Ken Skates took over as the new transport minister in Wales in March 2024. Since then he has pledged a review of the 20mph blanket speed limit imposed throughout built-up areas in Wales in September 2023.

On Tuesday, April 17, Mr Skates said that he supported a 20mph limit especially where children and elderly people were at risk.  “But we do need to make sure 20mph is truly targeted in those places, as we always promised it would be and we'll need to work exceptionally closely with our partners in local government, with town and community councils, and indeed citizens, in order to achieve that. Changes will be done with and for the communities that we all serve, with the voice of citizens right at the heart of all we do."

Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, welcomed the remarks from Mr Skates: “We also welcome his plan to work collaboratively to address a move which has proven to be a divisive one for the Welsh public. We have long been urging the Welsh government to rethink this policy and to instead focus on creating a road network which benefits all users. We will continue to engage with the new transport secretary and the Welsh government on this issue which is important to our members.”

Photo:  Ken Skates.