I have written to Anglesey County Council asking it to get on with rolling out exceptions to the Labour government’s 20mph default speed limit.
So far, the authority has given only 17 exceptions to the controversial limit when neighbouring Gwynedd has done so 85 times.
In the letter to the council chief executive Dylan Williams, I said: “We have discussed the 20mph default speed limit a number of times and you will be aware that I recently hosted a 20mph Summit in Llangefni.
“The summit was convened to give my Ynys Môn constituents the opportunity to share their experiences of the 20mph limit and areas which might be considered to become exceptions to the limit.
“The reduced speed in many of our villages has had a significant impact on journey times which has, in turn, affected bus timetables, carer provision, etc. Many of my constituents are struggling to attend appointments, manage work/school schedules whilst others tell me they are now effectively cut-off from public transport.
“You informed me several weeks ago that the council is waiting for updated guidance from the Welsh Government to be released before considering any further exceptions. The guidance has still not been issued and following yesterday’s announcement from the Welsh Government we know it will not be released until July at the earliest.
“I understand that other local authorities are consulting on and progressing exceptions. I would therefore ask, on behalf of my constituents, that Anglesey Council at least gets the ball rolling and commences a consultation process.”
She added that during her 20mph summit potential exceptions were discussed including: the A5025 through Four Mile Bridge, the A5 through Gaerwen and the A5025 through Benllech except for the central area around the crossroads.
I added: “I have received many emails, letters and calls from constituents concerned about this change. The petition against this policy stands at over 460,000 signatures, of which 8,796 are from Ynys Môn.
“This policy is wreaking havoc in Wales, with bus companies having to make further cuts to their services as a result. I believe it would be more appropriate to only introduce this speed limit around schools, hospitals, care homes, playgrounds and built-up residential areas.”
