Hundreds of North Wales Live readers had their say over the 20mph default speed limit that is in place over most of the residential roads in the country. Opinions remain divided but high levels of frustrations are obvious amongst Welsh drivers now this scheme is well and truly a reality.

In our poll, readers expressed their views including over 1,240 people who said the new 20mph speed limit had affected their lives for the worse - compared to 53 being happy with the legal change that came into force in September.

The scheme was implemented by the Welsh Labour Government with the intention of reducing traffic accidents and ultimately reducing strain on the NHS and other emergency services who help those involved in collisions. However, over a month since the scheme became nationally implemented, our survey found hundreds [1,280 people] that say they do not feel the streets are safer as a result of the change across most of the built up roads in Wales.

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When asked, most [995] agreed that the limits should completely return to what they once were with 360 believing some roads should stay as 20 but some return to higher limits.

One survey participant branded the move "a shambolic piece of legislation" that was "ill-thought out by uneducated politicians". Another argued: "Frustrated drivers who overtake 20mph drivers in built up areas has increased since the 20mph rule has come in, and this is far more dangerous for pedestrians which rarely happened in 30mph zones. Constantly having to check ones speedometer and checking for 20mph signs is a distraction from taking care on a pedestrian road."

Another believed that 20mph zones were appropriate "by schools, hospitals and on housing estates" but claimed that the Welsh Government's £32m on this nationwide project "would have been better used on NHS and repairing our roads".

READ THE FULL SURVEY RESULTS HERE:

A third wrote that "a blanket 20mph system is ridiculous and of no benefit". They added: "Pollution will increase due to vehicles now working inefficiently. The powers that be have certainly not listened to industry experts."

A fourth stated: "20mph is fine for local village streets, minor roads, residential areas, but it is just horrible on main roads like through Colwyn Bay, for example. It is completely unsafe as I need to constantly watch my speed as you cannot drive comfortably in a second gear nor 3rd gear either running at too high or low revs.

"I have my eyes more on the clock than on the street. Definitely have higher stress levels now than before at 30mph and it just takes ages to get through Colwyn Bay. So I do what everybody does, hop on and off the A55 clogging the slip roads."