WQ91471 (e) Tabled on 21/02/2024

How does the Minister plan to address Arriva Buses Wales's concerns that the 20mph speed limit has led to an impact on punctuality, and the altering of routes, due the reduced speeds drivers can travel?

Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 28/02/2024

Transport for Wales is in dialogue with bus operators over the impact of reduced speed limits on bus timetables. The review of 20mph default speed limit exceptions will consider the way the policy has been implemented and how the exceptions guidance has been applied. Updates to the guidance could include, for example, taking into account the impact on bus routes and local communities.

We are also working closely with bus operators, local authorities and Transport for Wales to tackle the wider challenges facing the bus industry and will bring forward new legislative proposals to reform the sector. We have encouraged local authorities to bring forward proposals to us which seek to give buses greater priority over other traffic on the network and thereby improve service reliability and running times on the busiest sections of the network.