Calls to revert 1,500 roads in Wales to 30mph speed limit
- Over 10,500 requests have been made by residents in Wales to reassess roads that were reduced to a 20mph speed limit.
- Police report a decrease in road casualties and crashes since the implementation of the new speed limit, despite public opposition.
- The ongoing debate reflects the tension between public sentiment and road safety statistics, as authorities evaluate the effectiveness of the 20mph policy.
In Wales, approximately 1,500 roads that were recently reduced to a 20mph speed limit may revert back to 30mph following over 10,500 requests from residents for reassessment. This policy was implemented in September of the previous year, and despite significant public opposition—where seven in ten people disapprove—police report a decrease in road casualties and crashes since the change. Newport has seen the highest number of appeals, with 3,500 requests for 334 locations to return to the higher limit. Official statistics indicate that since the enforcement of the new speed limit began in January, over 78,000 drivers have been caught exceeding 20mph, with a record number facing penalties last month. The police emphasize that enforcement is a last resort, and the speed enforcement threshold in Wales is higher than in England, allowing for a tolerance of up to 26mph during a transition period. Road safety advocates are urging for traffic calming measures to ensure compliance with the 20mph limit, arguing that if the limit is set, drivers should adhere to it. Data shows a notable reduction in serious casualties and fatalities on both 20mph and 30mph roads in the first quarter of 2024, with a 23% decrease in serious incidents reported. The initiative reflects a broader trend in the UK, where various cities have adopted similar speed limits in built-up areas. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between public sentiment and road safety statistics, as authorities continue to assess the effectiveness of the 20mph policy.