Wales becomes UK's first nation with 20mph default speed limit

A national 20mph limit will come into force in Wales from next year. A vote was held in the Senedd today (July 12) about Welsh Government plans to limit residential roads and busy pedestrian streets to 20mph which passed.

The Welsh Government say it will reduce the risk and severity of injuries as a result of collisions between vehicles and vulnerable road users; encourage more people to cycle and walk; make Wales more attractive for our communities and bring physical and mental health benefits.

There have been pilot schemes running across Wales and Senedd members voted with 39 in favour and 15 against.

In her speech about the plans, climate change minister Julie James said: "The future of our towns and cities depends on our ability to move around sustainably and on solutions that have a positive impact on public health environment and communities.

"That is why we will use the principle that walking cycling and active travel must remain the best options for short urban journeys and a 20mph default speed limit will help achieve this. The introduction of a national 20mph limit would be an important and far reaching policy. If passed Wales would be the first country in the UK to introduce the change. We're asking you all to be part of this change and make our communities understand the wider benefits of 20mph.

Well it has been passed and becomes law in September 2023 maybe the rest of the UK will follow suit so please remember when driving in Wales after September 2023 you will be booked for speeding if your driving over 20 MPH in a 20 MPH zone and lose points on your UK driving licence.

https://chng.it/jQ7MPypkgC

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Tinkles

Wow, I'm kinda surprised they are being so straight up with the move to get drivers off the roads!

I'd love to know what mental health benefits they expect to see from forcing people to slow down. All it does is make people more frustrated.

SW-User

@Tinkles It makes perfect sense. This limit is only going to be imposed on busy streets where you'll be lucky to get over 20 mph at the best of times.

gol979 · 41-45, M

@Tinkles "i dont trust myself. Govern me harder". Too many adult babies roaming about

senghenydd · M

@Tinkles In my case I don't drive a very large car but it has a Turbo and I find it difficult to keep the car to under 20 MPH I'm sure the courts will be full up with motorists paying their fines for falling into the 20 MPH speed trap.

Tinkles

@senghenydd oddly my last car was similar it would sit happily at around 10mph but then very difficult to hold a constant speed until 25ish

Tinkles

@SW-User if that's true then why bother changing the law? All roads in built up areas are becoming 20 by default, regardless of how busy they are

Tinkles

@gol979 I've got no problems with adult babies, but nanny state can go do one. I do not understand why Labour gain ground in Wales after the COVID non essential item nonsense

senghenydd · M

@Tinkles Our cars need to be modified to adapt to slower speeds in built up areas.

gol979 · 41-45, M

@Tinkles makes no difference if it was liberals/conservatives/greens they are all onboard the covid insane train. I will point out much of this overt control wouldnt work if there wasnt so many adult babies.....reductive but you get my point

Tinkles

@senghenydd that was my last car, my new one doesn't have the same issue

Tinkles

@gol979 I know but keeping the same people in charge will result in no change at all, at least give someone different a chance.

I know, I was being picky, not wanting to give actual adult babies more stick 😋

senghenydd · M

@Tinkles Mines a Kia Picanto as I said with a Turbo, it also has an on-board fuel computer it tells me to the decimal point how much petrol I'm using, I am shocked how much is saved by driving a few MPH slower.

gol979 · 41-45, M

@Tinkles lets give them dummies and a shiny object......plus a narrative that doesnt match up to reality 😉