Drivers in Talgarth and Glangrwyney could see changes to local speed limits under a Welsh Government review of trunk roads across the country.

The review follows a nationwide shake-up in 2023, when the default speed limit on residential and unrestricted roads was cut from 30mph to 20mph. The move was credited with reducing injuries, with campaigners reporting nearly 900 fewer road casualties in the first year. However, the policy also drew criticism for its cost - estimated at £34 million - and its impact on traffic flow, leading to some roads reverting back to 30mph in 2024.

The government has now completed a fresh review of scores of roads, including sections of the A40 through Glangrwyney and the A479 in Talgarth.

In Glangrwyney, the speed limit on part of the A40 could rise to 30mph, with authorities also assessing whether pedestrian crossings are needed. Meanwhile, sections of the A479 through Talgarth may be reduced to 20mph, again with consideration for new crossings to protect pedestrians.

The Welsh Government said: “We are proposing changes to some 20mph or 30mph speed limits on the trunk road network.

“We are also considering introducing buffer speed limits in some areas. These are short sections of road approaching or leaving a 20mph or 30mph speed limit. They help drivers slow down more gradually.

“For example, if a driver is travelling at 60mph and is about to enter a 20mph speed limit, we may add a short 40mph section in between.

“We may also use buffer speed limits even when the main speed limit on a road is not changing.

“We do not propose changing speed limits on roundabouts and junctions that join local authority roads.”

All proposed speed limit changes will require new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), a legal process that can take up to nine months. The government has said that speed limits on affected roads may not come into effect until early 2027. Residents and road users will have the opportunity to raise objections when draft TROs are published.

On several key Powys routes, the Welsh Government is exploring additional safety measures even though the current speed limits will remain the same. On the A40 through Crickhowell, buffer speed limits are proposed on either side of the existing 20mph section to help drivers slow down more gradually. At A470 Erwood, a buffer speed limit is proposed on the north side of the 20mph section, and officials are also considering whether a new pavement could be installed to improve pedestrian safety. For A470 and A479 through Llyswen, a buffer speed limit is proposed on the south side of the 20mph section on the A470. At A470 Newbridge-on-Wye, a buffer speed limit is proposed on the north side of the 20mph section. Finally, on the A470 and A483 through Builth Wells and Llanelwedd, a buffer speed limit is proposed on the north side of the 20mph section on the A483.

The full list of roads mentioned in the Wales-wide review can be found at: www.gov.wales/review-20mph-and-30mph-speed-limits-trunk-roads