A40 speed limit cut to 40mph proposed for Crickhowell

Welsh Government officials have put forward proposals to lower the speed limit on two stretches of the A40 approaching Crickhowell from 60mph to 40mph.

The plan would create 40mph buffer zones on either side of the existing 20mph limit that runs through the town centre.

The proposals stem from a review of 20mph and 30mph limits on the nation’s trunk road network, launched after the 20mph scheme was introduced in September 2023.

Members of the public were invited to suggest where further changes might be needed, and the government now says it is “considering introducing buffer speed limits in some areas to help drivers slow down more gradually”.

It added that engineering measures such as pedestrian crossings, new pavements and improved signage could accompany the speed changes.

Each section of road will be assessed individually to determine the exact work required, the statement said.

Powys County councillor Claire Hall has circulated the draft proposals to residents, asking for feedback within a two‑week window.

The plans below have been sent to me for feedback within the next 14 days… What are your thoughts? Is this the right thing to do?

Are the proposed sections of change on the A40 the right length?

Hall’s fellow Liberal Democrat colleague, councillor Chloe Masefield, urged locals to submit comments promptly, offering the council email addresses for the consultation.

All speed‑limit alterations require new Traffic Regulation Orders, and the public may also object when draft TROs are published.

The statutory process can take up to nine months, meaning any changes to the A40 are unlikely to be in force before early 2027.

In addition to the Crickhowell buffers, the Welsh Government is proposing 20mph or 30mph limits on ten other trunk‑road sections across Wales.

Further measures under consideration include pedestrian crossings, new pavements and upgraded speed‑limit signage at a further 25 locations.

The consultation documents list the exact sites, but the A40 proposals focus on the stretch from the Manor Hotel on the western side of Crickhowell to the town’s football club on the eastern approach.

Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, with some welcoming slower traffic for safety, while others fear longer journey times for commuters and freight.

Transport experts note that buffer zones can reduce abrupt speed changes, potentially lowering accident rates where drivers otherwise brake sharply before entering a 20mph zone.

However, they caution that the effectiveness of a 40mph limit depends on road geometry, visibility and the presence of safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

Powys County Council has not yet confirmed whether additional engineering works, such as new footways or crossing islands, will accompany the speed reduction.

Welsh Government officials said the proposals are part of a broader effort to make the trunk‑road network safer for all road users, especially those who walk, wheel or cycle.

They also highlighted that improved signage could help drivers adjust speed more smoothly, reducing the risk of sudden braking.

Stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft proposals until the 14‑day deadline, after which the council will forward feedback to the Welsh Government for further consideration.

If the consultation yields strong support, the council may recommend the buffer zones to the Welsh Government, which would then move forward with the necessary legal orders.

Should objections outweigh support, the proposals could be revised or withdrawn, a possibility the council acknowledges.

Transport for Wales has not yet issued a formal statement on the A40 changes, but it is expected to review the impact on traffic flow and public transport routes once the consultation closes.

Local businesses, particularly those reliant on tourism, are watching the developments closely, fearing that slower traffic could affect visitor numbers to the historic market town.

Conversely, heritage groups argue that reduced speeds would protect the town’s historic fabric and improve the experience for walkers exploring the surrounding Brecon Beacons.

The next stage will see the council compile responses and submit a recommendation to the Welsh Government, which will decide whether to proceed with the draft Traffic Regulation Orders.

Until then, the A40 will retain its current 60mph limit on the approaches to Crickhowell, with the 20mph zone remaining unchanged through the town centre.