Our Chairman Phil Jones has helped make history after Welsh Parliament passed a resolution to introduce a national 20 mph default speed limit.
In a world first, Welsh Ministers have voted in favour of proceeding towards landmark legislation in response to the final report from the Welsh 20mph Task Force Group, which was chaired by Phil.
The new speed limit will apply to restricted roads – those with street lights at least every 200 yards – and is expected to become law by April 2023.
Speaking in support of the motion, Lee Waters, the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “The figures are stark and the figures are clear. The risk of being killed is almost five times higher in collisions between a car and a pedestrian at 30 compared to the same type of collisions at 20 – five times higher.
“The investment will reap rewards. Lives saved, costly accidents prevented, mental and physical health improved and the more intangible but equally valuable community fabric strengthened.”
Mr Waters added: “I am hugely grateful to Phil Jones for leading this substantial piece of work over the last year, systematically identifying the barriers to implementing this significant change and drawing on the experience of the police, local authorities, public health experts and the key stakeholders to devise ways through.”
The Welsh Government will now launch 20 mph pilot areas to help them develop the guidance and tools needed for Wales as a whole.
The Welsh 20mph Task Force Group’s report included findings from international research showing that a 20mph limit on most urban roads and streets will result in fewer collisions and casualties, including a reduction in child deaths. It also found that the speed limit will lead to more walking and cycling, improvements in air quality and lower noise levels. In future it will be quicker and cheaper to roll out 20mph limits over wide areas as local authorities will only need identify the far fewer sections of road where a higher speed is justified. Recommendations on implementing and enforcing the new speed limit, as well as engineering, marketing and evaluating the success of the legislation are also included.
Phil said: “I am naturally delighted at the Welsh Parliament’s decision to introduce this fundamental change. As with previous ground-breaking initiatives such as the Active Travel Act and the Organ Donor Register, Wales has made history by becoming the first country to introduce a 20mph default speed limit for urban areas. We know that governments around the world will be closely watching as the legislation is introduced.
“A 20mph speed limit will mean safer streets and will also encourage more walking and cycling for everyday journeys – which is especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic where people are being discouraged from using public transport. Cars travelling at slower speed will also create a more pleasant environment for residents, bringing long term community benefits too.
“I would like to thank the Task Force Group members, which included representatives of local government and transport providers as well as passionate campaigners such as Rod King MBE, founder of 20’s Plenty for Us, and academic experts such as Adrian Davis for helping pave the way for this national law change.”
The campaign for 20mph default limit was supported by several Welsh organisations and NGOs including the Institute for Welsh Affairs, Public Health Wales, Sustrans Cymru, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Living Streets Cymru and BRAKE.
The report from the Welsh 20mph Task Force Group can be read here.
