News that the so-called “Road Safety Foundation” wants to reduce speed limits to 10mph on Britain’s roads may shock many of you. But it shouldn’t. It’s merely a continuation of the anti-car agenda of those who successfully achieved 20mph limits in Wales.
As we know, 20mph has been a disaster. It’s caused misery for drivers and is hurting the Welsh economy. Labour Senedd ministers imposed the policy, despite their own analysis warning it could hit the Welsh economy by up to £9billion.
Don’t forget, this wasn’t just a Labour project. Plaid Cymru separatists and the Lib Dems worked with them to vote it through the Senedd. I came in for considerable criticism for demanding a common sense approach.
I always warned 20mph was just the start, and things wouldn’t end there. It wasn’t about road safety. Just like Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ in London, it was about making life as difficult as possible for motorists.
10mph sounds bonkers because it is. But the fact these zealots are pushing it means we must push back.
Those who live in inner cities may be able to get by without cars, but in places like the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend that just isn’t possible.
Lee Waters, the Labour Senedd minister who imposed 20mph, went along with campaigners enthusiastically. Mark Drakeford did too. We’ve seen Eluned Morgan take an out of touch approach on immigration this week, so don’t be surprised if she, along with Plaid, is attracted by this proposal too.
It’s not unusual for politicians to lose touch with the public. But the Senedd takes it to another level. If there’s anywhere where this daft campaign may be taken seriously, it’s Cardiff Bay.
That’s why those of us who want common sense must speak out.