Wales will become the first nation to enforce a national 20mph speed limit after the Welsh Government voted to approve plans. A vote was held in the Senedd yesterday (July 12) about proposals to limit residential roads and busy pedestrian streets to 20mph which passed.
A pilot scheme has already been running in several areas, but this will now be rolled out fully. The Welsh Government say the new limit 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.
In her speech about the plans, climate change minister Julie James said there is evidence that 20mph limits lead to more people walking or cycling and she hopes it will lead to people naturally choosing those options. It is not, she said a blanket 20mph zone, but they are working with councils to pick which roads will be impacted.
