Big drop in casualties after 20mph

In the first three months of 2024, Wales has seen a significant drop in casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads following the introduction of the default 20mph speed limit.

According to recent statistics, the number of serious casualties or fatalities on these roads has decreased by 23% compared to the same period in 2023, signaling a positive trend in road safety.

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With 78 people killed or seriously injured on both 20mph and 30mph roads, as opposed to 101 serious casualties in the first quarter of 2023, the Welsh Government has lauded these figures as "encouraging" and stressed the importance of every casualty reduced in making a difference.

Since September 2023, 37% of roads in Wales have adopted the default 20mph limit, leading to fewer roads having a 30mph limit.

Reduction in Casualties

Over the January to March period, there were 377 casualties of all severities in comparison to 510 in the first quarter of 2023. This decrease includes five fatalities at 20 and 30mph roads, down from 11 during the same period in the prior year.

Despite the positive outcomes, Welsh government statisticians remain cautious, citing the volatility of figures, which currently cover a limited timeframe outside the Covid pandemic period.

However, the data suggests that the 20mph limit is effective in encouraging motorists to slow down in built-up and residential areas.

Looking at the six-month period since the introduction of the 20mph policy, there has been a notable 17% drop in serious road casualties compared to the preceding year.

These findings are complemented by separate data from GoSafe, which indicates high compliance with the enforcement threshold of 26mph among monitored vehicles.

Policy Review and Response

While there has been controversy surrounding the default speed limit, with calls from some quarters to reconsider the policy, the Welsh Government remains committed to its objectives. A spokesperson highlighted that the goal is to reduce casualties and enhance community safety.

Conservative transport spokeswoman Natasha Asghar expressed intentions to scrap the policy in favor of limiting 20mph zones to specific areas like schools and hospitals. Concerns were raised about congestion levels, suggesting they may have contributed to the reported figures.

The Welsh government emphasized that while there is still progress to be made, the current data reflects a positive trajectory towards achieving safer roads and neighborhoods.