There has been a lot of discussion in recent days about the 20mph speed limits being trialled in Wales – including areas of Monmouthshire. I am generally in favour of this new policy and we have the ability to work sensitively to make sure that it is applied sensibly in our county.

There is good evidence to show that the lower speed limit saves lives - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says 45 per cent of pedestrians get killed when struck by a car going at 30mph or less but only 5 per cent when going at 20mph or less.

Lower speeds mean that people feel more comfortable to walk and cycle and it is safer for children to walk to school, while older people also feel more able to travel independently and safely. And there is a very large body of evidence from across the world that vehicle speeds are the main reason why people do not walk or cycle or do not allow their children to walk or cycle to school.

Furthermore, with businesses under pressure, we must look at what makes our high streets attractive. Again, evidence shows that more open, walking retail areas increase trade. Surely we all want safer, quieter and more pleasant places to shop, talk and cross the road. Cafes and bars can have customers relax in street-side areas

Air quality is another factor which stands to improve with lower vehicle speeds, with particulate levels falling, and when people replace car journeys by walking and cycling as a result of the 20mph limit there will be the inevitable reduction of pollutants overall.

We will make sure that when it comes to fine tune the trial schemes, accident data and traffic speeds and volumes will also be a part of the evaluation process. And we will see how the safer roads make a difference to the way pupils travel to and from school and their social activities.

Clearly this has to be done carefully and sensibly, but overall it is the right direction of travel for many of our towns, villages and residential areas.

County Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby

Leader, Monmouthshire County Council