The Welsh Government has revealed key details of its plan to change most 30mph speed limits to 20mph across Wales. Insights include timescales, costs, savings and the level of enforcement that drivers can expect if the changes come into force. The government has also shared its learnings from the 20mph pilot schemes recently introduced in eight areas of Wales.
If approved by the Senedd following a debate on July 12, the new law would see 20mph set as the national default speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets. The plans would affect 30mph roads with streetlights fewer than 200 yards apart, though there would be some exceptions.
The changes, aimed at preventing accidents and improving air quality, would come in on September 17 next year. Over the next 30 years the estimated costs total £33million but the government expects there to be savings of £58million from lower use of emergency services and hospital treatment — a net saving of £25million.
