Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales Darren Millar has raised concerns in the Senedd over the negative impact of the Welsh Labour Government's default 20 mph speed limit on the visitor economy in Conwy and Denbighshire.

The controversial new limit was introduced last September and a recent report has found that it is having a negative impact on tourism.

In today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Darren called for a Welsh Government Statement in relation to the report and urged Ministers to act to protect visitor numbers to Conwy and Denbighshire.

Speaking in the Business Statement, he said:

“Could I request a statement please, from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language in relation to the report by Visit Wales last week, which found that people were being put off from coming to Wales as visitors because of the Welsh Labour Government's default 20 mph speed limit policy in Wales?

“This is a significant concern for people in North Wales, particularly in Conwy and Denbighshire, which rely heavily on the visitor economy, and we must do something to make sure that we don't see a significant decline in visitor numbers as a result of this barmy policy continuing.”

In her response, the Trefnydd Jane Hutt MS said that the principal objective of the policy of 20 mph is “to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads”, adding “that's what our visitors want when they come to Wales”.

Speaking afterwards, Darren said:

“Tourism is the bread and butter of our local economy in Conwy and Denbighshire and Welsh Government Ministers should be deeply concerned by the findings of this report by Visit Wales and acting on it.

“Many tourism businesses are only just getting back on their feet after Covid; 20mph speed limits aren't helping them!”