New 20mph speed limits have now rolled out across vast parts of the road network in Wales. It will see the limit on most 30mph roads change to 20mph.
The change is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation introduced by the Welsh Government. Time will tell how it plays out once the change is actually made.
These new rules have triggered a raft of questions. Here we answer nine key questions on 20mph limits.
Is it a blanket 20mph?
No.
The words blanket 20mph have been bandied around a lot and are leading to some confusion. For starters it does not affect roads that are not currently 30mph. This is worth pointing out as there are a few who genuinely think the A55 will be down to 20mph when the changes come in.
It is also not a new blanket limit for all 30mph areas. These changes affect most 30mph roads but not all.
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This legislation changes the default speed limited on restricted roads. These are generally residential or busy pedestrian streets with streetlights. But not all 30mph roads are restricted roads, and these remain at 30mph, and will be signed.
Welsh ministers and local authorities have also been able to add 'exceptions' to the new limit. These are areas they don't believe 20mph is suitable and where the limit can safely remain at 30mph.
North Wales Live has published a number of stories and maps on these exceptions. Click here to see a full list.
Why is it coming in?
Welsh Government said evidence shows that lower speeds result in fewer collisions and a reduced severity of injuries. They added that pedestrians are five times more likely to be killed if hit by a vehicle driven at 30mph compared to 20mph.
They said: "As well as the safety benefits, 20mph zones improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and can result in healthier lifestyles by encouraging more walking and cycling in communities. Roads will be safer and shared more equally between different road users."
How much is it costing?
Setting up the scheme is expected to cost £32.3m, mostly for 30,000 replacement signs, 5,000 posts and new road markings. The main financial benefits, according to the regulatory impact assessment, stem from improved road safety which is forecast to give police, hospital and ambulance savings of £1.4bn over 30 years.
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Will it impact the economy?
Slower journey times for commuters and leisure drivers are predicted to cost the economy £4.7bn over 30 years. The business sector, including delivery drivers, might suffer a further £1.6bn loss.
The RIA stressed crude data was used and there is “significant uncertainty” around its estimates.
Can I see if the roads I drive on are affected?
Yes. The best way to check what's changing near you or on your route to work or school is to go to the Welsh Government data map. This is an interactive map where drivers can see what's happening in their area.
Which parties voted for the 20mph speed limit?
The legislation to introduce 20mph has been introduced by the Labour run Welsh Government. It has received consistent backing from both Labour and Plaid Cymru members when it comes to voting.
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There has been a varied response from the Welsh Conservatives. Most members who took part in a vote in 2020 to introduce trials ahead of rolling out a default 20mph limit backed the proposals.
But when it came to the legislation to bring in default 20mph limits in 2022 all 15 Tory members who voted opposed the proposals. More on the journey to 20mph here.
How will it be enforced?
The Welsh Government has provided its annual funding contribution of £2,555,500 to GoSafe this year, plus an additional £600,000 for 20mph "roadside engagement".
Go Safe says there will be no change in the amount of enforcement they provide but that cameras will be changed to reflect the new limit in places this is introduced. They added: "There will be an increase in roadside education, as we work closely with our partners across Wales to engage with communities following the legislative change."
They added: "Enforcement will take place where it is needed to keep roads and communities safe, and will be carried out through a combination of mobile enforcement vehicles and fixed cameras, as is the case now.
"As a change in speed limit will influence driver behaviour, we will not be establishing new enforcement locations in 20mph areas in the immediate months following the legislation change, to allow driver behaviour to adjust. We will be working closely with our partners to provide roadside education and promote the change in driver behaviour and ensure that the new speed limits are respected during this time and will prosecute the most dangerous drivers."
How has it worked in other places?
Transport for London (TfL) this year released data that showed a significant reduction in the number of collisions since the implementation of 20mph speed limits on key roads. Since they were introduced, the number of collisions has reduced by 25 per cent (from 406 to 304), and collisions resulting in death or serious injury have reduced by 25 per cent. But this is a more selective introduction at key sites.
Wales is the first UK nation to have a default 20mph limit but other countries have already introduced a similar limit.
Spain reported a 14% drop in road deaths in the six months after bringing in similar legislation on urban roads in May 2021, although road usage levels could have been impacted by the pandemic. In 2022 - when road usage was 3% higher than 2019 - there was actually a 4% increase in road deaths (compared to that year) but a 10% fall in serious injuries.
When does the change actually happen?
The new rules comes into force today (September 17).
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