New 20mph speed limit aims to boost road safety
As communities across Wales prepare for the introduction of a new 20mph speed limit on 17 September, Bridgend County Borough Council has revealed which local roads the authority believes should feature exemptions from the change.
Part of a Welsh Government initiative to improve road safety across Wales, the speed limit change is designed to reduce the likelihood of related collisions, injuries and fatalities on roads or portions of routes which currently carry a 30mph limit and are largely located within residential and built-up areas.
The list of proposed exemptions has been compiled following careful analysis by the council’s Traffic Management team using Welsh Government criteria as well as feedback from local residents. This was gathered during extensive public consultation held earlier in the year which resulted in a number of adjustments to the lengths of several of the proposed exempt routes.
To ensure that Bridgend County Borough is ready for the launch of the new speed limit, a proposed traffic order has been published and is available to view at the council website. This details which roads or specific parts of a route will retain the 30mph limit, and explains how people can comment upon or object to individual exemptions. The retained roads and portions of routes have also been uploaded to the Datamap Wales website to make it easier for people to check their exact locations and lengths.
Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for transport, said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives. Slower speeds also help create a safer and more welcoming community, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, improving their health and wellbeing whilst protecting the environment.”
Cllr John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Research carried out as part of a Welsh public health study has suggested that a 20mph default speed limit could result in 40 per cent fewer collisions, save between six and 10 lives a year, and avoid injuries for between 1,200 to 2000 people.
“Evidence has also confirmed that when vehicle speeds are lowered, people feel more comfortable walking and cycling. It is much safer for children to play or to walk to and from school, and people who are older, disabled or who have additional needs find it easier to travel independently.
“As not all roads are suitable for a 20mph speed limit, we have carefully analysed and considered a total of 97 local routes where we do not feel a change would be beneficial. Residents can be assured that Bridgend County Borough will be ready for when the speed limit change takes place on 17 September, and that we will be monitoring the scheme closely.”
- The 97 proposed exemptions are available to view at Datamap Wales, and the proposed traffic order is at bridgend.gov.uk/business/licensing/legal-notices-and-orders/ – residents have until 31 August to submit comments or objections to the identified routes.
- The Welsh Government website features an extensive FAQ on the 20mph speed limit scheme.
Council takes action to maintain safety at Maesteg Bus Station
A temporary traffic order that was introduced at Maesteg Bus Station in 2022 to help avoid collisions and maintain public safety has now been made permanent by Bridgend County Borough Council.
The traffic order prevents all vehicles other than authorised buses from using the station as a turning circle or for purposes such as parking, to load and unload, to pick up or drop off passengers and more.
The temporary version of the order was introduced after safety concerns were raised by public transport providers. This was followed by a collision between a bus and a parked car, which prompted First Cymru Buses Limited to withdraw its services from the station for a short period.
Cllr John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “Following a highly successful trial run, the traffic order has been made permanent in order to maintain public safety at the busy bus station.
“As well as establishing rules on how the bus station area can be used, we have also introduced new road markings and double-yellow lines at the site so that drivers will know not to enter.
“Such misuse of the bus station presents a clear safety hazard, especially when free town centre car parking is already available within Maesteg.
“The council’s enforcement officers will be continuing to monitor the situation to ensure compliance and help keep people safe.”
Bridgend’s biggest jobs fair is back
Bridgend County Borough’s biggest jobs fair is returning to the Bowls Hall, Bridgend Life Centre on Thursday 14 September and there will be plenty of exciting opportunities on offer.
The ‘Bridgend Jobs, Careers and Prospects Fair’ is a free event run by the council’s Employability Bridgend team in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. The doors will open to visitors at 10am and the event will finish at 1pm.
Alongside the wide range of job opportunities available in the ‘Employment Zone’ visitors, including pupils from schools across the county borough, will be able to find out more about careers with the local authority in the ‘Career Zone’ and spend time in the ‘Training Zone’ which will feature various providers showcasing a range of development opportunities.
Some of the employers confirmed to date, are:
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- CGI
- Tata Steel
- Avon Cosmetics
- Bridgend College
- First Cymru
- Every care
A range of temporary and permanent vacancies will be available to apply for on the day. Staff from a variety of council departments will be on hand to provide details on current vacancies with the local authority and the Employability Bridgend team will be available to offer support with applications.
Anyone looking for employment, volunteering placements, advice on training and support opportunities will find them at the Jobs, Careers and Prospects Fair.
Car parking at Halo Bridgend Life Centre is free for two hours at the front of the building, but your car number plate must be registered at reception. You can also get three hours of free parking at the Rhiw Car Park.
Over the years, the event has attracted large numbers of visitors, and employers have been matched with excellent candidates to fill their vacancies.
The Leader, Cllr Huw David, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Job Centre Plus once again, to bring our latest jobs fair to Bridgend County Borough. With free admission, easy access via public transport and free car parking, it’s easy to pop down and visit.
“We have a great line-up of businesses taking part so far, with a wide range of opportunities on offer, from apprenticeships right through to full-time employment, there’s something for everyone.”