Roads in Conwy to Return to 30mph Speed Limit Following Public Feedback

Fifteen roads across Conwy are set to return to a 30mph speed limit from next week, following feedback from residents and businesses.
The changes will come into force on 17 August, with the affected roads including sections in Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn, Rhos on Sea, Llandudno, Conwy, Llanrwst, Dolgarrog, and Kinmel Bay.
The roads are:
• Colwyn Road, Craigside
• Glan y Mor Road, Penrhyn Bay
• Llandudno Road, near Coleg Llandrillo
• Conway Road, Llanrhos
• Bryn Lupus Road, Llanrhos
• Sychnant Road, Conwy
• Llanrwst Road, Gyffin
• B5279 Tal y Cafn to Ty’n y Groes
• Gwydyr Road, Dolgarrog
• Abergele Road, Old Colwyn
• Llanrwst Road, Colwyn Bay to Bryn y Maen
• B5106 Caerhun to Llanrwst Road, Ty’n y Groes
• St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay
• Marine Drive, Rhos on Sea
• Rotary Way, Colwyn Bay
The default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads in Wales came into force in September 2023, reducing the standard limit from 30mph on residential and built-up roads with street lighting.
Conwy County Council initially introduced exceptions on 21 road sections, keeping those roads at 30mph.
Following the introduction of the 20mph limit, Welsh Government invited people to provide feedback to their local councils.
Conwy County Council received 702 individual comments relating to 149 streets or road sections.
The council then compiled a priority list of A and B roads using criteria set out in Welsh Government guidance.
People living or working at the locations were subsequently invited to give their views on proposed changes.
The council has now finalised the list of roads which will return to 30mph.
Cllr Michael Priestley is the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads, and Infrastructure and said: “We asked for the opinions of the community and have listened!
“I’m delighted that the list of roads to revert to 30mph has been finalised with the wishes of local residents and businesses in mind.”
But Colwyn Bay Town Council councillor Tina Lee, who represents Rhiw ward, said the changes did not go far enough.
“We understand and totally agree 20mph outside schools and hospitals where there are vulnerable people,” she said.
“But on your main high street, main roads, B roads, it doesn’t need to be 20mph. It’s slowing traffic down – it’s causing lots of anger with drivers. So you get a lot of tailgating, and you get a lot of angry drivers. It’s just not worked.”
Cllr Lee said the lower speed limit could also increase the likelihood of accidents because drivers may attempt to overtake slower-moving traffic.
She said she welcomed the return to 30mph on the 15 roads, particularly after campaigning for changes.
“It’s a good thing the speed limit is going up on those roads for those of us that have been campaigning,” she said.
“Yes, it’s brilliant news. But we are disappointed that it’s only going to be those few roads. It’s a start.”
But she also said she believed having different speed limits along different roads could create confusion for motorists.
“You’re going to go from 20 to 30 and back to 20,” she said.
“It’s not random roads. I know they’ve picked out these routes for a reason. But I just think it’s going to cause a lot of confusion, and they just need to put it back as it was. They shouldn’t have spent this money in the beginning.”

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter