Protesters gathered in Cardiff to voice their discontent with Wales' new 20mph speed limit, as an online petition opposing the reduced limit surpasses 400,000 signatures.
Last week, Wales took the pioneering step of becoming the first UK nation to lower speed limits in urban areas from 30mph to 20mph.
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Cardiff on Saturday, brandishing banners denouncing the speed limit change and various other concerns. The Welsh government has defended the new default speed limit, asserting that its primary aim is to enhance road safety and save lives.
In addition to protesting the speed limit, demonstrators' banners conveyed their dissatisfaction with Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), Clean Air Zones (CAZ), digital IDs, "cashless societies," and urged individuals to "defy the travel lockdown."
The online petition opposing the speed limit reduction has garnered an unprecedented number of signatures for the Senedd, Wales' parliamentary body, far exceeding the previous record of 67,000 signatures. In contrast, a counter-petition in support of the new limit has garnered approximately 500 signatures at this point.
On Friday, the Welsh Conservatives announced their intention to initiate a vote of no confidence against Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters, who played a key role in implementing the new law. Natasha Asghar, Welsh Tory transport spokeswoman, expressed that Mr. Waters' position is untenable and called for his resignation. Asghar accused Mr. Waters of attempting to undermine the will of the Welsh majority due to his inability to admit a mistake.
Both Mr. Waters and First Minister Mark Drakeford have staunchly defended the policy, emphasizing that it was a commitment outlined in their election manifesto. Mr. Waters argued that lower speed limits promote a sense of safety for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing the reliance on motor vehicles.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government reiterated that the introduction of the 20mph speed limit in residential areas is a well-researched measure intended to enhance safety for all community members, including motorists. The policy was voted on in the Senedd and received the backing of the majority of its members. Photo by 20mph speed limit along Cwm Lane, Rogerstone, Newport by Jaggery, Wikimedia commons.