The first year of Wales’ default 20mph speed limit saw around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20mph and 30mph roads, statistics show.
Published by the Welsh Government, the data shows from October 2023 to September 2024, the number of collisions on 20mph and 30mph roads (combined) fell by 28% compared to the same period a year before.
The default speed limit was introduced on 17 September 2023.
Looking specifically at the period between July and September 2024, the number of casualties on roads with 20mph and 30mph road speed limits (combined) was the lowest Q3 figure since records began – and 35% lower than in the same quarter in 2023.
Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, said: “The data published today provides information for the first full year since the 20mph default speed limit was introduced.
“The picture continues to be encouraging with the number of collisions on our roads at their lowest level for this quarter. We know there is a way to go, and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy but to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.
“We continue to build on the consensus that where 20mph is the right speed it works well. We have listened to people on the policy, and we have empowered local authorities to make changes where it is safe to do so.”
