Drivers are set to see several 20mph roads across a major region revert to 30mph by the end of this week, marking a significant win for motorists.
Wrexham Council revealed that more than 50 roads will return to higher speeds after operating at just 20mph for over two years.
The change in speed limits follows a public consultation and national outcry by drivers who were critical of the 20mph limits.
In September 2023, the Welsh Government introduced a default 20mph speed limit across the country, with virtually all roads impacted.
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Wrexham became the first authority in Wales ot begin turning roads back to 30mph
While the move aimed to ensure safer streets for pedestrians and road users alike, the Government was met with sharp resistance to the measures.
The 20mph backlash saw the creation of the most popular petition in Welsh Senedd history, with more than 460,000 people signing.
It claimed: "The new 20mph law is coming into force, and it will mark the end of socialism in power in Wales.
"The Welsh Government has FAILED to produce ANY convincing evidence to support these claims of safety. The Welsh Government was put there BY THE PEOPLE OF WALES, We are your boss! We demand that this foolish idea be stopped."
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Wales was forced to backslide on its 20mph speed limit following backlash from drivers
In response, the Welsh Government introduced new powers for local authorities to revert roads back to 30mph should they deem them safe to do so.
The official documents stated: "When considering whether a local speed limit can be set, highway authorities should weigh up the potential benefits and disbenefits of raising the speed limit.
"For example, authorities should consider the trade-offs between the disbenefits of the higher speeds, such as increased casualties and severity of injuries, noise and perceived risk."
Earlier this year, Wrexham Council launched a consultation on reverting the speed limit back to 30mph along 52 sections of highway which met the Welsh Government criteria.
In May this year, the authority became one of the first in Wales to successfully return roads to 30mph, with two roads in the area changed along the B5605 Wrexham Road in Johnstown.
Councillor David Bithell said: "By the end of this week, most roads will have reverted back to 30mph. This follows the decision made at the Executive Board to revert 52 sections of roads.
"We are still working to complete it as soon as possible with our contractors. These changes were fully funded by the Welsh Government."
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Roads across Wales became 20mph in September 2023
B5445 Marford Hill, Marford
B5445 Chester Road, Gresford
A5152 Chester Road, Acton (A483 - Garden Village)
A5152 Chester Road, Acton (Garden Village - City)
Ty Gwyn Lane, Acton
B5100 Rhosnesni Lane, Acton
Jeffreys Road, Borras
A534 Holt Road, Wrexham (Hullah Lane to Greyhound)
A534 Holt Road, Borras (Greyhound to Link Road)
A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham
A541 Mold Road, Gwersyllt
A525 Kingsmills Road, Hightown
Kingsmills Loop (Old A525)
Abenbury Road, Abenbury
Cefn Road, Abenbury
A525 Marchwiel Road/Bangor Road, Marchwiel
A528 Overton Road, Marchwiel
A525 Bangor Road, Cross Lanes
B5130 Holt Road/Kiln Lane, Cross Lanes
B5425 New Road/ Main Road/ Llay New Road, Rhosrobin
Plas Acton Road, Pandy
B5425 Llay New Road, Llay
B5102 Straight Mile/ Croeshowell Hill, Llay
Gegin Lane, Llay
Higher Lane, Llay
Chapel Lane, Llay
Phoenix Drive, Brymbo
New High Street, Brymbo
Railway Road, Brymbo
B5101, The Lodge
B5426 Wern Road, Minera
B5426 Minera Hall Road, Minera
B5426, The Wern
B5605 Park Road/Newbridge Road, Rhosymedre
A539 Llangollen Road, Trevor
A539 Llangollen Road, Acrefair
B5070, Chirk
B5070, Chirk (buffer)
B5605 Wrexham Road, Johnstown
B5605 Ruabon Road, Johnstown
Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Johnstown
B5605 Ruabon Road, Ruabon
B5605 New High Street, Ruabon
B5605 Bridge Street, Ruabon
A539/B5605 Ruabon Roundabout
B5097 Plas Bennion to Tatham Road
Plas Bennion Road/ Copperas Hill
Plas Bennion Road (buffer)