Wales is set to reduce its speed limit from 30mph to 20mph. The Welsh government will introduce its default 20mph speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets. Ministers say by changing the speed limit, there will be a reduction in road collisions.
The Restricted Roads Order 2022 legislation was passed in 2022 and the change will come into force in September. There is an established relationship between higher driving speeds and increased severity and frequency of casualties caused by road incidents.
Wales will be one of the first countries in the world and the first nation in the UK to introduce legislation to have a 20mph speed limit on roads where cars mix with pedestrians and cyclists. The Liverpool Echo reported that the Welsh government said: “We are working with highway authorities, Trunk Road Agents (TRAs) and local authorities who are responsible for county roads.
“We recognise not all roads currently at 30mph will be suitable to change to 20mph. These roads will be known as exceptions.”
They added: “Reducing the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in these areas could see a number of benefits, including a reduction in road collisions, more opportunities to walk and cycle in our communities, helping to improve our health and wellbeing, making our streets safer and safeguarding the environment for future generations.”
Original source article: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/wales-set-cut-default-speed-25946960
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