DRIVERS in Conwy have experienced their first day of navigating a 20mph speed limit rule, sparking a flurry of opinions within the motoring community.

Mixed responses erupted on the Pioneer's Facebook page; from outrage and amusement to concern and celebration.

Lesley Taylor dismissed the ruling as an "absolute joke," illustrating the indignation felt by a chunk of motorists.

A frustrated Cat Rogers said: "I was overtaken three times by drivers frustrated at me sticking to the 20mph. Accident waiting to happen."

Nicholas Goddard criticised the new speed limit as "useless", while Antonia Parkes humorously commented on the painfully slow speed causing her cruise control to malfunction.

However, fears of increased incidents arose among drivers as Brian Shaw reported being overtaken by a reckless driver who had failed to acknowledge the new limit.

Annmarie Williams found the change troubling, stating: "It's dangerous, I was constantly looking to see what speed I was doing. 20 is too slow!"

Phil Jones commented that he couldn't cross the road with his son on the A470 Glan Conwy.

He said: "Traffic was bunched up as it slowed into the 20 zone. Crossing was dangerous to be honest."

Tina Lee also had trouble. She said: "Took me ages to cross the road. The road near Colwyn Bay pier, waited ages to cross. Cars were doing the 20mph but were bunched up. I was getting road rage."

On the other end of the spectrum, some drivers, including Mark Pritchard, lauded the change as the "best thing to happen in Wales."

Marc Hughes said: "I don't get the fuss, the majority of built up areas in Scotland have been 20mph for a number of years."

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Debbie Wareham and Louise Doughty likewise had "No problem" with the reduced speeds.

Albert Barton termed the limit "fantastic."

The new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales was rolled out on September 17. 

The Welsh Government said they have made this change to:

  • Reduce the number of collisions and severe injuries from them (also reducing the impact on the NHS from treating the people who are injured)
  • Encourage more people to walk and cycle in communities
  • Help to improve health and well-being
  • Make our streets safer and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Wales is the first nation in the UK to introduce legislation to have a default 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists. 

A petition calling on the Welsh Government to reverse the new 20mph speed default law has been launched. The petition has already gained 50,000 signatures.