Chris Ames 13 July 2022

Welsh parliament votes for 20mph default

Welsh parliament votes for 20mph default image
Image: Richard Bradford / Shutterstock.com

The Welsh Senedd has approved legislation to lower the default national speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets in the country from 30mph to 20mph.

Wales is the first UK nation to make the change, which it said would help save lives, develop safer communities, improve quality of life and encourage more people to make more sustainable and active travel choices.

Minister for climate change Julie James 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.’

The new speed limits are currently being trialled in eight communities across Wales and will be rolled out nationally in September 2023.

The Welsh Government said the new legislation will not apply a blanket speed limit on all roads, but would make the default limit 20mph, leaving local authorities to decide which roads should remain at 30mph.

Currently, just 2.5% of Welsh roads have a speed limit of 20mph, but officials said that from next year this is expected to increase to approximately 35%.

Ms James added: ‘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’s engagement officer in Wales, Gwenda Owen, said: 'This is a huge leap forward for Wales - 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.'

This article first appeared in Transport Network.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Law & Governance

South Kesteven District Council
c. £110k inc.
Effective decision-making in local government leads to better outcomes for communities. Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South Kesteven District Council

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner