The introduction of a 20mph speed limit could result in some bus routes in north Wales being modified or cut, according to Arriva Buses Wales. The company warned the limit had affected the punctuality of services, with several routes now taking up to 12 additional minutes each way. Arriva said it was currently reviewing its network and “discussing the implications” of potential changes with stakeholders in the area. The haulier is considering a range of alterations including cutting some stops from certain routes and alterations to the number five route between Caernarfon, Bangor and Llandudno.
An email from an Arriva worker to local authorities indicated that buses 14 and 15 between Llysfaen and Conwy need an extra five minutes each way, while the number four route requires an additional 11 minutes each way. Possible changes to other bus routes were also discussed, including the potential withdrawal of buses five, four and 58 from Ysbyty Gwynedd grounds. This would mean dropping hospital visitors off on the main road instead. Plaid Cymru suggested that better services were vital and services should have already been improved since the introduction of the 20mph limit, and expressed dissatisfaction that this had not yet happened.
The Welsh government has a target of reducing person traffic miles by 10% by 2030. It also aims to ensure 10% of all journeys are taken on public transport, foot or bike by 2040. To achieve its aims, the government recently began a gradual rollout of a 20 mph speed limit across all all residential areas. The initiative could save the National Health Service £93m annually by reducing hospital admissions resulting from traffic accidents. However, some experts expect the savings to be weighed down by the reduction in efficiency and punctuality of public transport services due to the low speed limit.
Transport journalist Rhodri Clark said: “The bus is vital for what the Welsh government want to do in reducing carbon emissions but at the moment the Welsh government is underfunding the bus industry by quite a few million pounds. On top of that we’ve got the effect of 20mph so the outlook is looking pretty bleak.” According to the Welsh government, 37% of Welsh roads are now at 20mph, with 3% remaining at 30mph. The government is said to be working closely with bus operators and local authorities to address issues faced by the introduction of the speed limit
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