Usk Road, New Inn (part) 
• Riverside, Pontypool 
• Turnpike Road, Llanyravon (part)  
• B4236 Caerleon Road (part) - 40mph section 

As part of the assessment, councils were expected to consider whether an increase in speed will have a negative impact on road safety when compared against previous personal injury collision records. 

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will now be produced for each road, which is a legal process councils must follow to alter any speed limit. Details will be published in the local area, on the council’s website and in the local press. 

Every TRO will be subject to a public consultation. The council is required to consider any comments or objections prior to implementing any changes. Depending on the outcome of the statutory consultations, work to implement the changes should be completed by the end of spring. 

Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “I’d like to thank residents for contributing to the consultation period. We have used the criteria to assess every suggested exception.  

“The new 20mph default speed limit has had a positive impact in many of our communities, reducing the speed of traffic and helping residents living on those streets and other road users to feel safer. 

"But we understand it isn’t appropriate in every area. That’s reflected in lots of the consultation responses, with many residents welcoming slower speeds on their street, but some drivers using those roads disagreeing. That’s why we’ve tried to take a pragmatic approach in Torfaen, with among the highest number of exceptions in Wales.”