A man has told how he will not holiday in Wales again after negotiating "horrendous" 20mph speed limits. The Welsh Government introduced the controversial lower limit in September, saying it would reduce collisions and save lives.
While there has been some support, many have blasted the move. Now a retired builder from Cornwall has given his verdict on negotiating the new 20mph speed limit saying "Oh, dear God, never again," claiming Wales was "scaring off tourists".
In a letter, he voiced his concerns as Cornwall rolls out 20mph speed limits throughout the county. Many have already been imposed in towns and villages on the way to an eventual 700 Cornish roads having the limit, reports Cornwall Live. Here's the retired builder's experience and thoughts in his own words.
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"Just got back to Cornwall from Caernarfon. Bleddy wonderful few days in glorious Wales meeting lovely, friendly people and living in a castle tower on the walls of the town. This was my sixth holiday in Wales but it will be my last one.
"The 20mph speed limit in previously 30 limits is horrendous. I spent so much time checking my speedo I am sure I was a danger to pedestrians and errant drivers. My wife was glued to the satnav reminding me whenever I was approaching 20 and couldn't appreciate the view.
"About 12 per cent increase in fuel consumption, driving in second gear so polluting the villages with that much more CO, CO2 and NOX. Second gear driving most of the time. Stressful is an understatement.
"Even the 70mph limits on dual carriageways are reduced to 50 by 'temporary' signs. All the Welsh people (lovely, lovely people) I spoke to absolutely hate the blanket/default 20mph limit. This is 'democracy' in Wales.
"I got to the English border feeling knackered. My vehicle - my Delica 'Deli' - is hard to keep down to 20, even with my cruise control. Sorry, Wales, I don't think I will ever be back.
"In Cornwall we have always had 20mph limits, but near schools and other dangerous places, as is sensible. But when you have to accept the 30mph signs as meaning 20mph it is confusing. 40mph signs are somewhat random but illogical when you have 20 either side. Local delivery vans ignore the limits and get s***ty with you when you observe the 20mph.
"Oh, dear God, never again.
"Wales is already scaring off tourists. It would be so sad if Cornwall Council wasted vast amounts of money imposing daft speed limits to add to Cornish traffic congestion. They already seem to think tourists don't need toilets any more, now they want to strangle our essential tourist industry by making travel in Cornwall a misery for locals and tourists alike."
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