A HUGE surge in damage to road signs is costing taxpayers a fortune after the 20mph speed limits were brought in by the Labour government in Wales – with nearly 150 signs attacked in protest.
Vigilante drivers turned to crime in protest at the “war on motorists” with roads lowered from 30mph to 20mph by Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour Government.
The go-slow limit change was met with huge opposition and more than 469,000 people signed a petition calling for it to be revoked – but the new law went ahead.
The Welsh Government provided £34 million to Wales’ 22 councils for new signs required to alert drivers of the speed limit.
But since September, there have been multiple reports of 20mph signs being vandalised across Wales.
More recently, a 20mph sign was snapped in half and others across the country have been sprayed in black paint to hide the 20 figures.
A spokesperson for one Welsh council said it was becoming “increasingly concerned” after “a spate of incidents” towards roadsigns – including 20mph ones.
In Gwent, councils have recorded at least 145 incidents of vandalism to 20mph signs – which became costly in some areas.
All councils said Welsh Government funding for new signs cover anticipated repair costs.
But since the law went into force, Monmouthshire Council reported 22 incidents of vandalism to its 20mph signs.
Gwent Police figures show two recorded incidents of vandalism to speed signs since September, leading to one person being arrested and charged.
The force recorded eight incidents of speed limit sign vandalism in the five years before that.
Photo: Welsh Parliament.
Lee Waters, the Welsh Government deputy minister behind the 20mph rollout, said latest figures show 97 per cent of motorists are complying with the reduced limit that is intended to lead to fewer traffic accidents, injuries and deaths.
However, earlier this week the minister said he would be stepping down in a fortnight and would delete his profile on social media platform X due to abuse.
Councillor Edward Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said it was a “serious act of vandalism” which presented “a significant risk to life.”
He added: “The absence of warning signs could contribute to a road traffic collision.
“Not only is the illegal removal of these signs dangerous and irresponsible to road users, but replacing these signs will come at a significant cost to the local authority – placing more strain on the public purse.”
Conservative shadow transport minister Natasha Asghar said: “No matter how the Labour Government try to spin it, people will never accept the barmy 20mph speed limit project.”
Ms Asghar said she did not condone vandalism but the incidents make it clear that the public has rejected the 20mph limit.
South Wales Police has been approached for figures from within its force area.
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