Reform UK’s candidate in the forthcoming Caerphilly by-election has pledged to campaign for the reversal of Wales’s controversial 20mph default speed limit. Introduced in 2023, Wales became the first nation in the UK to lower the default limit in built-up areas. The policy has faced strong opposition, with a petition against the change attracting nearly 470,000 signatures – the largest in the history of the Senedd.
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Speaking at a press conference in Caerphilly, Llyr Powell, Reform UK’s newly announced candidate, argued that the reduced speed limit has deterred investment in the area. He claimed businesses, as well as local taxi and bus drivers, had raised concerns about its impact. According to the Welsh Government, introducing the 20mph default limit has cost approximately £32 million. Mr Powell suggested the cost of reversing the change would be worthwhile, though he stressed that the lower limit should remain in place near schools and hospitals.
Mr Powell also criticised what he described as the Welsh Government’s disregard for public opinion, noting the scale of opposition to the new law. He said he hoped to act as “a strong champion” for local people. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who attended the event, went further, describing Wales as “failing by every measure”, citing challenges in education, health, investment and employment, in addition to the widespread imposition of 20mph limits.
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The by-election in Caerphilly was triggered by the death of Hefin Wyn David, Labour’s Member of the Senedd for the constituency since 2016, who was found dead at his home in Nelson in August, aged 47. Plaid Cymru was the first to announce its candidate, councillor Lindsay Whittle, followed by the Conservatives with Gareth Potter and Labour with Richard Tunnicliffe. Labour has held the Caerphilly seat since the establishment of the Senedd, formerly the National Assembly for Wales, in 1999.
