The heart-stopping moment when five-year-old Nanw Wyn Jones was hit by a car travelling at 20mph is a reminder of the life-saving impact of speed limits. Nanw was walking through her village with her grandmother when the accident occurred. Her mother, Ffion, received a distressing call and rushed to her daughter’s side. Nanw was airlifted to the hospital with a fractured skull and concussion.
Ffion attributes the 20mph speed limit to potentially saving Nanw’s life and is now advocating for additional traffic calming measures to ensure compliance with the limit. Thanks to the driver adhering to the speed limit, Nanw was spared more serious injuries. The accident site was previously a 30mph zone but had been reduced to 20mph following Welsh Government legislation in September 2023.
The Welsh Government’s decision to implement the 20mph law has faced scrutiny, with a petition against it garnering significant support. However, Ffion emphasises the importance of obeying the speed limit, especially in residential areas. Data from the early months of 2024 showed a notable decrease in casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads compared to the previous year.
In a bid to protect other children in the village, Ffion has launched a petition urging Gwynedd council to introduce further traffic calming measures. She specifically calls for speed bumps and a zebra crossing at the accident location to enhance safety for pedestrians, especially children. The council has acknowledged the incident and expressed intentions to assess additional measures in support of the 20mph restriction.
Ffion’s campaign serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role speed limits play in safeguarding lives on the roads. Despite initial reservations about the 20mph law, the tangible impact it has on reducing accidents underscores its significance in promoting road safety and protecting vulnerable road users.