A recent poll showed there is growing opposition to the new 20mph speed limit. The Welsh Government has acknowledged the new speeding restriction on some roads came as a "major change", but it argued it was making "our communities safer".
The new default speed limit was introduced in Wales a month ago. The new limit meant that some 30mph roads were reduced to 20mph, but councils were allowed to except certain roads from the change.
A new poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies shows since the introduction of the new speed limit a month ago on September 17, people's opinions have hardened against the new speed limit.
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The poll showed that 59% opposed and 29% supported the Welsh Government's decision to impose a default 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists. Last month, before the change came into effect, 46% said they supported (and 34% opposed) the introduction of the new speed limit.
There is also evidence that people's views on the 20mph limit have changed since it came in, with more people saying they now oppose it. According to Philip van Scheltinga, director of research at Redfield & Wilton Strategies, part of the reason is that the negatives of the policy are far more obvious than the positives. .
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Evidence has suggested that lowering the speed limit will have a considerable impact on road safety with up to 20,000 fewer casualties over the next decade. The change is supported by all Welsh emergency services and the NHS.
The Welsh Government has issued a response to the poll. The government has countered that reducing speed limits on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets reduces collisions and saves lives.
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A Welsh Government spokesman said: "We recognise this is a major change but it is making our communities safer. We’re gathering feedback from local authorities to help them apply exceptions to the default 20mph limit where it’s appropriate to do so.
"We’re also continuing to work closely with emergency services and other agencies to engage with drivers about the benefits of slower speeds. It is too early to provide an evidenced based assessment."
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