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Changes to Welsh speed limits to launch in 2023
Many campaigners argue that the chances of someone surviving being hit by a car driving at 20mph over than 30mph is seven times higher.
Wales are starting 2023 by announcing plans to cut speed limits on most residential roads to 20mph, this change will be rolled out from September 2023.
The decision was made by the Welsh Parliament after being first heard in the Senedd over two years ago. The aim is to reduce the risk of road incidents in residential areas and other busy streets.
Currently only 2.5% of roads in Wales have a speed limit of 20mph, but with this new change it will rise to around 35%. The cost of bringing in the change will be an estimated £33m, with the Welsh government claiming that there will be savings ofover £50m over 30 years from reduced health service demands due to less collisions.
Julie James, Welsh minister for climate change, said: “The evidence is clear. Decreasing speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, but helps improve people’s quality of life. Making our streets and communities a safer and more welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians, while helping reduce our environmental impact.”
According to Welsh police data, half of all people hurt in collisions were on 30mph roads, with more than 40% of those being killed or seriously injured. Wales is acting now to try and make their roads a safer place for all. Find out more about how our road safety service can help you
manage your occupational road risk.