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

OogieBoogie · F

They can reduce the speed limit all they want , but if they dont put in infrastructure for bikes and busses and such , it wont make people use their cars less.

We have a 40kmph limit in some states in aus for residential roads and urban and city streets, and all the bikes do is cause angst and agression as bushbikes arent registered . So if a pushbiker clips your mirror or scratches your car, youre screwed .

We have so much road agression between pushbikers and other vehicles.

It is safer for pedestrians though.
I've heard of a few near misses , even collisions that could have been fatal, but weren't.

senghenydd · M

@OogieBoogie We have a few Bus lanes in the UK and there are new laws for cyclists on UK roads however like most countries we need more cycle lanes I live in Wales where there are many mountains which makes life difficult for cycles so there aren't that many anyway.