It’s not just Wales, Ireland plans to drop urban speed limits to 18.6mph

Wales is just days away from introducing a new lowered default speed limit on most residential roads, a shift from the current 30mph to 20mph.

This change will come into effect on Sunday, September 17, making Wales the first UK region to adopt such a measure.

First Minister Mark Drakeford commented, “Lowering speeds not only saves lives but also helps build safer communities for everyone, including drivers.”

However, there’s been significant opposition to the new speed limit.

A mass of people in Wales have voiced their concerns, with tens of thousands signing petitions against the speed limit reduction.

As the date for the 20mph limit nears, social media is abuzz with criticism. Many motorists are criticising the Welsh Government and the First Minister for the 20mph decision with many questioning the cost of the change.

But the debate isn’t limited to Wales. Across the River Dee in Wirral, there’s growing opposition to new 20mph zones. A petition there, calling for the council to rethink its plans, has garnered nearly 900 signatures.

Meanwhile, Ireland is considering reducing speed limits on urban roads from 50 km/h to 30 km/h (approximately 18.6mph).

Following a concerning rise in road-related fatalities this year, the Irish government has proposed 20km/h speed limit reduction across its network of roads.

Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, shared on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the decision comes after a two-year comprehensive review.

The proposed changes include reducing speed limits on national secondary roads from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, rural roads from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, and in urban areas, setting the limit at 30 km/h.

Chambers explained, “We aim to address the inconsistent speed limits on our roads.” He highlighted the plan’s main goal: updating default limits while allowing local authorities flexibility based on safety and design quality.

Chambers aims to present a Bill by the end of this year. If approved, the new limits could be in place by the latter half of 2024.

The Welsh government estimates the 20mph legislation’s cost at around £33 million.

However, they expect savings of £58m over the next 30 years due to reduced emergency services and hospital admissions.

[Photo: William Murphy, Flickr]