20mph: 'Go-slow' protestors take to roads across Wales

  • Report by ITV Cymru Wales reporter, Lewis Rhys Jones

Several 'go-slow' protests are taking place this weekend to oppose the rollout of the 20mph speed limit in Wales.

The protests are part of 'National Convoy Day' organised to oppose the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London.

One of the protests happening today was a convoy along the M4 between Pont Abraham and Cardiff.

Drivers protested on some of the country's busiest roads including on the A55 near St Asaph. Credit: Andy Lowe

Mark Kearle, Convoy Leader, said: "We've got to get them (the Welsh Government) to listen some how because at the moment Mark Drakeford isn't listening and he needs to realise there is a lot of anger out here and we need to get this changed."

Jonathan Faull, who took part in the convoy, explained that they wanted to do it at the weekend because "I think it would be unreasonable for us to do it during the week when we would cause significant disruption to people's working regimes."

Annette Jones also participated in the convoy and said: "The money would have been so much better spent on the services that are already set up for saving lives like the NHS, mental health services, adult services. There's so many of them all breaking under the strain of decades of chronic under funding."

Last month drivers had staged a 'go-slow' protest on some of Wales' busiest roads in opposition to the new 20mph default speed limit.

A petition against the limit has since reached nearly 500,000 signatures, prompting many to urge for the rule to be overturned.

Last week, the First Minister had told MPs that he will take seriously the petition against the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy but is standing by the change.

First Minister will take the petition against the 20mph rollout 'seriously'

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The introduction of a 20mph speed limit in mainly residential areas is designed to save lives and make our communities safer for everyone, including motorists.

"It has been thoroughly researched, voted on in the Senedd and received the backing from a majority of Senedd Members. There has been extensive consultation and it has been trialled in communities across Wales.”

'Go-slow' protests on main roads as drivers oppose new 20mph default speed limit

Here's the list of 'go-slow' convoys that are currently planned for Saturday, October 28:

  • Llanddulas to Wrexham:

     10.30am departure

  • Wrexham to Bangor Services:

     10.30am departure

  • Welshpool/Newtown to Cardiff:

     Details to be confirmed

  • Magor Services to Cardiff on the M4:

     10am

  • Pont Abraham Services to Cardiff:

     9am-9.30am

  • Swansea to Cardiff:

     9.30am

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