Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is urging the Welsh Government to engage with Arriva Wales after it was revealed that the company has scrapped some bus services as a consequence of the default 20mph speed limit introduced in Wales last September.
Darren is concerned that Arriva are no longer serving the village of Llandegla after reviewing its timetable and service provision in North Wales due to the new speed limits introduced by the Labour Welsh Government.
He shares the concern of Llandegla Community Council and local residents about the change to the 51 and X51 bus route and the impact that this will have on those who use it, and, along with local Cllr Terry Mendies, raised it with the First Minister during his visit to rural Denbighshire last week.
He has also registered his strong objections to the proposed changes directly with Arriva and demanded a meeting with representatives to resolve matters.
This week he raised the matter in the Senedd, calling on the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport to make a statement on “the action he is taking to address the adverse impact of the reduction in the default speed limit in built up areas from 30mph to 20mphh on bus services”.
Speaking in the Senedd, he said:
“There's an issue in my own constituency, in that the Arriva 51 service, which traverses rural Denbighshire, is axing its stop in the village of Llandegla. It's a stop that is very important to those who use it; it's a lifeline for many people. The explanation that Arriva buses has given to local people is that the 20mph speed limit change has added to the length of the journey that the number 51 bus needs to make, and it means that it's unable to stop at all of the stops it was previously able to service.
“Clearly, that's a concern for my constituents. Service cuts are happening in other parts of North Wales too and I do think it would be helpful to have a statement from the Deputy Minister for Transport in order that he can address that particular issue and the local concerns.“
Darren has also received a number of complaints regarding changes to the Number 13, Llandudno to Prestatyn service, which has been downgraded to one per hour – it had previously operated every 40 minutes.
As this service goes to Glan Clwyd Hospital, residents are concerned about access to the hospital and appointments.
As one constituent who contacted Darren stated: “With such a poor service many people could be left to wait in very cold and wet conditions if appointments are concluded just after the bus has gone. A lot of pensioners use this service as they don’t have their own transport.”
Darren added:
“Bus services are a lifeline for those who use them so axing stops and cutting the frequency of services is a disaster for those affected, many of whom can no longer get to medical appointments, the shops, or their place of work or learning.
“The Welsh Labour Government must act now to address the adverse impact of its 20mph policy on bus operators to prevent passengers from being stranded and unable to access the transport they rely on.
“I urge Ministers to engage with Arriva to address their concerns and enable these vital services to be maintained.”
