A Christmas tree in a Welsh village was adorned with some rather unusual decorations as part of a protest against speed limits. Residents living in Glasfryn in Conwy covered their tree in 30mph signs and lights.
They say traffic is already slowing as a result. They fear that the current national speed limit of 60mph is too high in the village, and could lead to a fatality.
Earlier this week, the Welsh Government said speed limit reviews had been paused but would begin again “once new guidance was available”, reports NorthWalesLive.
Residents have for some time been placing their own speed limit signs on the side of the road. Cllr Gwennol Ellis said they were already having an impact – and it had only improved with the addition of the tree.
Cllr Ellis said: “It went really well. All the community came out to support the switch on.
“The age range of people was newborn twins to the eldest 91-year-old who turned on the Christmas lights.
“The support for this campaign has been great. The tree is a good size, and the man who lives in the bungalow just behind the tree has kindly allowed the cable from his house, and he’s gone all out this year to decorate too.”
He described how the campaign was already starting to make a difference in the area.
“There has been an uplift in the village,” he said. “Everybody has made more of an effort, and some cars are slowing down. Of course, some don’t.”
“But people were commenting last night that they had noticed a difference in the village that cars are beginning to drive in a more considerate manner. We had about 40 people turn out, and there was a strong community vibe.
“People welcomed the opportunity to come together, and the children sang carols, and there was mulled wine and mince pies.”
Villagers are angry at the Welsh government for placing 60mph signs either side of Glasfryn 18 months ago, reminding drivers they are free to travel at the national speed limit.
Resident Euan Robertson pointed out the village playground is on the A5, and said cars overtake in the village.
He told the BBC: “I walk my dogs along the A5 every morning, and traffic is coming rushing past, often in the dark and the wet, so I’m having to wear high-vis and head torches. The dogs have even got lights on them now, to make drivers aware. We’ve got lorries travelling through the village too at high speeds. It can be terrifying,”
