The Conservative candidate vying to be Windsor’s next MP has expressed his opposition to blanket 20mph zones.

Jack Rankin, who was selected to contest the seat last month, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he believes the reduction of urban speed limits below 30mph should be based on the consent of residents.

Mr Rankin said: “When serving on the Royal Borough (council), I led on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Frances Road, because that was the desire of the local residents on the doorstep and following a public meeting.

“My future positions will be similarly influenced by local residents and what they want their community.”

The default speed limit in built-up areas in the UK is 30mph except in Wales, where it was reduced to 20mph this year.

This measure has been met with controversy, with proponents claiming it represents a vital safety measure while critics argue it risks increasing journey time and congestion.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Reducing speeds not only saves lives, it helps build safer communities for everyone, including motorists - better places to live our lives.

“It will help make our streets quieter, reducing noise pollution, and slower speeds will give more people the confidence to cycle and walk around their local areas and encourage children to play outdoors.”

Default maximum speed limits apply across England of 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageway roads and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

However, local councils do have the authority to set their own speed limits in certain areas. This includes 20mph zones, which are often set in areas around schools.

Mr Rankin added: “In keeping with the principle of local consent, I would not support any blanket imposition of speed restrictions, as seen across Wales, and I think the Prime Minister is right to restrict local authorities from implementing such schemes.

“Such blanket imposition strikes me as ideological and anti-motorist, rather than considered and locally desired.”

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously told ITV Wales: "People are dependent on their cars for their day-to-day journeys and these kind of blanket bans aren't the right, proportionate approach.”