In a move aligning their dual-language obligations with neighbouring counties, any replacement or additional street signs for existing streets will now only be in one language writes Des Pugh.

As the street naming and numbering authority, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) is responsible for ensuring streets can be identified quickly and easily by emergency services.

A report following updated advice from the Welsh Language Commission and submitted to Councillor Jane Pratt, cabinet member for infrastructure and neighbourhood services, recommends that for all existing streets, replacement or additional signs will be in English only.

It is the council’s responsibility to ensure streets can be identified quickly and easily by emergency services and the report says its present policy undermines this by requiring them to install replacement street nameplates which could give rise to confusion.

Previously, the policy was to add a Welsh translation to a nameplate to comply with MCC’s own Welsh Language Scheme. However, the Welsh translation does not form part of the official street name unless put through a costly and time-consuming procedure.

The report gives an example that if a Welsh speaker attempted to summon the emergency services to a street which does not officially exist in the National Land and Property Gazetteer used by the emergency services, this could lead to a dangerous delay. The Welsh Language Standards of February 2020 says if no Welsh language street name has been recorded in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, it does not follow that the name of the street must be translated into Welsh in order to display it in Welsh on the sign.

Many neighbouring authorities have now adopted this policy .The report adds this policy relates only to existing named streets. New streets on new developments will be named bilingually or in Welsh only.

"The negative impact of reducing potential use of the Welsh language by translating existing street names is offset by the safety benefits for emergency services. This proposal aims to standardise the provision of street nameplates in line with recommendations by the Welsh Language Commissioner. It will reduce the chances of confusion around road names, particularly where the Welsh version is significantly different to the English. This will particularly benefit groups such as those with learning disabilities, dementia and visual impairment" adds the report.