Wales 20mph speed limit: Road's eight changes in two miles

One road in Wales now has eight speed limit changes in less than two miles following the switch to 20mph.

The A4222 in Aberthin, Vale of Glamorgan, includes stretches of 40mph and 60mph in the space of 1.8 miles (2.9km).

It follows Wales' default speed limit dropping from 30mph to 20mph in September.

One 30mph stretch in the village just outside Cowbridge is 520ft (160m) and each new road sign costs £1,000 to fit.

Aberthin villager Christine Williams said: "It's a complete anomaly, it makes no sense whatsoever."

Vale of Glamorgan council said the A4222's speed limits were in accordance with Welsh government legislation, but it would add it to a "review list".

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One tiny section takes 14 seconds to drive at 30mph and Ms Williams said the frequent changes made it "very confusing for drivers".

She added: "It takes your mind off paying attention to other drivers and taking your eyes off the road as you're looking at the speedometer."

Peter Williams, who was walking his dog through the village, added: "It's totally confusing with so many speed changes on the stretch of road."

The council has confirmed the cost to install a standard post and signs, together with necessary traffic management, costs an average of £1,044.52.

The estimated cost of the policy across Wales is £34.4m so far, with Vale of Glamorgan council saying it had spent £1,854,573.

Mobile car body shop owner Paul Jarvis said: "Everyone seems totally confused and baffled by it.

"I understand it's safer to have a 20mph speed limit through the village and outside the school, but having so many changes doesn't feel safe and feels over the top for the cost."

Christine and Peter Williams both say the numerous speed limits create confusion for drivers

The council said all changes to make roads 20mph were based on the criteria previously used to designate them as 30mph, "specifically the presence of street lighting".

It added: "All new default 20mph roads and those that have remained at 30mph will be reviewed after a suitable bedding in period has passed.

"The council will add the above location to its list of sites to review. These will be assessed against additional Welsh government guidance once it is available."

Earlier this month, Rhondda's Labour MP Chris Bryant called for a full review of the policy after telling the BBC's Question Time that there were "some areas where it's just a bit, frankly, bonkers".

Sir Chris later said that he supports the law, and he had been criticising local decisions rather than the overall scheme.

When the law was introduced, the Welsh government said the 20mph limit would reduce road collisions, road deaths, noise and pollution, while encouraging more people to walk or cycle.

However, it has been criticised by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) after claims that it would only add a minute to journey times.

The OSR queried how statistics supporting the claim were presented. In response, the Welsh government said it welcomed the input and had made more information available online.

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