Lee Waters, a stalwart Labour minister for Wales, is facing criticism and a vote of no confidence from his detractors for backing the recently implemented 20mph law. Waters has become the spearhead of this novel legislation which significantly lowers the speed limit, igniting a dispute which took a disturbing personal tone.
The Welsh Conservatives set the wheels in motion for a vote of no confidence, accusing Waters of making the matter a personal crusade. A claim which Waters dismissed as ‘unpleasant’.
The new 20mph law, which caps the speed limit in built-up areas, replacing the previous benchmark of 30mph, has not found favour with everyone. Conservative Senedd group leader, Andrew RT Davies, disclosed he’d been on the receiving end of abuse due to his stance on the law.
The Senedd Conservatives endorse the decreased speed limit in certain areas like schools and hospitals, yet object to its wider application. Meanwhile, Mr Waters anticipates that the populace will acclimatise to the new stipulation in due course, an assertion he made prior to the vote.
As the Deputy Climate Change Minister, Waters assured that the Welsh government is open to promptly assessing and rectifying regions where the law might not be functioning as intended. However, he hinted that major changes are doubtful, predicting potential ‘tweaks’ to the way this new law is enforced.
The last word on exceptions to the new law rests with local authorities, who have the authority to restore the 30mph speed limit, though Mr Waters expressed that some councils are hesitant to do so. Any such transition could require 10 to 12 weeks following a Traffic Regulation Order.
The upcoming vote of ‘no confidence’ is not political posturing, insists the Conservatives, arguing that their decision was a consequence of long-standing dissatisfaction with Mr Waters’ decisions. Natasha Asghar, Shadow Transport Minister, emphasised the gravity of such a vote while acknowledging the intense public reaction the new law has fetched.
The implementation of a 20mph law was outlined in the Welsh Labour’s manifesto for the past Senedd election but was not the central focus, pointed out Ms Asghar.
Assuming things remain as they are, the vote of no confidence faces certain defeat. Labour Senedd members have been collectively advised to vote against it. Adding to this, the Plaid Cymru party scorned the Conservatives for their political maneuvering and declared their intention to oppose the vote.
Even if the vote sails through, according to Senedd rules, Mr Waters is not required to step down from his position, although it would be expected.
Public sentiment over the new law is apparent in the form of a petition calling for its revocation, garnering over 400,000 supporters – significantly past the 10,000 requisite for a Senedd debate.
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