It's been a couple of months since the 20mph speed limits were introduced and I thought it was time for a reflection. I was against the proposal to have a blanket 20mph roll out.

I live near Aberdare. It would be safe to suggest that, here at least, very few drivers actually stick to 20mph where the limit requires. It has had the effect of stopping drivers doing 35-40 in 30mph zones, it's rare to see a car doing more than 30 now. That has to be one good thing.

28 in a 30 zone barely feels like slowing down. 18 in a 20 zone feels painfully slow. There are a handful of drivers who are overcautious and don't quite reach 20mph, which feels very annoying. I could happily cope with someone doing a few mph below 30. On the odd occasions when I have to drive at 20, I seem to be wanting to make progress as soon as I have the opportunity. I want to get where I'm going. Around me, side streets and back roads are busier than they used to be. Where traffic sticks to 20mph, it seems to create more bottlenecks and impatience.

I notice that some roads are returning to 30mph, particularly if they're arterial roads that need a flow of traffic. Hopkinstown is 30mph all the way along, which totally rubbishes any other main road being reduced to 20.

Another issue that I seem to encounter around here is that people are driving more slowly on 40 and 50mph roads. I've seen people doing 20 in 30 zones when it's been quiet. There seems to be some confusion among motorists with speed limits - strange as we've never had so many signs. I just think some drivers don't even look at signs.

I'll repeat that it has had the effect of slowing traffic down a bit in built up areas, which is a good thing. It hasn't stopped boy racers or idiots on the road though. They'll still create most accidents, regardless of speed limits.