This September, Welsh Government will be rolling out the lower 20mph speed limit across Wales. Keep reading to find out more about what the changes mean and why the decision was made.
This new speed limit will mainly apply to residential or busy pedestrian streets, so from 17 September, when you see streetlights, you should assume that the speed limit is 20mph, unless there are signs to tell you otherwise.
The decision to change to 20mph has been made to:
- make our streets safer, reducing the number of people killed or injured (as well as reducing the impact on the NHS)
- encourage more people to walk and cycle
- help to improve our health and well-being
- safeguard the environment for future generations
It’s estimated that the new default 20mph will save around £92 million in healthcare in the first year alone, and prevent 6-10 deaths every year.
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Lower traffic speeds also encourage more walking and cycling with vehicle speeds being one of the main reasons people don’t walk or cycle, or allow their children to walk or cycle to school.
This is a Welsh Government national change that all local authorities in Wales must comply with.
GoSafe and the police will be out enforcing the 20mph restrictions, like any other speed limit, to make our roads are safer for all users. They will also be helping to engage and educate motorists.
You can find more information on the Welsh Government’s FAQs page and the Wrexham Council 20mph speed restrictions in Wales webpage.
