Association of Driving Instructors Complains Over Missing Signs and Confusion Regarding New Speed Limit in Rhyl

An association of driving instructors has written to Denbighshire complaining 30 mph signs have been removed but not replaced in Rhyl, causing confusion over the new 20 mph speed limit.
North Wales Approved Driving Instructors Association has now sent a letter to the council’s traffic, parking, and road safety manager, insisting the issue could result in an accident.
In a letter signed by its chairman Arthur Carpenter, treasurer Christine Seldon, and secretary Ted Needham, the association claims speed limits in Rhyl are not marked clearly – and cheekily suggest the council sets up a JustGiving page to replace signs if it is struggling financially.
The association claims that 30 mph signs have been removed but not replaced with new 20 mph signs since the Welsh Government legislation came in on September 17.
“A month has elapsed from the change to mandatory speed limits by the Senedd on 17 September 2023, and it is unfortunate that the speed limits in Rhyl remain unclear,” the letter reads.
“We note that the majority of speed limit signs in Rhyl have been removed, presumably by DCC.  Currently, the A525 30mph speed limit sign just before the Sainsburys/B&Q roundabout in Rhyl mandates the speed limit for the A525 and surrounding roads into Rhyl onto Wellington Road.
“The removal of the 20 mph signs before Ysgol Tir Morfa and Ysgol Gatholig Crist Y Gair mean that the mandatory speed limit next to both schools is 30 mph.
“This certainly contravenes the Senedd guidance, jeopardises road safety, and it is arguable that Denbighshire County Council and responsible individuals may be liable for adverse road traffic incidents.”
The letter added, “DCC should now have a surfeit of speed limit signs that could be used for this purpose, including those that have been recently removed. As the Welsh Government have released funds to implement the changes, funding the installation of the signs should not be a barrier; however, if there is a funding shortfall, then a JustGiving appeal in the interests of road safety should remedy this.”
A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: “We are currently working with our signage contractors to correct any errors or omissions with speed limit signage, following the introduction of the default 20 mph speed limit. We are aware of the signage anomalies referred to and are trying to get these resolved as a matter of urgency. “

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter