One week to go to 20 mph. Next Sunday sees the biggest traffic speed shake up since we abandoned the man walking ahead with the red flag.
'Most journeys will be around a minute longer'
Does this sound right? It may be so in the southern conurbations or even in August along the Llandudno - Rhyl coast where traffic slows you to a standstill. But in rural Wales, where people rely on their cars for longer journeys, we'd say passing through towns and villages will extend the time travelled by much, much more.
'20 mph will result... in 40 per cent fewer collisions'
When was the last time you saw a collision around Rhuthun/Ruthin? All those I recall were out of 30 mph areas: Rhewl; the B5105 tragedy; near the Smithy. These are unaffected by 30 to 20 mph. So, though laudable, a 40 per cent reduction in none or very few is still none or very few.
Further, we'd suggest that those who are inclined to speed will continue to do so. For example, boy/girl racers'll whip around town most evenings just as usual, just as noisily, just as erratically. No one will do anything about this antisocial public nuisance. Yet, you and I'll get admonished for a couple of mph over the 20 mph limit.