There were 900 fewer injuries on residential roads in Wales in the last 12 months following the introduction of the new, lower 20mph speed limit.
The reduction from 30mph to 20mph in built-up residential areas and on local roads has been met with opposition from some quarters but has been welcomed by road safety campaigners.
With some local councils in the rest of the UK following suit and decisions over any changes being left to local authorities, 20mph zones could be something we see a lot more of.
In total, casualties fell by 46% on Welsh roads, with 14 fewer deaths.
Part of the logic behind the reduction in speed limits from 30mph to 20mph is that drivers often exceed speed limits but usually within a certain window.
That’s why the average speed recorded in 20mph zones is 28mph (although this does factor in drivers going much faster as well), but by reducing the legal limit, it forces drivers to consider their surroundings much more and reduces average speeds.
Interestingly, the number of casualties on 20-30mph roads in Wales from July to September 2024 was the lowest for that quarter since records began way back in 1979.
While the change in speed limit may present administrative issues and lengthen journey times, the stats on road safety improvements make it a debate worth having.
