Even emergency services criticised the new 20mph speed limit saying it "will have an impact" on how long it takes to respond to 999 calls.

Wales has a population of about 3.1 million people (in 2014). About 1 in 20 of the UK population live in Wales, capital and largest city is Cardiff. Two-thirds of the population live in south Wales, mainly in and around Cardiff (pop.: 352,700), Swansea (240,300) and Newport (146,558), and in the nearby valleys. From Abergavenny, turn off the A465 at Llanvihangel Crucorney and follow signs for the ruins of Llanthony Priory. From Hay-on-Wye, the Gospel pass is sign-posted. West Wales typically comprises the locations of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and the Southern area of Ceredigion. The region is renowned for its quaint coastal towns and pretty fishing villages as well as other places of interest. Pembrokeshire is famous for being the home of the UK’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire National Park, as well as some of the country’s best beaches. Tenby (below) is a popular holiday destination in West Wales due to it nestling within the National Park and thus being within close proximity to a host of activities such as walking and water sports. The town itself features ancient cobbled streets, a small beach and inviting cafes. St David’s, the smallest town in Britain and the final resting place of St David (the patron saint of Wales), is also located in West Wales. Other to explore during your holiday in West Wales include Broadhaven, Little Haven, and Aberaeron. Head west through the uncrowded Clwydian Hills – stopping to summit Moel Famau (1820ft) on the way for epic views of Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast – until you reach Ruthin, a little town brimming with history (exemplified by its restored castle, century-spanning museum and Victorian Ruthin Gaol).No- there’s a suspension bridge (the Menai bridge – although sometimes called the Telford Bridge by locals), and it’s free to cross. Cars and motorhomes can get across no problem- just follow the road signs. When is the best time to plan a road trip to Anglesey? Over the last 8 weeks, we have seen an incredible effort, from all parts of our society, to respond to the unprecedented challenge to our way of life posed by the COVID-19 virus. When the Senedd voted in favour in July 2022, Wales became the first UK nation to pass legislation to lower the default national speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets from 30mph to 20mph. The new speed limit came into force on Sunday 17 September 2023. Swansea is another popular city to visit in Wales, being the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. The city boasts of award-winning beaches, unspoilt countryside, and the best locations for a number of outdoor activities such as cycling and a vast number of watersports. Tenby is one of the small seaside towns in Pembrokeshire and has beautiful golden beaches. In the summer months you can take a short boat ride to the monastic island of Caldey Island. This is the perfect escape and you can walk to the lighthouse as well as try the chocolate made by the monks.

Wales is part of the United Kingdom, where they are represented in the House of Commons, UK’s lower house, with 40 members of the parliament. The Secretary of State for Wales sits in the UK cabinet, and is responsible for all matters pertaining to the country. The local government is divided into 22 divisions, all of which are principal areas responsible for the provision of all local government services, which are education, social work, environment, and road services. Travel Head northeast to Cardigan and then make a beeline for inland treasures including Brecon Beacons National Park, where you can summit South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan; foodie town Abergavenny; and the crumbled ruins of Tintern Abbey near Chepstow. Doing it ALL in a week might be a struggle, although you can if you drive a lot and don’t stop often during the day. Visit a lighthouse— dotted all across the coastline of Anglesey, you’ll find a number of beautiful lighthouses. You can even enjoy an overnight stay in one!It’s a short but scenic drive from the main motorway down to Gower Island, where you’ll find an idyllic scene of sandy beaches, fine dining, unique shops and traditional pubs. Above all, it’s topped with the relaxed vibe of a surfing village – the ocean is near and so is the fresh air. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a good time. The restrictions presently in place are there for the express purpose of protecting people’s health and controlling the spread of coronavirus. The law in Wales makes it clear that these restrictions can only be kept in place for as long as they are necessary.

The Welsh tourist board have created 3 national driving routes called the Wales Way and they are all fantastic. One explores the fabulous north coast, one the wilder middle section and one the breathtaking south. The Gower peninsula is a perfect stop on a Wales Road Trip.It’s a small peninsula on the south coast, just west of Swansea. Did you know, it was the first region in Great Britain to be recognised as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. Why should I include Gower in a Welsh Road Trip itinerary? The decision to make 20mph the ‘default national position in residential areas' in Wales was made in July, 2022, by the Senedd, and the law will come into force on September 17, 2023. The Welsh Government argues this will be beneficial as it claims it will reduce pollution and the number of serious crashes on the roads. This route covers the entire length of Cardigan Bay – the sweeping curve of Irish Sea that looks like it’s taken a huge bite out of the Welsh west coast – and spoils travelers with its secluded beaches and charming seaside towns. The coastal town of Aberystwyth- an ancient market town and home of the National Library of Wales. If you have time, detour inland and visit the visitor centre of Elan Valley.

Response to the change to 20mph speed limit in Wales

An interactive map shows every part of Wales that will be subject to the Welsh Government's new 20mph speed limit law. Thanks to the heroic efforts made by people across Wales, which helped slow the spread of the disease, the First Minister is today announcing a red, amber, green traffic light system to define how restrictions on different areas of Welsh life can begin to be eased. Across the Menai Strait in North West Wales you’ll find Anglesey- regularly mentioned as one of the best places to visit in Wales. Here are some of the highlights you can include in your driving itinerary: Wales is an emerging tourist destination with deep valleys, ancient cities, and beautiful coastlines. The most popular destinations are the cities and towns that are full of character and historical monuments. Mid Wales is a land guarded by castles along the Welsh Marches in the west and dominated by spiritual mountains, sparkling lakes, acres of unspoilt countryside and picturesque market towns and villages. One of the main attractions of Mid Wales is the remarkable Brecon Beacons National Park, which offers fantastic walking routes during the day, as well as a mesmerising night sky as it is a designated Dark Skies Reserve, one of only five in the World. The region is also dominated by the Cambrian Mountains, often referred to as the Desert of Wales due to it being sparsely populated. The highest point of the Cambrian Mountains is Pumlumon which reaches to around 2,467ft. In contrast to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains, Ceredigion is a county in Mid/West Wales that runs along the Western coastline in the area and encompasses the popular Cardigan Bay. Other locations to see during your holiday in Mid Wales include Llandrindod Wells, Powys and Aberystwyth (below).

I love touring and exploring Wales. It’s one of my favourite places to road trip in the UK and every time I visit I find something new to enjoy, whether it’s a coastal walk, cute independent shops, medieval castles or the never-ending natural beauty. The Brecon Beacons is one of three national parks in Wales. They all offer breath-taking landscapes and amazing hiking opportunities for nature lovers. Brecon Beacon road trip- driving the highest mountain road in Wales For more information on the 20mph National Implementation please visit: Introducing 20mph speed limits: frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES

Is there anything more than this map?

North Wales is the perfect location for a holiday in an unspoilt, tranquil area of the country with an unparalleled landscape and stunning scenery. The most recognisable location in North Wales is the dramatic yet beautiful Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon which climbs to around 3560ft. The Snowdonia National Park offers a wealth of activities and is a genuine joy to explore offering breath-taking panoramic views across much of surrounding. In contrast to this, the Llyn Peninsula offers some of the best beaches for watersports in the entire country. The north coast is also dotted with pretty fishing villages, and other quaint coastal scene that can be seen along the North Wales Coastal Path. Significant towns and villages to visit during your holiday in North Wales include Anglesey, Barmouth, Conwy, Llandudno, and Prestatyn. Also, explore the unique town of Portmeirion which was designed in the style of an Italian village (below).