The change of default speed limit in built up areas will take place on 17th September 2023.
This is a Welsh Government National change which all Local Authorities in Wales must comply with.
When the legislation changes all roads will automatically default to 20mph. This means that the maximum speed you can legally travel at will be 20mph. Some roads will remain at 30mph and these will then be signed in the same way that roads with higher speed limits are now.
Any signage that is in place indicating a 20mph limit will be removed and there will be no signage in place to remind you of the speed limit – much in the same way as it is in the current 30mph limits.
Over the next few months you will see:
- A Traffic Regulation Order process involving public consultation on roads that have been assessed as appropriate to retain at 30 mph.
- The removal of 20 mph signage starting with carriageway roundels and gateway features and finishing with the statutory 20mph speed limit signs.
- The installation of 30mph signage where appropriate after the TRO consultation has concluded - this will be covered until the Coming in Force date
- A Welsh Government led communications process to alert the public to the change
The Welsh Government and Cardiff Council are working closely with GoSafe, the organisation responsible for enforcing speeds in Wales to ensure that motorists are aware of the new default limit.
These changes apply across Wales and more information can be found on the Welsh Government 20mph pages
The project to alter signage will be taking place across the city and we appreciate your patience whilst this is taking place.
Welsh Government has indicated that local authorities will have a buffer of 6 months after the 17th September 2023 to check that signage is correct
The Central North Cardiff Project
Cardiff Council has been committed to expanding 20mph limits to all residential areas in the city, with a significant part of the city already having 20mph limits in place.
The Central North Cardiff Project has been part of the Welsh Government ‘Phase 1’ scheme to help develop the technical processes, enforcement, and communications strategies as part of the national change to a 20mph default speed limit.
20mph speed limits have been introduced in the following wards:
- Llandaff North
- Whitchurch and Tongwynlais
- Rhiwbina
- Heath
All residential streets in these wards will be limited to 20mph, apart from Manor Way and Western Avenue which will remain at 30mph. The area will be signed for 20mph but will not have many roundels painted in the street.
Monitoring of the project is being undertaken by Transport for Wales who are collating the data and will report on behalf of Welsh Government as part of the wider project.
Cardiff Council is not responsible for enforcement of speed. This is a police matter and in Wales is undertaken by GoSafe who have been involved in the 20 mph Phase 1 project and the work to prepare for the new default limit.
Council contractors are finalising the installation the lines and signs for these Phase 1 areas. Please be patient while this takes place but if you see anything that appears to be incorrect, please let us know by contacting us with a clear description and location of the issue. Your help is appreciated.