The Council has now confirmed the arrangements for its statutory public consultation relating to the 26 identified roads that could possibly be returned to a 30mph speed limit, from the national 20mph Default Speed Limit – in addition to 84 roads that were exempted in the first round.
The 26 roads have been brought forward for consideration after a review that has used the revised guidance on exemptions to the Default Speed Limit, implemented by Welsh Government. The locations were also informed by a ‘listening period’ in summer 2024, where residents could have their say on local roads and the 20mph policy. In July 2025, the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee also discussed the proposals.
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.
The list of roads that are currently being considered to return to a permanent 30mph speed limit has been included at the bottom of this news item.
The next stage of the process is to formally consult residents about the proposed changes – and the Council has now confirmed this will take place from Monday, September 22, and will end on Monday, October 13.
Between these dates, the public will be able to take part via the AppyWay digital engagement platform, which is available on the following link.
Alternatively, have your say by emailing 20mph@rctcbc.gov.uk, or via post – to Traffic Services Manager, Traffic Management, Floor 2, Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd, CF37 4TH. Requests for specific plans, alternative formats, or written representations should also be directed to this postal address.
Printed consultation material and largeformat plans will be available to view at Pontypridd Library, Aberdare Library, and Treorchy Library. Residents can also take part via phone, by calling the Customer Contact Centre (01443 425001), or by emailing 20mph@rctcbc.gov.uk to request a call-back.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “Using the revised guidance for exceptions to the 20mph Default Speed Limit, officers have put forward a list of 26 roads that could possibly return permanently to 30mph – which was also informed by last summer’s public ‘listening period’. These are in addition to the 84 roads originally retained at 30mph in September 2023 – which was already one of the highest totals in Wales when compared to all 22 Local Authorities. It could result in 110 of our roads being exempt in total.
“We know that the national 20mph policy is generally working as intended, ensuring roads and busy community locations are safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. However, the Council welcomed this opportunity to review the speed limit for some locations and, having taken our time to make sure we get this right, we have now arrived at our list of 26 roads to be consulted upon – towards potentially implementing any changes by the end of 2025/26.
“The Council has now confirmed that the public will be able to take part in the formal statutory consultation from Monday, September 22. Please note that all submissions must be completed formally as part of the consultation process, and that, for example, comments made on social media cannot be recorded. All feedback will then inform a final decision by the Council in due course.”
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.
- Ynyshir Road (Wattstown Roundabout), Ynyshir.
- Penrhys Road, Tylorstown.
- Station Road, Church Village.
- Cardiff Road to Main Road, Cross Inn.
- 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).
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. All of the agreed speed limit changes would then be implemented before the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
Posted on 22/09/2025