Firefighter says new 20mph speed limit across Wales will slow down response times

A Senedd Member has raised concerns about the Welsh Government’s 20mph default speed limit, due to be introduced next month, and its potential effect on retained firefighters responding to call-outs.

Retained Duty System (RDS) firefighters are paid to be on-call for emergencies.

Many RDS firefighters hold other full-time jobs outside the fire service, but the local fire and rescue service employs and trains them.

In emergencies, a radio pager summons them to the fire station. Once there, they man the fire engine and proceed to the scene.

To meet strict response targets, they must live or work close to their respective fire stations.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reviewing emergency cover in the region.

They’re considering changing the crewing at Deeside fire stations to a day-staffed approach.

This could mean RDS firefighters solely providing nighttime cover.

Serving Deeside and its neighbouring parishes, crews often deal with cross-border incidents, given its proximity to the Cheshire border.

Importantly, the station is mere minutes from Deeside Industrial Park, one of Europe’s largest of its kind.

Natasha Asghar MS, the Welsh Conservatives Shadow Minister for Transport, underscored the concerns emergency services voiced about the new 20mph speed limit, set to be rolled out on September 17.

A retained firefighter told Ms Asghar:

• The 20mph default speed limit will delay firefighters getting to stations in their own vehicles.
• Fire incidents will take longer to get to.
• Labour has extended the distance of retained firefighters from 5 minutes travel to 10 minutes, with the new speed limit impacting journeys.

South Wales Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Travis, echoed these concerns.

In a letter, Travis noted that the 20mph restriction “affects how we… execute our primary duties.”

The fear is it might delay emergency responders attending incidents.

Natasha Asghar MS remarked, “An email last week revealed the 20mph limit will hamper police responses.”

“The evidence is clear. And now a firefighter confirms this will hinder them, risking lives.”

“This isn’t about safety when it endangers people. Given the mounting concerns, Labour needs to pause the 20mph rollout.”

“Public safety must take precedence over political agendas.”

Jack Sargeant, Senedd Member for Alyn and Deeside, is worried about the proposed transition from full-time to on-call night coverage at Deeside fire station.

In a letter to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, he expressed, “I’m alarmed by the potential implications of the three consulted options for Deeside and the broader community. Such alterations might risk lives.”

Jack shared, “After meeting the North Wales Fire Brigade Union, they proposed two other options. I strongly advise the Fire and Rescue Service to collaborate with the Union. We should also look at more investment.”

He urged locals to join the consultation, stressing community input: “I support the Union’s call for more funding and want Deeside Fire Station to remain operational. Residents need to voice their concerns.”

The main options discussed are:

Option 1: Transfer 12 rural and 28 full-time firefighter positions from Rhyl and Deeside to the new day-staffed sites.

Option 2: Create three new day-staffed stations, saving £1.1 million for the 2024/25 £6 million budget, cutting 22 full-time firefighter posts.

Option 3: This mirrors Option 2 but with just two stations, closing 5 RDS stations and saving £2.4 million.

For consultation details, visit: North Wales Fire Gov

A local petition to “save Deeside firefighters” is at: 38 Degrees Petition