A national default speed limit of 20mph would apply on restricted roads, residential areas and busy footpaths where traffic lights are less than 200 yards apart – and anyone caught speeding could face a fine of at least £100 and three penalty points. Many towns and cities across the UK have introduced 20mph limits, but the new law will make Wales the first country to make it the standard speed limit on all restricted roads. Scotland is considering follow-on legislation in 2025. If the proposal gets the expected green light on Tuesday after initial support in the Senedd two years ago, the new 20mph limit – estimated to cost £33m to introduce – will come into effect in September 2023. The Welsh Government claims that improved road safety and a reduction in average speed could lead to savings of £58m over 30 years due to reduced demand on emergency services and subsequent hospital care.
“Give us an alternative to the car first”
Ministers in Cardiff are promoting sustainable journeys – such as cycling or walking – and hope the change to the speed limit will encourage residents to change the way they travel. However, those living in rural locations point out that they have no alternatives to their car, with no cycleway infrastructure or reliable public transport links. “They would like us to stop using our cars and use our feet to cycle and walk, but we don’t have the infrastructure to do that here,” Andy, a health and social care student at the University of Chester. “We have no cycleways, we have narrow lanes and public transport is poor. We don’t all live in Cardiff and have Cardiff’s infrastructure, public transport and industry on our doorstep.” “Give us bike lanes first and an alternative to the car.” Local residents in areas where 20mph has been tested have criticized the plan, saying roads have become more congested and journeys take longer to complete. More than half of respondents to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the proposal said they were not in favor – with most ‘against’ – reducing speed on roads with street lights. Following a pilot in her community in Buckley, Flintshire, local mother Adie Drury launched a petition against what she calls “undemocratic calcium” and has more than 12,500 signatures.
