Following an extensive review, the Council has brought forward a list of 26 roads that could possibly return to a 30mph speed limit from the national 20mph Default Speed Limit. Following consideration by the relevant scrutiny committee, these possible revisions will be consulted upon with the public.
The 26 newly-identified roads are in addition to the 84 locations that retained a 30mph speed limit when Welsh Government introduced the new 20mph default limit across all Local Authorities in September 2023. It could result in 110 Rhondda Cynon Taf roads being exempt in total.
This follows two thorough processes by officers to assess suitable exemptions – firstly, before the initial roll-out of the 20mph initiative, and more recently using the revised guidance for exemptions issued by Welsh Government.
Following a strong public response and debate around its implementation in September 2023, Welsh Government remained committed to the 20mph Default Speed Limit but acknowledged the need for a targeted application of guidance used to determine exceptions where roads can remain at 30mph.
There was a large variation in the number of exceptions initially applied by Local Authorities, with some retaining just a few 30mph roads, while 84 speed limits were retained at 30mph here in the County Borough. This number of exempt roads was one of the largest in Wales, when comparing Rhondda Cynon Taf to all 22 Local Authorities.
A revised guidance was co-developed, aimed at addressing public concerns and refining the application of the 20mph policy. It now provides guidance for Local Authorities to follow, and ensures a systematic approach going forward.
A report to the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, July 17, outlined the latest steps. During a ‘listening period’ in summer 2024, the Council received 313 requests from residents to review speed limits, ranging from individual streets to housing estates, short sections of roads, link roads, and requests for a County Borough-wide review.
All feedback was collated and consolidated into 87 roads to be subject to the review process. In February and March 2025, officers undertook preliminary assessments and data gathering relevant to the new guidance – on journey times, vehicles speeds, collision data, road environments and traffic flow. A review panel met on March 21, 2025, to discuss each of the locations in detail.
The panel has concluded that 26 roads will be brought forward for consideration, in respect of a change of speed limit from 20mph to 30mph. A list of the roads is included at the bottom of this news item.
The list of 26 roads will undergo a statutory public consultation to receive views and feedback on the proposals. The consultation will be held and promoted by the Council – further details will be communicated in due course.
A timeframe to implement the changes would see the publication of the relevant Traffic Regulation Order and Public Notice, and gaining formal approval, in the coming months. Any proposed speed limit changes would then be implemented before the end of the 25/26 financial year.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “Acknowledging the revised guidance from Welsh Government in respect of determining suitable exceptions to the 20mph Default Speed Limit, and listening to feedback from residents in last summer’s engagement exercise, the Council has now brought forward 26 roads that will be considered for a 30mph speed limit. This is on top of the 84 locations originally retained at 30mph in September 2023.
“Evidence suggests that the initial 20mph Default Speed Limit by Welsh Government has worked as intended – to ensure our roads are as safe as possible and to create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists in busy community locations. The Council then welcomed the opportunity to further review the speed limit for some locations, alongside all other Local Authorities in Wales – and we have taken the time to make sure we get the process right.
“It means we have now held two separate and very thorough processes that looked into possible exemptions – particularly in comparison to other Local Authorities in Wales, some of which have retained just a few roads at 30mph. If the 26 new locations are agreed, there will be 110 exemptions across RCT.
“Following the Scrutiny Committee’s consideration, the Council will hold a further public engagement exercise specific to the 26 newly-identified roads – a key part of the process towards possibly implementing the changes next year.”
The list of 26 roads put forward to return to a 30mph speed limit include:
- A4059 at Penderyn (north of school).
- A4059 at Penderyn (south of school).
- Hirwaun Industrial Estate.
- Swansea Road/Merthyr Road, Hirwaun.
- Llanwonno Road, Mountain Ash.
- Abercynon Link Road, Abercynon.
- Berw Road, Pontypridd.
- Sardis Road, Pontypridd.
- Coedcae Lane, Pontyclun.
- Ynyshir Road (Wattstown Roundabout), Ynyshir.
- Penrhys Road, Tylorstown.
- Hirwaun Road, Trewaun.
- Station Road, Church Village.
- Brynteg Lane, Beddau.
- Cardiff Road to Main Road, Cross Inn.
- Llwyncelyn Road, Porth.
- Upper Boat Roundabout.
- A4054 Cardiff Road (northern extent), Rhydyfelin.
- A473 Nant Celyn Roundabout, Church Village Bypass.
- B4595 Talbot Road, Llantrisant.
- A4058 Ystrad Road, Pentre.
- B4276 Hariot Street, Llwydcoed Road.
- Cwmynysminton Road, Llwydcoed.
- A4233 East Road (in part)
- Upper Boat to Midway Retail Park and Gelli Hirion Industrial Estate.
- Gwaunmiskin Road (southern extent).
Posted on 08/08/2025