Image: Welsh Government
Wales is to become the first UK nation to lower its default national speed limit on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph, after the move was approved by the Senedd.
The new slower speed limits are currently being trialled in eight communities across Wales and will be rolled out nationally in September 2023.
The new legislation will not apply a blanket speed limit on all roads, it will simply make the default limit 20mph on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets.
This leaves local authorities, who know their area best, to engage with the local community to decide which roads should remain at 30mph.
Currently, just 2.5% of Welsh roads have a speed limit of 20mph, but this is expected to increase to approximately 35%.
The Welsh Government hopes the move will help to save lives, develop safer communities, improve the quality of life and encourage more people to make more sustainable and active travel choices.
Julie James, minister for climate change, said: “I am delighted that the move to 20mph has received cross-party support across the Welsh Parliament today.
“The evidence is clear, decreasing speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, but helps improve people’s quality of life – making our streets and communities a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, whilst helping reduce our environmental impact.
“We know this move won’t be easy – it’s as much about changing hearts and minds as it is about enforcement – but over time 20mph will become the norm, just like the restrictions we’ve introduced before on carrier bag charges and organ donation.
“Once again Wales is leading the way for other UK nations to follow.”
Cycling UK has described the move as “a huge leap forward for Wales”.
Gwenda Owen, Cycling UK’s engagement officer in Wales, said: “The lower speed limit will help create more liveable neighbourhoods and town centres, building community cohesion by encouraging more cycling and walking.
“Studies also show this can benefit local businesses, as people feel safer and more confident exploring their local area on foot or two wheels.”
Pat
Can I presume from your comment that you have now retired and no longer have a professional involvement with road safety?
Rod
Rod King, Lymm
+16
Careful Frazer,
You are commenting on a policy from ardent practitioners of the Nanny State. They may take your comment at face value.
Pat, Wales
--17
I agree with Fraser’s suggestion – but not for all drivers/riders – only some.
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
--13
Would it not be best to lower the default speed limit to 4 miles/h and ensure that each carriage (including the safety bicycle) is preceded by a person bearing a red warning flag?
(I see that the dirty work is left to the local authorities, as usual.)
🙂
Fraser Andrew, Stirling
--19