Traffic Regulation Order: Proposed 20mph speed limits outside schools

Revoking 20mph zone Traffic Regulation Orders

We are proposing to revoke (remove or get rid of) a number of Traffic Regulation Orders that created 20mph zones on restricted roads in Denbighshire. 


We are also proposing to revoke Traffic Regulation Orders that created a 30mph speed limit on the following two restricted roads:

  • Denbigh Road, Ruthin
  • Gwaenynog Road, Denbigh

Why are we doing this?

These 20mph zones and speed limits became redundant (meaning that they are no longer needed) when the Welsh Government changed the default speed limit on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph on 17th September 2023.


As part of this national speed limit change to restricted roads, we have a legislative requirement (a legal duty) to revoke TROs which are now redundant.


Revoking the redundant TROs means that the whole of the length of each road will return to restricted road status (20mph).


Introducing a 20mph speed limit on unrestricted roads outside schools


We are proposing to introduce new 20mph speed limits by Traffic Regulation Order (TROs) on unrestricted roads outside the following schools:

  • St Brigid’s School in Denbigh
  • Ysgol Pentre Celyn
  • Ysgol Bro Famau in Llanferres
  • Ysgol Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd.

Why are we doing this?

These schools are located on national speed limit roads and either have a 60mph speed limit or have an existing TRO in place to change the speed limit from the national speed limit to 30mph.

As such, these schools were not included in the changes to the speed limit on restricted roads which Welsh Government introduced in 2023.


Introducing new 20mph speed limits outside these schools will ensure the speed limits are in keeping with the speed limits outside all other schools in Denbighshire.


Update on general review of restricted (20mph) roads in Denbighshire

The Council is in the process of conducting a general review into the speed limits on restricted roads in Denbighshire, in line with the latest Welsh Government guidance.


Over 200 roads were submitted to the Council for review as part of this process.


Once the review process is complete, the Council will take one of the following actions:

  • The suggested road does not meet the threshold to be reconsidered for a change to 30mph. The road will remain a 20mph road
  • The suggested road may be considered for review of the speed limit. The Council will conduct consultations for these roads.

Please note: the consultation on the removal of 20mph zones and the introduction of 20mph speed limits on unrestricted roads outside schools has no bearing on the general review process for speed limits on restricted roads in Denbighshire.

Please do not submit suggestions or complaints about the general 20mph review to this consultation. We are only able to consider valid observations or objections to the proposals for the roads specifically named in this consultation process.

What is a Traffic Regulation Order?

Traffic Regulation Orders are legal documents that restrict or prohibit the use of the highway network, in line with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (external website).

Traffic Regulation Orders help us to manage the highway network for all road users including pedestrians, and they aim to improve road safety and access to facilities in the areas for which they are proposed.

A Traffic Regulation Order can only be proposed for the reasons set out in the legislation, and a scheme can only be proposed if the regulations allow the scheme site to be enforced with appropriate highway signage or lines on the road or pavement.

Examples of schemes that require a Traffic Regulation Order include:

  • Prohibition of Waiting
  • Changes to speed limits
  • On-street parking restrictions
  • Weight limits / width limits or other vehicle restrictions
  • One-way streets

Enforcement

If the Traffic Regulation Order goes ahead, any road user who exceeds the speed limit within the designated zones could be fined or prosecuted.

Tell us what you think

Before implementing a Traffic Regulation Order, we are legally required to consult the public for a period of 21 days. We place public notices in the local press, and we place notices in the immediate area where the Traffic Regulation Order is proposed. We have also created this web page.

If you would like to make observations or objections with regards to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order, we would be grateful if you could send your feedback in one of the following ways:

Complete the online feedback form (external website)

In writing via letter to:

Catrin Roberts
Head of Service, Corporate Support Services People
Denbighshire County Council
Wynnstay Road
Ruthin
LL15 1YN

The closing date for all feedback is 5 March 2025.

Please include your name and address and note that all representations received may be considered in public by the Council and that the substance of any representation together with the name and address of the person making it could become available for public inspection.