Members of the Senedd have voted in favour of landmark legislation to reduce speed limits.
Following the debate on Tuesday, 12 July, Wales will become the first nation in the world to adopt a 20mph default speed limit on residential streets. New legislation, which will come into effect in 2023, means that many roads which currently operate as 30mph areas will reduce the speed limit to 20mph.
Living Streets Cymru is part of the UK charity for everyday walking and a member organisation of the 20mph Welsh Government Task Force Group, which provided evidence to support the 20mph restriction.
Commenting on the landmark ruling, Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets, said: “I’m thrilled that Welsh politicians have voted in favour of this life-changing legislation. Introducing 20mph as the default speed on our streets will improve the places where we live, work and go to school – and it will also save lives. When the speed limit is reduced from 30mph to 20mph there is typically an average decline in casualties of at least 20%.
“We will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure that our streets and pavements are safe and accessible for everyone in our communities, so that we’re likely to walk or cycle more, which is good for our health and pollution levels.”
In 2021, the Welsh Government ran a consultation on the introduction of 20mph limits on residential roads across Wales. It has also piloted a scheme in eight areas across Wales, where 20mph speed limits have been introduced on some residential roads.
Research shows that pedestrians are 40 per cent less likely to die when hit by a car travelling at 20mph compared with one travelling at 30mph. If someone is struck by a vehicle at 20mph their chance of survival is up to 97 per cent. This decreases with every mile driven faster. There is also evidence that casualties are reduced when 20mph limits are introduced and that 20mph limits lead to more walking and cycling and lower noise levels.
The introduction of a national 20mph speed limit on residential roads stands to bring significant cost savings to the National Health Service. Researchers at Public Health Wales state “if all current 30mph limit roads in Wales became 20mph roads, it is estimated that 6–10 lives would be saved and 1200–2000 casualties avoided each year, at a value of prevention of £58m–£94m.
What is a restricted road?
The 20mph limit would come into force for all restricted roads.
These are defined as roads that have lampposts placed not more than 200 yards apart.
They are typically located in residential and built-up areas of high pedestrian activity.
How much does lower speed reduce risk?
Latest police data shows the largest proportion – exactly half – of the 5,570 people hurt in collisions in Wales happened on 30mph roads and in more than 40% of them, someone was killed or seriously injured.
Campaigners argue the chances of someone surviving being hit by a car at 20mph rather than 30mph is seven times higher while stopping distances are almost halved.
Would any restricted roads not be 20mph?
The Welsh government has acknowledged the new lower limit may not be appropriate everywhere and has said local authorities can make exceptions, though not outside schools.
When would the change start?
The new law to make Wales the first nation to impose 20mph as the default on all restricted roads was passed by the Welsh Parliament in a vote on Tuesday.
The proposal was given the go-ahead by 39 votes to 15, after initial backing in the Senedd two years ago.
The new 20mph limit is expected to come into force in September 2023.
How much will it cost?
The cost of bringing it in has been estimated £33m.
But the Welsh government claim that improved road safety and a reduction in average speeds could result in a £58m saving over 30 years because of reduced emergency service demand and subsequent hospital treatment.
