(qlmbusinessnews.com Mon, 18th Sept, 2023) London, UK —
Wales has made history by becoming the first country in the UK to lower speed limits in built-up areas from 30mph to 20mph, a move aimed at reducing fatalities and encouraging walking and cycling. Although this change has been endorsed by the United Nations, environmental groups, and road safety organizations, it has sparked controversy among some drivers and politicians, who see it as a “war on motorists.”
The Welsh government believes that the £32.5 million cost of implementing the new speed limit across the country is justified by the reduced strain on the NHS and emergency services, which a study estimates could save £92 million annually.
Mark Drakeford, Wales' First Minister, argued that the one-minute increase in travel time for motorists would save ten lives each year. He said, “It doesn't seem an unfair bargain.”
Under the new law, the speed limit on approximately 35% of Welsh roads, where lamp-posts are no more than 200 yards apart, will change from 30mph to 20mph.
While some critics, including the UK government's House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, have called the new 20mph default limit “insane” and “punishing” to drivers, the Welsh government maintains that the impact on journey times will be minimal, with drivers spending less than one additional minute on average per trip.
The move to a 20mph limit has received support from various organizations, including the United Nations, which has called for 20mph speed limits to be the norm for cities, towns, and villages worldwide. Road safety campaigners have pointed out that a person's risk of dying if hit by a car traveling at 30mph is five times greater than if the car is traveling at 20mph.
Wales' decision to implement this lower speed limit comes as the nation joins Spain in adopting such a change nationwide. However, while road safety group Brake has called for a 20mph default limit to be extended to England, the UK government has ruled it out. Scotland is still considering whether to follow suit, and the lower limit has been recommended in the Republic of Ireland.
While the new speed limit will be enforced by police, they have indicated that their response will initially focus on education and discretion to help drivers adapt to the change. Fixed speed cameras will, however, impose penalties for those exceeding the 20mph limit.
Although about 97% of 30mph roads in Wales will change to 20mph, local authorities have the option to make exemptions based on evidence indicating that higher speeds are safe on specific roads.
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