Tourists have dramatically vowed never to visit Wales again because of a new 20mph speed limit.
The 20mph limit began on 17 September 2023, with the new law making Wales the first nation to impose the speed as the default on all restricted roads. Not all 30mph roads have changed limits, as the Welsh Assembly has repeatedly explained. Research undertaken by public health practitioners and Edinburgh Napier University suggests that the 20mph rule could result – every year – in around 40% fewer collisions. Each year six to 10 lives saved, and 1,200 to 2,000 people could avoid injury.
Despite this, reaction to the traffic calming measure has been ferocious. Protestors hit the streets of Cardiff in September demanding that the law be scrapped, while Welsh Conservative tabled a motion of no confidence in deputy climate change minister Lee Waters, who led the introduction of the new law.
The clamour surrounding the legislation has died down in recent months, but some concern remains. Not least among those who work in tourism in Wales, who have expressed concern that fewer people might come to visit. Some people who claim they were eyeing up a holiday to Anglesey are saying they won't go now because of the slower speed limits reports Wales Online.
One man told the publication: "We love it but giving it a miss this year, heard too many negative reviews on the new speed limit." Another person said they wouldn't visit because of the slow speeds: "There's no way I'm going there with stupid 20mph limits, it's too stressful."
A lady from Birmingham felt similarly saying: "I love North Wales but the new speed limits put me off going there now."
Some visitors who've already seen these new rules in action agree with her. A holidaymaker from Cornwall wrote to his local paper about his trip to Caernarfon, Gwynedd. He said he had a "wonderful few days" but it would be his last holiday in Wales.
He complained: "The 20mph speed limit in previously 30 limits is horrendous. I spent so much time checking my speedo I am sure I was a danger to pedestrians and errant drivers. My wife was glued to the satnav reminding me whenever I was approaching 20 and couldn't appreciate the view."
A man from Gloucestershire also wrote to his local paper saying he won't be coming back to Wales for his usual holidays. He and his wife, who are retired, usually visit Wales a few times a year. He explained: "Sadly we have decided to call a stop to our Welsh breaks as we are not prepared to risk a large fine and three penalty points for accidentally doing 22mph in a built-up area. I might add that several of our acquaintances all feel the same."
Despite words that will sound ominous to Welsh tourist officials, more people visited Wales in 2023 than expected. Visits were up 4% compared with 2022, and people spent 20% more money. Given that the law came into force in the final third of the year, its impact may not be reflected in the figures.
In all likelihood, only a minority of English tourists will stay away, terrified they'll return home to find police and DVLA letters on doormats. Like drivers in Wales, the rest will soon adjust to the new speed default, even those who don't agree with it.
Anecdotal feedback suggests a dismal start to 2024 for some tourism communities, though this perhaps stems less from 20mph than from squeezed consumer spending and the fact the winter has been particularly rainy. At the same time, others appear to be thriving, as reported by an Anglesey resident, who said visitors were "coming in droves".
He wailed: "I can hardly get into my local pub anymore! "Many people working in Welsh tourism have a lot of worries, and most of them are about rules and money. One big worry is the planned visitor levy (tourist tax), which is due to start in 2027. Industry leaders are worried that this could have a much bigger impact than speed limits.
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