Progressing a Default 20mph Speed Limit for Communities Across Wales
The planned national 20mph speed limit for residential roads across Wales has moved a step nearer, with the laying of the legislative order which allows a vote to take place in the Senedd.
With strong cross-party support for a reduction to the speed limit on restricted roads across Wales from 30mph to 20mph, the change, which is anticipated to be introduced in September 2023, is intended to bring the following benefits:
- a reduction in road collisions and their severity
- more opportunities to walk and cycle in communities
- improvements to health and wellbeing
- safer residential streets; and
- safeguarding the environment for future generations.
A 20mph default speed limit is a bold Welsh Government commitment to make cities, towns and villages in Wales safer and better places in which to live and work.
The laying of this order to change legislation marks an important milestone in making a lower limit a reality next year.
The plans will apply to roads where street lights are no more than 200 yards apart, usually seen in residential and built-up areas, where the default speed limit is currently 30mph.
Eight pilot areas were selected as a representative sample of different locations found across Wales; in these the focus is on community engagement, the development of enforcement arrangements and overcoming any unforeseen issues before the full rollout.
The historic vote in the Senedd is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 12th July, 2022.
View the legislative order.