RCT says that with the 84 that kept a 30mph speed limit it could have 110 roads exempt from the 20mph default speed limit
A council has changed dozens of 20mph roads back to 30mph(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
People are being asked for their views on the 26 roads that are planned to switch back from 20mph to 30mph in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT). A consultation has started on the potential to turn 26 roads back to 30mph from the national 20mph default speed limit.
These are in addition to the 84 locations that kept 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 26 roads that the council is considering reverting back to 30mph from 20mph are:
- 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).
The 26 roads have been brought forward for consideration after a review that has used revised guidance on exemptions to the default speed limit implemented by Welsh Government.
The locations were also identified following a “listening period” in summer 2024, where residents could have their say on local roads and the 20mph policy. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
In July 2025, the council’s climate change, front-line services and prosperity scrutiny committee also discussed the proposals.
A spokesperson for RCT Council said the council knows that the national 20mph policy is generally working as intended, ensuring roads and busy community locations are safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians but added that the council welcomed this opportunity to review the speed limit for some locations and has taken its time to make sure it gets this right.
The consultation starts on Monday, September 22, and will end on Monday, October 13.
A time frame to implement the changes would see the publication of the relevant traffic regulation order and public notice as well as 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.