20mph: new legislation in Pembrokeshire and Wales

20mph will become the default speed limit on 30mph roads in Wales, from 17 September 2023.

It follows Senedd approval of The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 (opens in a new tab) legislation.

The Welsh Government is making this change for a number of reasons, including:

• Reducing the number of collisions and reducing the number of severe injuries (and also reduce the impact on the NHS to treat the people who are injured)
• It will encourage more people to walk and cycle in our communities
• Helping to improve our health and wellbeing
• Making our streets safer; and
• Safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Not all roads currently at 30mph will be suitable to change to 20mph. These roads will be known as exceptions (please see the link below for more information on these).

Like all highway authorities in Wales, we must follow the statutory process on traffic regulation orders to make exceptions.

Wales will be one of the first countries in the world and the first nation in the UK to introduce legislation to have a 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists. 

Eight communities were selected for the first phase of the 20mph national programme, including St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire: Pilot Project, St Dogmaels (opens in a new tab) 

Exceptions

Proposals relating to the 20mph legislation in Pembrokeshire (opens in a new tab): Consultation period 17/05/2023 – 07/06/2023

Useful links

Welsh Government 20mph legislation (opens in a new tab)

Welsh Government 20mph legislation: frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)