A CAMPAIGN groups believes there could be 1,000 fewer casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads across Wales in the two years since the reduced speed limit was introduced.
On September 17, 2023, Welsh Government announced that all 30mph roads would be converted to 20mph in a bid to "save lives and reduce casualties".
The decision was met with huge criticism, with several roads now in the process of being reverted back to 30mph.
However, on the second anniversary of the 20mph policy, the group '20's Plenty For Us' have commented on figures from the change.
Collision data for the first 18 months has been released, which shows 882 (25%) fewer people were hurt in road traffic collisions on 20/30mph roads since it's introduction.
Casualties
The group say it is expected that figure will rise to 1,000 fewer casualties, when the figures for the whole two years are released.
The reduction in casualties of 25% on 20/30mph roads is twelve times the decrease on roads with higher speed limits.
All four police forces saw casualty reductions. In North Wales, where 94% of roads changed from 30mph to 20mph, casualties fell by 46%.
Adrian Berendt, Director, 20’s Plenty for Us, commented: “As well as making Welsh communities safer, with over 1,000 fewer casualties, 20mph is benefitting drivers in lower insurance costs.
"We congratulate politicians, local authority representatives and community leaders who called for and implemented 20mph as an urban/village norm.
"We thank Welsh drivers who have altered their behaviour to make their communities even better places to be.”
Save lives
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties.
"We’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy, but the picture continues to be encouraging.
"Latest police-recorded collision data shows fewer collisions on 20mph and 30mph roads combined in the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same quarter in 2023, which was the last quarter 1 period before the change in default speed limit.
“We have also listened and updated the guidance to allow local authorities to review roads which can safely be changed to 30mph to ensure the right speeds on the right roads.”
Share