Newtown sees big average speed drop after 20mph

Newtown residents have successfully reduced their average driving speed by 4.4mph after the implementation of a 20mph limit, according to Transport for Wales data.

The new average speed recorded was 25.9mph, down from the pre-20mph implementation of 30.3moh.

Nationally the average speed recorded at 24.8mph, which is above the new limit but the Welsh government views this as a positive change.

Road sensors measured speed from 3.4 million vehicles across nine locations in Wales, including in Newtown, over two-week period at the end of November and start of December.

However, critics, including Welsh Conservatives, argue that the costs incurred for the 4mph reduction represent a significant waste of time and resources.

Monitoring covered open roads unaffected by traffic calming, and further analysis using in-vehicle sat nav data showed a reduction, albeit including naturally slowed-down roads.

The Welsh government spent approximately £32.5m on preparing roads for the 20mph limit. Additional data will be released in an upcoming all-Wales report this summer.

Deputy climate minister Lee Waters said:

"We've still got a way to go, but it's encouraging to see that things are moving in the right direction. Every 1mph reduction in speed makes a real difference - so this is a real turning point. "

"We need to be realistic. This is about built-up areas where people are at their most vulnerable. We want to get people's speeds lower and this is a mix of enforcement and people's habits changing."