VALE council chiefs have called on the Welsh Government to introduce 20mph speed limits across the board.

Vale of Glamorgan Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, Cllr Geoff Cox, has written to Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates AM.

The letter sets out the council’s view that 20mph speed limits cannot be realised unless the government takes the lead and sets an all-Wales approach.

Councils are responsible for setting speed limits, but most in Wales have only brought in 20mph zones by schools.

Cllr Cox said: “I can see the potential benefits of 20mph speed limits for specific traffic speed related problems. I recognise that there are a number of local and national groups advocating the introduction of such limits on a significant scale across the Vale of Glamorgan, a number of whom I have personally met, however I am also aware that there are many residents in the Vale who are opposed to the concept.

“Changing the minimum speeds in many areas of the Vale from 30mph to 20mph as is being suggested by some groups, represents a major decision for this council and one which I feel requires input and guidance from our government; due to the lack of evidence available of their success to date, the juxtaposition of our residents, the cost of their introduction, which is estimated at £700k for this council, and the fact that this is a Wales, or even, a UK wide issue.”

Cardiff is the only council to introduce the reduced speed limit in most of its residential streets, compared with more than 50 in England.

Anthony Slaughter, one of the founders of the ‘20’s Plenty for Penarth’ campaign said: “It is disappointing to see the Vale council avoiding a decision on this vital issue. A Vale wide 20mph limit on all urban and residential roads would greatly increase the safety, health and well-being of residents.”