Living Streets Cymru on the second anniversary of 20mph limits
It’s been two years since Wales became the first UK nation to set a default speed limit of 20mph in residential areas. The new legislation came into effect in September 2023 and meant that roads that previously operated as 30mph areas reduced to 20mph.
Living Streets Cymru – part of the UK charity for everyday walking – was on the original task force to advise the Welsh government on proposals and supported schools and communities in the trials.
Ruth Billingham, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs, Living Streets, comments on the two-year anniversary:
“As politicians turn to election mode, it’s crucial that the benefits of 20mph are front and centre. Those benefits could not be clearer – the number of people injured and killed on 20mph and 30mph roads in the nation fell by more than a third between July 2023 and March this year (TfW).
“That’s 630 people who haven’t experienced the physical and mental turmoil of an injury, who haven’t had to stop working or caring for loved ones.
“It’s good news for the economy, too. According to estimates from the Department for Transport, in one year the policy has saved around £45 million in costs to the NHS and families by avoiding injuries and collisions.
“People also tell us that reduced speeds on Welsh roads make them more confident walking or cycling short distances, which is better for our nation’s health and the environment. At Living Streets, we urge England and Scotland to follow Wales’s lead and implement their own 20mph limits on residential streets.”
About the author
Rowan Dent
PR and Media Coordinator, Living Streets / [email protected]