New 20mph speed limit could save Wales £100 million in first year, according to new research

The Welsh Government will introduce a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales in September 2023.

Restricted roads include those with street-lights and are usually located in residential and built-up areas with high pedestrian activity.

Flintshire is one of eight areas in Wales “trialling” a reduction in the speed limit on restricted roads, taking it down from 30mph to 20mph.

The Welsh Government launched the pilot on unclassified roads in Buckley, Mynydd Isa, Alltami and New Brighton in February as part of its plans to introduce the new national 20mph default speed limit.

However, the trial created a fierce backlash in Buckley, residents claim it has led to road rage incidents, as well as rising pollution and fuel costs.

There have been widespread calls for main arterial roads through the town to be returned to 30mph, after the blanket 20mph limit was imposed.

The new research, conducted by the Transport Research Institute (TRI) at Edinburgh Napier University, in conjunction with Public Health Wales, estimates a new default 20mph speed limit on residential roads across Wales will save around £100m in the first year alone.

The estimated cost saving is the direct result of fewer deaths and injuries according to the research.

The new 20mph default speed limit is estimated to save more than 100 lives over a decade and 14,000 casualties in total could be avoided.

A new independent public attitude survey, conducted by Beaufort Research on behalf of the Welsh Government has also been published today.

Beaufort was commissioned by the Welsh Government to assess public attitudes towards the change and to provide “baseline data for a public awareness campaign ahead of the legislative change.”

It shows that of the 1000 respondents, 622 supported 20mph speed limit where they lived and 62% said they wanted everyone to slow down on the roads.

When asked about safety, 64% of people said that 20mph speed limits “makes it safer for pedestrians”; 57% agreed that 20mph means “fewer serious collisions on the roads” and almost half (47%) thought 20mph would make it safer for cyclists.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear – reducing speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.”

“Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people the confidence to walk and cycle more, which will help to improve our health and wellbeing and help to improve the environment.”

“This new research shows the savings in terms of reductions in people being hurt or killed but the benefits of 20mph stretch much further than casualty savings alone.”

“The report suggests the lower speed limit will help encourage physical activity and in turn reduce obesity, stress and anxiety.”

“As with any change we know it will take time for people to adapt.”

“But I’m pleased to see the early indications show a majority of people are in favour of 20mph, and I am confident that if we all work together, we can make the necessary changes that will benefit us now and in the future.”