Drivers in Wales could see the removal of mandated 20mph speed limit roads across the country before the end of year, despite major law changes being introduced just months ago.
The Welsh Government said it would "listen to the people" and work with councils to deliver targeted change after the controversial rollout of 20mph roads.
In a speech to the Welsh Senedd, Transport Secretary Ken Skates said citizens of Wales would be at the heart of the decision-making process going forward.
This will include the implementation of a three-phase plan on 20mph, just months after the disastrous introduction of the scheme, which was met with fierce backlash from drivers.
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Some 20mph roads could be reversed by the end of the year
GETTYBetween April and July, the Welsh Government will listen to "bus drivers, emergency services, the police, young people, vulnerable people, businesses and councillors in county, town and community councils" to understand the impact of the rule changes.
In addition to working with key players, the Government and councils will look at specific local roads to see what changes could be introduced.
It has called on Welsh citizens to tell their councils where 20mph roads should be targeted, with the Government previously hinting that they could be most appropriate near schools.
Once the consultation process has finished, highway authorities will be able to adjust speed limits on relevant roads, scheduled to begin from September.
Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, outlined: "We’ve started by listening. I have been clear in all my conversations that we will put communities at the heart of our thinking and will listen to people.
“As I have already said there is growing consensus on safe speeds in communities that we can build from. We continue to believe 20mph is the right speed limit in places such as near schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centres, play areas and in built-up residential areas.
“The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads. What I am doing now is listening to what people want for the roads in their communities, and pressing ahead with refining the policy and getting the right speed on the right roads."
Drivers are now being urged to tell their councils where the 20mph roads could best be implemented.
Reacting to the announcement, Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “This decision will please a great many drivers in Wales, but it’s a shame so many roads that should have always remained at 30mph were unnecessarily converted to 20mph.
“More public money now needs to be spent changing signs back at a time when funds are already stretched.
"We are very supportive of 20mph limits being implemented in places where there’s a greater presence of pedestrians and cyclists as they are proven to reduce road casualties, but when used on roads that are clearly better suited to 30mph, there’s a risk drivers don’t obey the limit and their effectiveness is undermined.
RAC data found that half of drivers who admit to speeding on 20mph roads said they do so because they feel the limit is inappropriate.
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The 20mph speed limit policy was introduced in September last year GETTYIn comparison, just 28 per cent of motorists say they speed on 30mph roads for the same reason.
