Mayor backs calls to cut speed limits on 'race track' rural roads

But opinion split on bid to halve limit from 60 to 30mph

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

WREXHAM’S mayor has thrown her weight behind moves to lower speed limits on all rural roads and lanes.

A petition has been launched calling on the UK Government to cut the default speed limit on single-carriageway rural roads from 60mph to 30mph.

The proposal is in line with the approach adopted by roads charity Brake. It notes that, per mile travelled, rural roads are more dangerous than motorways and urban roads.

The Welsh Government is responsible for setting speed limits in Wales, meaning any change to the rules here would be determined in Cardiff as opposed to Westminster.

As Wrexham's current mayor, Cllr Tina Mannering, pictured right, who represents the Gwersyllt East ward, is urging constituents to sign the Westminster petition, saying it was “important” She’s long campaigned for safer limits on a country road with a 60mph limit that runs right through Alyn Waters Country Park between Llay and Bradley.

The narrow, twisty lane, is often used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Despite cutting through Wrexham’s largest country park, the road lacks pavements or walkways for its entire length, leaving little room for pedestrians to escape speeding vehicles. Cllr Mannering described it as a “race track”

The petition, launched by Rhiannon Vivian, runs until November 13 and has so far collected 1,079 signatures. This includes 190 from Wales, a country crisscrossed with country roads that’s already taken controversial steps to cuts speeds in built-up areas.