Update on village speed issue
Councillor Richard John writes:
Many thanks for the data from the village poll – that was very helpful. The figures were a little closer than I was expecting, but we’ve shared that with officers**. We had a very constructive meeting and shared the feedback we’d received not just at the public meeting but also over email since. It is clear that the preference of the majority is for a 30mph limit, although there is also a significant number of residents who support a 20mph zone, although evidently less than half the population.
As residents will recall, these changes are largely about introducing 20mph zones, but we presented the evidence in favour of a 30mph zone in Penallt on the basis of public support but also that the nature of the village is quite different to Devauden or Trellech. The village has very few passing motorists and there is a much greater proportion of local drivers.
Since our last meeting with officers, they had received additional guidance from Welsh Government, setting out the communities they believe meet the criteria for a 20mph zone. While Penallt doesn’t have the regularity of street lighting to automatically be included in the legislation, Welsh Government officials believe that due to population density, Penallt should be included in the 20mph rollout. We’re now waiting for officers to consider the evidence we’ve provided and weigh that against the advice they’ve received from Welsh Government.
Jayne (McKenna) and I strongly believe that any changes need the support of local residents, especially in a small village like Penallt where most road users are local. We also believe that 20mph zones need to be used sparingly where there is a strong case to enforce 20mph because you can’t expect motorists to stick to that speed everywhere.
We’ll let you know when we have further information.
Councillor Jayne McKenna concurs with the above and says of the survey that “our input and help have been invaluable”.
** Traffic engineer Graham Kinsella and Head of Highways and Planning Mark Hand
Richard John and Jayne McKenna are our two MCC Councillors representing the Mitchel Troy and Trellech United ward