Wales' 20mph speed limit: Top Labour MP calls for review

A senior Welsh Labour MP has called for a full review into Wales' 20mph speed limit.

Chris Bryant said in some areas the policy, implemented by his party colleagues in the Welsh government was "frankly bonkers".

The Rhondda MP told the BBC's Question Time, broadcast from Llandudno on Thursday night, that it was "really difficult" for buses and care workers.

The Welsh government has said the policy will cut crashes and save lives.

Mr Bryant re-iterated the Welsh government's criticism of the description of the scheme as blanket, saying "60% of the roads in Wales are 40mph or faster, exactly the same as it was before the rule was changed".

But, he added: "There are some areas where it's just a bit, frankly, bonkers. You go from 20 to 30 back to 20."

On 17 September, Wales became the first UK nation to make its default speed limit 20mph (30km/h)rather than 30mph (50km/h).

It applies on all restricted roads, which are defined as roads with lampposts placed not more than 200 yards (about 180m) apart.

They are typically located in residential and built-up areas of high pedestrian activity.

Mr Bryant said Welsh transport minister Lee Waters had already said the guidance for councils on the policy was going to be reviewed, adding that he felt there should be "a full review".

"I think it should be, so that local authorities can make better, more common sense decisions on the particular roads in their areas," he added.

"Everybody believes that outside a school and a hospital, and a clinic, and a chemist and in some residential areas it should be 20mph.

"The thing is, that's nearly every road in the Rhondda."

The Welsh government has pledged to "continuously review the impact" of its new default 20mph speed limit.