Explanatory Memorandum to The M4 Motorway (Rogiet Toll Plaza, Monmouthshire) (50 MPH Speed Limit) Regulations 2010 (Revocation) Regulations 2019.

This Explanatory Memorandum has been prepared by the Department for Economic Infrastructure and is laid before the National Assembly for Wales in conjunction with the above subordinate legislation and in accordance with Standing Order 27.1.

Minister’s Declaration

In my view, this Explanatory Memorandum gives a fair and reasonable view of the expected impact of The M4 Motorway (Rogiet Toll Plaza, Monmouthshire) (50 MPH Speed Limit) Regulations 2010 (Revocation) Regulations 2019. I am satisfied that the benefits outweigh any costs.

Ken Skates

Minister for Economy and Transport

7 October 2019

1. Description

These Regulations revoke the 50 mph speed limit and consequently reinstate the general 70 mph speed limit imposed on motorways by the Motorway Traffic (Speed Limit) Regulations 1974 (S.I. 1974/502) on the westbound carriageway of the M4 motorway at Rogiet in the County of Monmouthshire which extends from a point 800 metres east of the centre line of Station Road overbridge to a point 752 metres west of the centre line of Station Road overbridge.

2. Matters of special interest to the Subordinate Legislation Committee

None.

3. Legislative Background

The powers enabling this instrument to be made are under Sections 17(2) and (3ZAA) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA). These give the Welsh Ministers the power to revoke Regulations with respect to particular special roads such as motorways and for regulating the speed of vehicles on such roads, so far as they are exercisable in relation to Wales. 

      This instrument is to be made following the negative procedure.

4. Purpose and intended effect of the legislation

Following the removal of the Rogiet Toll Plaza, these Regulations remove the 50 mph speed limit and allow for the operation and enforcement of a 70 mph mandatory speed limit in relation to the lengths of the M4 specified in regulation 2 of the Regulations. The use of the mandatory 70 mph speed limit is proposed to maintain the safe passage of vehicles.

5. Implementation

If this legislation were to be annulled, road safety would be compromised at this location. This Instrument has a coming into force date of 31 October 2019.

 6. Consultation

In accordance with Section 134(10) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the views of representative organisations and groups were sought between 07 August and 28 August 2019 (3 week period).

The list of consultees and summary of any responses is attached at Annex A.

7. REGULATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

A regulatory impact assessment has not been produced as these   Regulations are being introduced for road safety and air quality improvement reasons and have no impact on the costs of business.

ANNEX A

SCHEDULE OF CONSULTATION

Organisation	Response
Monmouthshire County Council	No comment
Chepstow Town Council	No comment
Gwent Police	No comment
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service HQ	No comment
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust	No comment
Road Haulage Association Ltd.	No comment
Freight Transport Association	No comment
NAVTEQ	No comment
Trafficmaster Travel	No comment
South Wales Trunk Road Agent Manager	No comment
‘Go Safe’	No comment
Ministry of Justice	No comment
HERE	No comment