Powys set to spend big on reversing 20mph zones

Powys County Council is set to spend a large chunk of £250,000 on reverting some 20mph zones back to 30mph, with more to come in the next financial year.

The controversial Welsh Government scheme has proved to be successful in reducing accidents on our roads, but has been criticised for the way it was implemented as a default option instead of a case-by-case basis.

The Welsh Government estimates that it cost around £32.5 million to implement the 20mph speed limit in Wales. This cost includes: publicity, new and replacement signage, and road marking alterations. 

It claimed at the time 18 months ago that the cost was “outweighed” by the reduced impact on the NHS and emergency services.

But in a change of heart following a public backlash, the Senedd has agreed to allow county councils to change some areas back to 30mph, but at more cost to the tax payer.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The council received £250,000 from the Welsh Government during the current financial year for the implementation of the 20mph scheme.

“The funding is being used to complete necessary road markings and signage as part of the initial implementation. Following the listening period in which the public were invited to request a review, we will shortly be consulting with local county councillors and town and community councils on draft proposals.

“Any remaining funding will be utilised to complete the legal procedures and make any necessary signage changes for any sections of roads that comply with the Welsh Government Guidance on reverting roads back to 30mph.”

It has also been revealed that some councils predicted the change of heart and simply stored the old 30mph signs to be put back into place, but that doesn’t appear to be the case in Powys.

“Any signs that were removed as part of the roll-out 20mph scheme that were in a good condition have been reused elsewhere on the highway network,” the spokesperson told us. “Any signs that reached the end of their serviceable life have been recycled.”

PICTURE: The implementation didn’t go down well in many parts of the Welshpool area, with some vandals making their opinions know by spray painting to new signs.