Data released by the Welsh government shows a reduction in road casualties following the introduction of the default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas. While Transport Secretary Ken Skates welcomes the initial findings, he acknowledges that it will take several years to definitively assess the policy's long-term impact. Evaluations are planned to scrutinize the data further and determine if the 20mph limit has contributed to a significant reduction in collisions and fatalities.
It will take several years to definitively know the impact of Wales 's default 20mph speed limit, the country's transport secretary has stated. However, speaking to Sky News, Ken Skates expressed that new figures released by the Welsh government on Thursday are encouraging. The default speed limit in Wales 's built-up areas was reduced to 20mph in September 2023.
The latest data reveals that the number of casualties between July and September on roads with either 20mph or 30mph speed limits were the lowest for that period since records began in 1979. There were 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20mph and 30mph roads in the 12 months following the reduction in the default speed limit, compared to the previous year. 'That demonstrates that the policy is proving to be successful, and of course we'll be undergoing a series of evaluations where we'll further scrutinise the data available to us, but so far, all indications are positive that this policy is leading to safer streets,' Mr. Skates said. 'Road safety has been improving for some time, continues to improve, and that's why we're going to be undertaking three evaluations so that we can say with absolute certainty whether or not this policy has contributed to an accelerated reduction in the number of collisions and serious injuries and deaths. 'We're confident that it has, but of course we'll be following the evidence, and that evidence will be gathered as part of a thorough evaluation process.' Mr. Skates, who is also the cabinet secretary for North Wales, has previously spoken about his desire to achieve 'the right speeds on the right roads.' He changed the guidance for local councils after a record-breaking petition opposing the policy gathered 469,000 signatures on the Senedd's website. 'Flintshire and Wrexham appear to have been first out of the blocks with undertaking the process, the statutory process, that has to be taken, and both local authorities have published details of dozens of roads in each of their council areas, and we expect to see changes on the ground pretty imminently,' he added. 'But from what I can see, the proposals that they've made make perfect sense. They've made road safety the most important feature and factor in considering what roads should change.' The Welsh Conservatives' shadow transport secretary said he welcomed 'any decrease in road casualties' but cautioned that the figures 'don't tell the whole story.' Peter Fox stated that the rollout of the default limit had 'created confusion and frustration' and his party would replace it with a more 'targeted approach.
SPEED LIMIT WALES ROAD SAFETY CASUALTIES EVALUATION
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Manchester to Introduce 20mph Speed Limit in Residential AreasManchester City Council is planning to implement a 20mph speed limit on residential roads and some city centre streets, while also reducing main roads to 30mph. The move aims to improve road safety after a surge in pedestrian and cyclist accidents since the pandemic. While acknowledging enforcement challenges, the council believes the change could lead to overall reductions in speed.
Read more »
Manchester to Consider 20mph Speed Limit on Residential RoadsManchester City Council is proposing to implement a 20mph speed limit on residential roads across the city, with main roads reduced to 30mph. The proposals follow a similar scheme implemented in Wales, which has been met with both support and criticism.
Read more »
Rochdale Sets 20mph Speed Limit in Urban and Residential AreasRochdale Borough Council is implementing a 20mph speed limit in urban and residential areas, with work already underway in Phase 2. Phase 3 will target additional areas, aiming for completion in spring 2026. The initiative aims to enhance road safety and encourage healthier travel choices.
Read more »
Manchester Embraces 30mph Speed Limit with Average Speed CamerasManchester city council is implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce speed limits across the city, employing average speed cameras to ensure compliance.
Read more »
Do you think 20mph speed limits should be introduced across Manchester?Vote in our poll
Read more »
Revealed: Latest roads in Greater Manchester borough to get 20mph speed limitsThe standardised speed limit across the borough will be slowly implemented as works continue
Read more »