Setting the default speed limit to 20mph on residential roads in Wales will save £100m in the first year as deaths and injuries are reduced, according to research.
The measure, a first in the UK, will save more than 100 lives over a decade, research has found, although a second study has found many people are worried the limit will be too difficult to enforce and do not believe drivers respect him
The Labour-led government is introducing the 20mph speed limit plan for many roads in residential and built-up areas in Wales by September 2023.
A blanket speed limit will not apply to all roads, but the legislation will make the default limit 20mph, leaving local authorities to engage with communities to decide which roads should remain at 30mph.
Some opposition politicians and motorists have opposed the policy, claiming that it will lead to more congestion, confusion and that it will not be enforceable.
The new research, from Edinburgh Napier University’s Transport Research Institute (TRI) in conjunction with Public Health Wales, says the direct costs of introducing the ban have been estimated at £32m. But he says the savings to be made in just the first year are more than triple because far less money will be spent to deal with the consequences of accidents.
The report added: “Evidence suggests that the health benefits of 20mph are far, far greater than just saving casualties. They include increased physical activity and therefore less obesity, less stress and less anxiety, as well as other health benefits such as reduced noise and air pollution.
“We know from previous studies that 20mph encourages more walking and cycling, and in doing so improves cardiorespiratory health, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, thereby improving mental health. With more walking and cycling cycling leads to less car use, improves air quality and thus improves health.”
The Welsh Government also published an independent public attitude survey, carried out by Beaufort Research, showing that the majority of people interviewed supported a 20mph speed limit where they lived.
One in three said 20mph speed limits would also make them more likely to walk more, while about one in five said they would be more likely to cycle more. Support is strongest among parents, women and middle-aged people, while men, while younger people and over-65s are less likely to support 20 mph speed limits.
The survey indicates there is strong skepticism about whether driver behavior will change: two in three Welsh adults believed most drivers would not stick to a 20mph limit.
Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you through the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertisements and content funded by third parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters said: “The evidence from around the world is very clear: lowering speed limits reduces collisions and saves lives.
“Slower speeds also create a safer and more welcoming environment, giving people more confidence to walk and cycle, which will help improve our health and wellbeing and help improve the environment. As with any change, we know it will take time for people to adjust.”
More than 45,000 people have signed a petition against the move and the Welsh Conservatives have described it as unworkable.
Natasha Asghar, Wales’ Tory shadow transport minister, said: “Labour ministers must stop imposing dogmatic and restrictive measures on road users in Wales and focus on ensuring – that Wales has a public transport system fit for the 21st century.”