PROPOSALS for a 20mph speed limit that could reduce emissions and improve road safety in Llandudno have raised support and concerns from councillors.

The Welsh Government is currently piloting a 20mph speed limit to replace 30mph as the default for built-up residential areas and busy pedestrian streets, which forms part of its legislative priorities this year.

Wales would be the first UK nation to standardise the speed limit, which the Welsh Government said would reduce the number of crashes and carbon emissions - but what would it look like in Llandudno?

Craig-y-Don town councillor Frank Bradfield said he believes the limit would be beneficial on all residential streets in the town, particularly along the promenade, following concerns over speed and parked cars reducing visibility.

“It can be difficult for people to get off the pavement and people should be travelling slowly anyway because people jump across zebra crossings,” he said.

“People used to stop but they don’t anymore; everyone is in a rush now and cars are a lot faster these days.

“It is not a case of restricting people; it is a case of common sense. If common sense is to have 20mph outside schools then it follows there should be 20mph in areas of population, where people are going about their business.

“I would advocate for a 20mph speed limit on every street other than trunk roads that are vital for lorries and trucks. Pelican crossings can also be helpful for children. A limit around Venue Cymru would also help because people should be in the town by that time, and the limit will put safety into people’s heads.

“The difficulty with a 20mph speed limit in town is that it is going to hold up traffic, but the 40mph limit on Conwy Road should stay the same.

“The town would be safer; tourists would feel safer, which is essential when you go on holiday. People would recognise that Llandudno welcomes them.”

David Hawkins, Mostyn ward, said he thinks Llandudno “would lend itself well” to a 20mph speed limit due to the number of traffic lights and parking problems

“There has been a 20mph limit in Trinity Avenue for the last year and that hasn’t hindered anyone. I would welcome a 20mph limit with parking being a big issue and people racing round.

“It would be safer for kids going to and from school and it would be better for fuel consumption.

“20mph seems so slow but you don’t necessarily get anywhere any quicker with traffic lights and the way built-up areas are. Llandudno would lend itself well to a 20mph limit.

“I would have no qualms about it.”

Louise Emery, Gogarth ward, said she believes a one-size-fits-all approach would not be beneficial.

“We are still waiting for further detail on national guidance from the Welsh Government on the change from 30mph to 20mph, and it is not up to any local councillors.

“I think in some places a 20mph limit would work, and in others you do 20mph anyway, but not all of Gogarth; a blanket enforcement would not be any good.”

Brian Bertola, Tudno ward, said: “The only thing worries me is educating people to keep to 20mph: where we have got 20mph limits outside schools, how many people adhere to that?

“People need to be re-educated and made aware this is necessary and that it will benefit the community as whole, and that it is safeguarding others.

“I wouldn’t want to see a speed limit everywhere, but it would be suitable on certain avenues, roads and key areas such as from West to North Shore. There should also be more pedestrian crossings so that people feel safer.

"Some roads are very highly used but you’d have to look at how many pedestrians you would get. The limit has got to be in areas that are heavily used by both pedestrians and motorists.”

Pioneer readers who live in Llandudno took to social media to their views on the matter.

One said: “20mph limits don’t work unless enforced with average cameras. I doubt that’d happen, so perhaps speed humps would be a good resolution to back up a reduced speed limit.”

Another said: “The majority of drivers drive sensibly; I don’t see this should be an issue. It’s the traffic lights and roadworks are making roads dangerous.”

A third said: “Lon Cymru is used to come off Conwy Road for the school run, [as well as] vans, lorries, you name it. 20mph would be an improvement.”

A fourth said: “More zebra crossings and ‘sleeping policemen’ needed on most residential roads across Conwy. We’ve been asking for zebra crossing on Llanelian Road for many years and been rejected.”

Another said: “Driving too slow causes drivers to pay less attention to the road and more to their speedo. I’ve not seen any research showing 20mph zones reduce pedestrian accidents – just the opposite. The best way to reduce accidents is better visibility and education for kids. Reducing speed doesn’t fix idiots.”

Another said: “20mph should be introduced on every residential road without a doubt. Old Colwyn is really bad for people speeding down built-up roads. Either that or speed bumps, but that will cost more than a 20mph sign.”